A local resident says uneven access to services, transport and community facilities across the Mornington Peninsula is leaving some suburbs isolated, particularly older residents and people living with disability.
STPL News has published an interim snapshot of results from the Rate Your State MP survey, covering Hastings, Mornington and Frankston for the 2022–2026 term. The survey is ongoing and voluntary. See response totals, key themes and interim grades, and take the survey.
Former Liberal Party member Shane Osborne has confirmed to STPL News he has nominated to run for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Hastings after withdrawing from Liberal preselection and resigning his membership. The Liberals have not announced a candidate at publication time.
Somerville Times returns on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with a refreshed layout and design, leading with coverage of the monitors’ appointment and terms of reference and confirmed developments in the Nepean race involving Mayor Anthony Marsh. This edition also includes a local crime roundup, a Rate Your MP survey snapshot and how to participate, an MPCA Country Week carnival recap, Australia Day in Hastings revisited, and more.
STPL News’ Rate Your MP survey is tracking what locals want prioritised in 2026. Early responses point to cost of living, crime, roads and housing as key issues across Hastings, Mornington and Frankston.
STPL News has launched a community feedback survey inviting residents in Hastings, Mornington and Frankston to rate their local state MP’s performance during the current parliamentary term (2022–2026). Nepean will open after the by-election result.
A 26-year-old Hastings man has been charged following a Victoria Police investigation into alleged copper thefts from power poles in the Hastings area, with police seizing what they described as a large amount of copper wiring during a search.
Hastings Library was forced to close from 2pm Tuesday after Mornington Peninsula Shire said extreme heat meant the building could not be kept at a safe temperature.
A Hastings parking sign dispute that sparked “money grab” claims has intensified after Council blamed incorrect contractor-installed signage and said no infringements were issued, while MP Paul Mercurio later claimed the Mayor advised High Street is now 1P, Monday to Saturday.
Victoria Police report that a drug search warrant executed in Hastings on 6 January allegedly uncovered ICE, cannabis, GHB, prescription medications and an imitation firearm. A 46-year-old Hastings woman has been charged and remanded in custody until April 2026.
Photos of sticker overlays on Hastings parking signs have triggered ‘money grab’ claims and confusion over whether time limits applied on the New Year’s Day public holiday. STPL News has contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s CEO and Mayor, as well as ward councillor Cr Michael Stephens, seeking clarification.
Hastings residents are calling for speed humps across West Park residential streets to curb hooning and slow traffic, and want Council to advocate for safer pedestrian crossings along Frankston–Flinders Road.
Western Port community members gathered at Hastings foreshore for the opening of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, joining a march and community event promoting respect and gender-based violence prevention.
Hannah Swinnerton has transformed her experience of years of bullying into a platform for resilience and connection. Now station manager at Radio Western Port and host of Inspired to Soar, she says the station has given her purpose and a supportive space to help others share their stories.
Curlew Court in Hastings is once again under water as heavy rain and high winds lash the Mornington Peninsula. Residents say the flooding is a long-running issue, and Councillor Michael Stephens has visited the site to investigate drainage concerns.
Pelican Park Recreation Centre has reopened in Hastings after months of renovations. The pool, gym and change facilities are back in action, with more wellness upgrades still to come later in 2025.
Somerville-based disability provider CJ Castle Care has gone into administration, with staff and clients left in limbo. Owner Richard Ingram has deleted all company and personal pages. While Arcadia Sports and Recreation in Hastings remains open, its future is uncertain. Workers are urged to contact unions over unpaid entitlements, and clients can seek urgent support from Amity Care Services in Somerville.
Locals lead a snap protest at Victoria’s Parliament calling for urgent action over ongoing horse neglect at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property.
Police are seeking public assistance to help locate 13-year-old Hayden, who was last seen in Hastings on 20 April. Anyone with information is urged to contact Bayside Police.
Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie holds Flinders in 2025 election. Regional divides emerge; support grows in Somerville but wanes in Rosebud and Dromana. Final results pending.
Outrage is growing in Hastings after Mayor Marsh's remarks on the club's closure. Community leaders point to council inaction, unequal funding, and long-standing neglect of the Western Port region.
Mornington Shire's 3% rate increase has faced backlash from residents, particularly in lower-income areas like Hastings, who argue the burden of recovery from the McCrae landslide unfairly falls on them. Deputy Mayor Pingiaro cited financial pressures and a lack of state support, but many feel betrayed after promises of a rate freeze during the election.
The Hastings Club shut down due to ignored repair requests, board member Kevin Miles said. He criticized the council for inaction and highlighted a systemic disregard for the Western Port area.
Victoria Police are seeking public assistance to find Jack, a 22-year-old from Dingley Village, last seen boarding a train at Frankston Station on 19 February, heading towards Stony Point.
14-year-old Taj is missing from Dandenong. Last seen February 7th. May be in Hastings. Police are concerned. Contact police with any information.
Frustration over youth crime and bail laws led to a protest in Hastings, with locals demanding action from the State Government and MP Paul Mercurio. https://wp.me/pgbDsE-17y
Parents and caregivers on the Mornington Peninsula will soon have access to specialist support with the construction of a cutting-edge Early Parenting Centre (EPC) in Hastings. Minister for Health Infrastructure, Mary-Anne Thomas, recently inaugurated the multi-million-dollar project at 185 High…
The Victorian government has announced its Economic Growth Statement, a policy aimed at creating a 10-year pipeline of industrial land to support expanding businesses and job creation.
Port of Hastings Chosen for Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal
The Port of Hastings has been selected as the preferred location for the development of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, a key project aimed at bolstering the state's offshore wind capacity.
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