Hastings candidates forum: policing, housing and state debt

Candidates at the Hastings forum debated police station access, housing, public transport and state debt, outlining different priorities for the Mornington Peninsula.

Candidates at the Hastings forum debated police station access, housing, public transport and state debt, outlining different priorities for the Mornington Peninsula.

Four Nepean candidates outlined their positions on Rosebud Hospital, housing, roads and local services at a Mornington Peninsula Shire forum in Rosebud. Read the questions, responses and key quotes.
Animal Justice Party candidate Chloe Coulson outlines her priorities for Hastings, including better public transport, community health services, wildlife protection and housing. She also discusses why voters should consider a minor party.

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.

Sam Groth has resigned as the Liberal Member for Nepean, prompting a by-election. In a statement dated 4 February 2026, the Leader of the Opposition thanked Groth for his contribution and said the contest would focus on cost of living, crime, health and housing ahead of the November 2026 state election.

Frankston City Council has unveiled new measures to support first-home buyers and speed up major developments, becoming the first municipality in Victoria to offer a local first-home buyer subsidy. The reforms include a $1,000 payment for eligible buyers and a 16-week fast-track planning pathway designed to boost supply, increase investor certainty and help residents stay in the market.