Four Rough Sleepers Die on Mornington Peninsula in Six Weeks

Four rough sleepers have died on the Mornington Peninsula in six weeks, while a new report reveals 11 deaths since December 2024 and ongoing housing shortages.

Four rough sleepers have died on the Mornington Peninsula in six weeks, while a new report reveals 11 deaths since December 2024 and ongoing housing shortages.

Mornington Peninsula rough sleeping has surged by 32 per cent, with at least 168 people recorded and Mayor Stephen Batty warning the true figure may be higher.

The Victorian Government will provide $2.1 million over four years for two dedicated homelessness outreach workers across the Mornington Peninsula, where 168 people were sleeping rough at the end of May.

The Salvation Army says record homelessness levels should "shock Australia into action" as Homelessness Week begins, with the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston among the regions worst affected by rough sleeping in Victoria.

Portsea has topped Australia’s taxable income table, but the latest ATO figures sit beside deep housing pressure across the Mornington Peninsula, where Council continues to warn of homelessness, rental stress and a shortage of social housing.

Frankston Council says rough sleeping has reached its highest recorded level since the local Zero Project began, with 59 people sleeping rough in May and Council seeking $2.5 million for dedicated outreach teams.

Seven new social homes are underway in Hastings for women on the priority housing list, but Mornington Peninsula Shire figures show local housing demand still far outweighs supply.

The Salvation Army says vulnerable Australians are skipping meals, eating expired food and struggling with power and medical costs, as homelessness pressures continue across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.

Greens candidate Dr Sianan Healy has urged Nepean voters to back action on housing, climate and cost-of-living pressures, while questions remain over the detail behind the party’s local pitch.

New AIHW and Homelessness Australia data reveals nearly 480 local children are homeless and more than 880 at risk across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Peninsula Health is tackling homelessness on the Peninsula with a holistic approach — combining housing, healthcare, and social support to keep at-risk patients off the streets.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia’s federal election will take place on May 3, with major parties focusing on cost-of-living and economic policies.

Nepean MP Sam Groth rises to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, while Mornington MP Chris Crewther has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing and Rental Affordability as Brad Battin reorganises the shadow cabinet following a leadership spill.