Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has reappointed Cr Anthony Marsh as Mayor and Cr Paul Pingiaro as Deputy Mayor, with both positions decided by the same 6–5 split. The results extend the council’s long-running division and confirm continued bloc control over key leadership roles.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh voted to approve his own interstate travel without declaring a conflict of interest — and it’s not the first time his voting has raised transparency questions.
Mayor Marsh blocked multiple motions from Cr Patton and Cr Gill, but Cr Kate Roper found middle ground with a motion to reconsider key community funding at the mid-year review, which passed unanimously.
Mayor Anthony Marsh says the arts aren't being targeted, despite backlash over grant removals and staff cost cuts. Critics further note contradictions in the council budget statements made by Marsh after the May 20 council meeting.
Tensions flared at the latest Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting as the arts community protested funding cuts. Protesters packed the gallery, with some comparing the Mayor to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Investigations into the McCrae landslide are progressing, with authorities focused on determining the cause and ensuring the safe return of displaced residents.
