Christine Leahy Takes Office As Briars Ward Councillor
Christine Leahy has been sworn in as Briars Ward councillor after securing 64.17 per cent of the vote. She will serve until October 2028.
Tag Local Government
Mornington Peninsula Shire Concedes Parking Enforcement Is ‘Not Working’
Mornington Peninsula Shire has conceded its parking enforcement approach is not working following mounting complaints from residents fined on narrow streets and around school pick-up areas.
Marsh Takes Aim At Monitors He Once Called ‘Well Regarded’
Anthony Marsh has taken aim at Mornington Peninsula’s municipal monitors, marking a sharp reversal from his public support when they were appointed.
Frankston City Council Satisfaction Reaches Record High as Safety Concerns Ease
Frankston City Council has recorded its highest community satisfaction result since the annual survey began, with improved scores across customer service, governance, planning and community safety.
No Clear Contenders Emerge Ahead of Briars Ward By-Election
The Briars Ward by-election remains wide open, with no candidates publicly declaring their intention to replace former councillor Anthony Marsh.
Frankston Councillor Kris Bolam Recognised Overseas For Governance Work
Frankston councillor and former mayor Kris Bolam has been recognised overseas for his work in local government transparency, public administration and community-focused reform.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Rethinks Budget Following Community Criticism
Mornington Peninsula Shire has adopted its 2026/27 Budget after revising several measures in response to community feedback. The changes include lower waste charges, increased road funding and changes to the FOGO rollout.
Frankston Council Freezes New External Partnerships Amid Governance Overhaul
Frankston City Council has frozen new external partnerships and memberships while it develops a Strategic Partnerships Framework to tighten oversight of external organisations seeking council support, funding or advocacy backing.
Councillors Elect Stephen Batty As Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor
Cr Stephen Batty has been elected Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor after councillors broke a two-week deadlock following repeated tied votes.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Vote Returns Tonight After 5-5 Stalemate
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors return tonight to try again to elect a mayor after the previous vote split 5-5, leaving Cr Paul Pingiaro as Acting Mayor.
Shire To Pull The Pin On Aged Care Services
Mornington Peninsula Shire will stop delivering Commonwealth-funded aged care services from 2027, with Meals on Wheels, Dial a Bus and social support services to move to specialist providers. The change comes in one of Victoria’s older communities, leaving residents and families waiting for key details on future providers and costs.
Mayor Vote Ends In Stalemate As Mornington Peninsula Shire Splits 5-5
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has failed to elect a new mayor after councillors split 5-5 in two consecutive votes, leaving Cr Paul Pingiaro as Acting Mayor until councillors try again on 16 June.
Mornington Peninsula Shire To Elect New Mayor Tomorrow
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors will meet tomorrow night to elect a new mayor following Anthony Marsh’s resignation, with the current 10-member chamber leaving open the possibility of a deadlocked vote.
Two Days Left To Have A Say On Frankston Youth Plan
Young people in Frankston have two days left to help shape the city’s next five-year youth plan, with feedback closing on 31 May.
Frankston Budget Passes After Alternate Motion Ignored
Frankston City Council’s 2026/2027 Budget has passed after Cr Nathan Butler says he was not afforded the opportunity to move an alternate motion aimed at exploring targeted cost-of-living relief for residents. The meeting also saw Cr Kris Bolam move a failed motion of dissent against Mayor Baker.
Frankston Launches 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey
Frankston City Council has launched its 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey, with 800 residents to be interviewed across the municipality as part of a six-week door-to-door survey program.
Marsh Goes Off Script After Social Media Grilling
Anthony Marsh is under fresh scrutiny after campaign-period social media comments appeared to conflict with his earlier public position on Mornington Peninsula Shire’s municipal monitors.
McCrae Mediation Ends With Partial Deals But No Public Timetable
Mornington Peninsula Shire and South East Water say some McCrae residents have reached agreement through mediation, but the public update leaves major questions unanswered over the scope of works, timelines and when displaced residents may return home.
Frankston Mayor Meets Japan’s Consul-General As Council Highlights Susono Sister City Ties
Frankston Mayor Sue Baker has met with Japan’s Consul-General to discuss the Frankston–Susono sister city relationship, ongoing student exchanges and opportunities to strengthen cultural and education links.
State Monitors Didn’t Arrive by Accident — And the Paperwork Doesn’t Lie
The official Terms of Reference behind the appointment of municipal monitors to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council make clear this is about governance, conduct and whether the council can function without state oversight.
Sue Baker Elected Mayor as Frankston Makes History with All Female Leadership Team
Frankston City councillors have elected Cr Sue Baker as Mayor and Cr Cherie Wanat as Deputy Mayor for 2025–26, creating the city’s first all-female leadership team alongside incoming CEO Tennille Bradley. The new leaders have flagged housing, cost-of-living pressures and aged care reforms as key priorities for the year ahead.
Outgoing Mayor Kris Bolam Reflects on Record Term as Frankston’s Transformation Gathers Pace
Outgoing mayor Kris Bolam has used his final statement to reinforce that Frankston has taken a bold leap into the 21st century, highlighting record investment, governance reforms and city shaping projects as he ends a record 1,116 days in the role.
MPSC Households to face Higher Bills Under Shire’s Proposed Rate Shake Up
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s draft Rating Strategy would increase waste charges for most households and pass on the cost of a new retirement village discount to the wider rate base, with residents invited to have their say before 15 February 2026.
Frankston Council Responds to Concerns Over Alleged Illegal Foreshore Works
Frankston City Council has addressed community concern over alleged illegal vegetation removal and unauthorised foreshore works, confirming investigations with DEECA and urging residents to report suspected breaches.
‘Frankston Steps Into the Housing Fight’: Council Unveils Measures for Buyers and Developers
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.
Gill Claps Back at Mayor’s “Keyboard Warrior” Post, Labelling it a “Fabrication” as Council Moves to Save Wallabies
Councillor David Gill has clapped back at Mayor Anthony Marsh’s “keyboard warrior” Facebook post, labelling it a “fabrication” during fiery debate over The Briars wallaby crisis. Although the vote to protect the animals was unanimous, the urgent meeting exposed sharp divisions — and revealed ulterior intentions from the Mayor and the notorious bloc of six.
$2K No Questions Asked: Shire Looks To Scrap Scrutiny On Councillor Spending
Mornington Peninsula Shire is moving to scrap Council approval for expenses over $2,000 and interstate travel, leaving decisions to the CEO’s pen. Critics warn the change strips away transparency and accountability.
“Difference Between Eating and Going Without”: Frankston Council Steps In to Support Struggling Families
Frankston Council has stepped in with $45,000 for Community Support Frankston, funding meals, vouchers, and relief for over 2,000 residents hit by cost-of-living pressures.
Mayor Swings the Axe: 30 or More Staff Face Chopping Block
Mornington Peninsula Shire is facing one of its biggest workforce shake-ups in years, with up to 30 staff reportedly on the chopping block under Mayor Anthony Marsh’s restructure. Rumours suggest senior leaders may also be affected, as community satisfaction with council services continues to slide.
Frankston’s $72.9M Infrastructure Blitz Aims to Future-Proof the City
Frankston City Council has approved a $72.9 million capital works program for 2025–26, funding upgrades across roads, parks, childcare centres, sports facilities and arts precincts to support future growth.
“Enough Is Enough”: Locals Rally After Arts and Climate Funding Cut by Council
Locals are gathering in Flinders on Saturday 2 August in response to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s cuts to arts and climate funding. Hosted by broadcaster Tracee Hutchison, the meeting will bring together creatives, conservationists and community members ahead of the Council’s mid-year budget review.
Flag Policy Backflip: Council Withdraws Report After Public Outcry
Mornington Peninsula Shire has withdrawn its controversial flag policy update report following public backlash and claims staff could block the Australian flag. Council now plans to revise the document and reintroduce it at a future meeting.
$4.25 Million in Community Funding Now Open
Mornington Peninsula Shire has opened applications for its latest Community Investment Funding program, with $4.25 million on offer to support local projects, events and initiatives over the next financial year. The funding is designed to back community groups, not-for-profits, businesses…
$11M drive to boost play, health and community ties in Frankston
Frankston City Council has poured $11 million into upgrading 17 play spaces since 2021, strengthening health and community connections across local suburbs, and reaffirming its commitment with more funding set aside in 2025/26.
Is it time to call the Mornington Peninsula regional? Local MP says yes
Mornington MP Chris Crewther is renewing calls to classify the Peninsula as regional, arguing locals face higher taxes and miss out on vital funding under a metro tag.
Frankston City Council Takes Local Priorities to the National Stage in Canberra
Frankston City Council has taken local issues to Canberra, securing national backing for decentralisation, online safety and stronger sister city ties at the ALGA assembly.
New Rules for Attending Council Meetings Spark Community Backlash
Mornington Peninsula Shire now requires online registration to attend council meetings. The 'out of the blue' facebook post has generated further criticism from residents who see this as another attempt to silence debate and shut down free speech by the council.
Debate Denied: Climate Motion Shut Down at Council Meeting
Tensions rise at Mornington Peninsula Council's meeting last night following a series of protests against cuts and policy changes.
Shire Budget Shake-Up: Councillor Cam Williams Explains New Funding Model
STPL News spoke with Councillor Cam Williams to clarify recent concerns and confusion surrounding changes to the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s budget and funding model.
Backlash Brewing Over Shire’s Arts Funding Cuts
The Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio MP, has criticised the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for slashing the Performing Arts Development Fund from $500,000 to $250,000, warning of serious impacts on local arts and culture.
Tensions Flare at Mornington Shire Council Meeting as Divisions Deepen
A fiery Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting exposed deep divisions between councillors, raising concerns over ethics, representation, and governance across the peninsula.
RPP FM Interview: Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro speaks with RPP FM about his motion to end the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Emergency Climate Plan, calling it a move towards fiscal responsibility—not climate denial.
Council Votes to Overhaul Climate Emergency Plan Amid Heated Debate
Last night, Mornington Peninsula Shire voted to disassemble its climate emergency plan, prompting public debate and mixed community reactions. Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro defended the motion as fiscally responsible, not climate denial.
Backlash Over Mayor’s Comments as Hastings Community Demands Answers
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.
Council’s 3% Rate Hike Misses the Mark with Residents
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.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Votes for Maximum 3% Rate Rise
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to apply the full 3% rate cap for 2025–26, despite several councillors having campaigned for a rate freeze just five months ago.
Another Senior Departure at Mornington Peninsula Shire
Another senior leader has resigned from Mornington Peninsula Shire, with insider reports suggesting more exits to come. Is this a restructure or something bigger?
What Is Going On at the Shire?
Reports from an insider are that the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Director of Planning, Renae Littlejohn, has suddenly left the role. The insider further reports high staff turnover and low morale within the organisation.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Adjusts Budget Amid McCrae Landslip Costs
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has restructured its budget to absorb the costs of the McCrae landslip, allocating $1.2 million for emergency management and removing the last COVID-19 business assistance package.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Boosts Road Maintenance Budget for 2025
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has increased its road maintenance budget for 2025, with 35 roads set for renewal under the Roads to Recovery project. Community feedback will shape future improvements.
