Community Win: Capel Sound Saves Its Parkland
Capel Sound has secured a major victory, with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voting unanimously to keep 11a Allambi Avenue as public parkland in the draft Open Space Strategy.
Tag Mornington Peninsula News
‘On Edge’: Mornington Peninsula Shire Braces for Staff Cuts
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council staff are reportedly on edge after being told job cuts are coming. Affected teams will be revealed in September. The Shire has not publicly commented.
‘Your Parents Will See This’: Woman Confronts Kid Vandals on Frankston Train
A woman confronted a group of children as young as 8 vandalising a Frankston line train with a Stanley knife in a viral TikTok, raising safety concerns as Victoria’s machete ban takes effect.
Hospitalised and Homeless: Peninsula Health’s Program Keeping Patients off the Streets
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.
Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Wanted Man
Frankston police are asking for the public’s help to find 40-year-old Shane Conham, wanted on warrant and believed to be travelling via public transport.
Push to Save Capel Sound Parkland Ahead of Council Meeting
Capel Sound residents are calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to honour its 2023 commitment to protect 11a Allambi Avenue as parkland. A draft strategy proposing a 50/50 housing split has sparked community backlash ahead of the 12 August council meeting at Tyabb.
Dangerous Motorbike Joyride on Peninsula Link Ends in Impound, Court Charges
Two motorcyclists who allegedly swerved through traffic and performed wheelies on Peninsula Link were caught on CCTV and had their bikes impounded. Police say the incident highlights the growing toll of motorbike-related fatalities in Victoria.
Water Safe Again in Frankston South – $90 Credit Applied
A boil-water alert affecting 1,200 homes in Frankston South has been lifted. South East Water confirms water is safe and has issued a $90 credit per household.
Federal Watchdog Intervenes: Western Port Terminal Project Faces Scrutiny Over Threat to Ramsar Wetlands
The proposed renewable energy terminal at Western Port Bay will undergo full federal environmental assessment after being declared a "controlled action" under the EPBC Act, amid concerns over its impact on Ramsar-listed wetlands and marine life.
Machete Ban Won’t Stop Violence — But They’ll Make a Good Photo Op
A machete ban takes effect in Victoria from 1 September — with amnesty bins now in Frankston, Rosebud and other suburbs. Critics say it’s a political stunt that won’t reduce violence. What do you think?
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.
Man Arrested After Off-Duty Officer Injured in Seaford Hit-Run
A 42-year-old Seaford man has been arrested following a hit-run on Nepean Highway that left an off-duty police officer seriously injured. The white Isuzu D-MAX was intercepted in Mentone after being reported for erratic driving. Police continue to investigate.
Off-Duty Officer Seriously Injured in Seaford Hit-Run, Police Seek Dashcam Footage
A 61-year-old off-duty police officer cycling to work was seriously injured in a hit-run on the Nepean Highway in Seaford. Police are seeking dashcam footage and witnesses.
AK-47 Replica, $20K in Meth Found in Cranbourne East Drug Bust
A Cranbourne East man and woman have been charged after police seized $20,000 worth of meth, GHB, cash, and a replica AK-47 during a suburban raid.
Contaminated Water Forces Closure of Emil Madsen Reserve in Mount Eliza
Emil Madsen Reserve in Mount Eliza has been closed due to contaminated water, disrupting local sporting and community events over the weekend. South East Water is currently investigating.
“Armed, High, and On the Run”: Langwarrin Man Charged After Police Car Rammed in Stolen Vehicle Chase
A 24-year-old Langwarrin man has been charged over a high-speed pursuit that ended with a crash, police car ramming, and Dog Squad arrest. Drugs and weapons were allegedly seized.
Somerville Overwhelms Chelsea
Somerville continued its winning streak in Round 15 with a gutsy 23-point win over Chelsea, setting up a thrilling final stretch in the 2025 MPNFL season.
“Rammed and Running”: Langwarrin Man Nabbed After Wild Police Chase and Crash
A 24-year-old Langwarrin man is in custody after allegedly ramming a police car and fleeing in a stolen vehicle. The chase ended in a crash and Dog Squad arrest.
“They Said No — Again and Again”: McDonald’s Gets Green Light in Safety Beach Despite Years of Community Opposition
A six-year community battle has ended in defeat, with VCAT approving a "McDonald’s-style" outlet in Safety Beach despite strong local opposition and two previous rejections. Locals and council fear traffic congestion, harm to small businesses, and the loss of village character.
Community Rallies for Local Dad Fighting for His Life After Sudden Heart Failure
More than $52,000 has been raised for Tane Rongonui, a beloved Rye Junior Football Club volunteer and local dad hospitalised with critical heart failure
Frankston Council Endorses Bold New Four-Year Vision for Community and Wellbeing
Frankston City Council has endorsed a new Council and Wellbeing Plan for 2025–2029, shaped by extensive community input and designed to deliver lasting outcomes in health, inclusion, climate action and local development.
Council Approves 20% Rebate for Retirement Villages Following Discount Removal
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has approved a 20% rebate on general rates for retirement village residents after scrapping the long-standing discount applied to their property valuations. The rebate, introduced as a temporary one-year measure, follows sharp CIV increases and was passed after Cr David Gill successfully amended the motion.
Rotting Horse Discovered as Mt Eliza Animal Protests Enter Week 14
A decomposing horse has been found on Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property, fuelling fresh outrage as local protests reach their 14th week. Community members say conditions are worsening and accuse authorities of inaction. STPL News has obtained footage of the dead animal, as pressure mounts on the RSPCA and state government to intervene.
Council to Halve Rate Relief for Retirement Village Residents
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council plans to halve rate relief for retirement village residents, replacing the long-standing 20% discount with a 10% one-off rebate. The change would affect more than 2,500 units across 15 villages and has been labelled a "slap in the face" to pensioners already doing it tough. Critics say Council is targeting the most vulnerable while claiming to prioritise community wellbeing.
Warrant Issued for Jason Gittus — Police Seek Public Assistance
Police are searching for Jason Gittus, 55, who is wanted on warrant for burglary and drug-related offences. Last known in the Mornington and Frankston areas.
Pearcedale Father Critically Injured in Wakeboarding Accident
A local dad, Darcy Coulson remains in critical care at The Alfred Hospita after a wakeboarding accident at Melbourne Cable Park earlier this month.
Somerville Soars in Round 14 Showdown
Somerville Football Club fought back against the wind and the odds to defeat Bonbeach in Round 14 of the MPNFL. With finals still within reach, the Eagles delivered a team-first performance, while the club’s netball sides also battled hard across all grades. Read the latest from the Somerville Swooper.
Disqualified Driver Parked in Disabled Bay, Blows .185 BA
A Frankston man faces court after parking in a disabled bay without a permit, while disqualified from driving and allegedly more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. Police impounded his car on the spot.
Helping Hands Somerville Calls for Pantry Donations
Helping Hands Somerville is calling on locals to donate pasta, long-life milk, spreads and more to keep its volunteer-run pantry stocked for residents doing it tough.
Somerville demolishes Devon
Somerville kept its finals hopes alive with a stirring final-term surge to down Devon Meadows by seven points. Read the full match wrap from The Somerville Swooper.
$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…
July Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out Monday
The July edition of the Somerville Times is rolling out from Monday, packed with local news, the new Helping Hands pantry, crime updates, council budget news, and more. Grab your copy at authorised outlets across the Mornington Peninsula.
Weapons and drugs haul in Frankston leads to three arrests
Frankston police have charged three people after allegedly seizing 3D printed machine guns, handguns, and a stash of drugs including cocaine and meth during raids in Overport Park and at a local property.
Families from Somerville and Seaford Left Reeling After Horror Hit-Run on Monash
A Somerville mother is in hospital and three young children were hurt after a hit-run crash on the Monash Freeway. The family, from Somerville and Seaford, were left devastated when the BMW driver fled.
New netball court opens at Dromana Recreation Reserve
Dromana’s new competition-standard netball court brings senior netball to Dromana Recreation Reserve, uniting football and netball at one venue.
Public comment period extended on Port of Hastings environmental referral
Public comment on the Port of Hastings EPBC referral for the Western Port Ramsar project now closes 16 July. Community sessions set for Flinders and online.
Rosebud Family Left Shattered as Kayle Hansen Jailed for Killing Jake Bradford
The family of Jake Bradford says no sentence can heal their loss after Kayle Hansen was jailed for killing the 21-year-old Rosebud man.
Former McClelland Teacher Orhan Sahin Accused of Accessing Student Photos via Compass
A former McClelland College teacher accused of child sexual offences remains on bail, with the case expanding as new complainants and hundreds of CCTV files emerge.
Mother Demands Justice Six Years After Baby’s Death in Frankston Home
Six years after her baby daughter Talon died under suspicious circumstances in their Frankston home, Kayla Hehir is still fighting for answers. With no coronial inquest and an ongoing police investigation, her family remains trapped in uncertainty. Now, a growing petition is demanding justice and accountability for Talon’s death.
$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.
Sorrento launches Australia’s biggest art prize amid Mornington Peninsula arts funding cuts
Sorrento has unveiled Australia’s richest art prize with a $125,000 award, hoping to uplift artists and tourism on the Mornington Peninsula, despite council funding slashes.
Former Peninsula Landscaper Jailed for Fleecing Pensioner of Nearly $200,000
A former Mornington Peninsula landscaper has been jailed after scamming a 69-year-old Bittern pensioner out of nearly $200,000, leaving her destitute in her final years. The County Court heard Jarrad Garth exploited the woman’s trust, draining her savings to just $39 before her death.
E-bike rider charged over fatal collision in Hastings
A Hastings man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death after an illegally modified e-bike fatally struck local grandfather William Lothian on Frankston-Flinders Road.
Lawyers Charged Over Alleged Fake Document at Frankston Magistrates’ Court
Two Melbourne lawyers are charged after allegedly submitting a fake medical certificate to Frankston Magistrates’ Court. Police say Zoe Davis and Rachelle Badour-Taha tried to mislead the court — and both have now lost their licences to practise law in Victoria.
Port of Hastings Lodges New Federal Environmental Referral for Renewable Energy Terminal
The Port of Hastings has lodged a revised EPBC referral for its proposed renewable energy terminal within the Western Port Ramsar Wetland, addressing environmental concerns raised by the federal government.
$5K Grant Eases Costs for Eastbourne Primary Students
Nat Sevior of Bendigo Bank Southern Peninsula, Steve Hamill (Principal Eastbourne Primary School), Caro Mather (Assistant Principal ) and Bettyanne Foster of Capel Sound Community Group presenting the donation cheque. Students at Eastbourne Primary School will soon have greater access…
Veteran TV Producer Bob Phillips Returns to Airwaves with New RPP-FM Drive Show
TV veteran Bob Phillips has returned to radio, joining forces with Dustie Lee for a new Tuesday drive-time program on RPP-FM.
Former AFL Player Aaron James Remanded at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Multiple Charges
Former AFL player Aaron James has been remanded after facing multiple charges at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, including sexual exposure and drug and theft offences.
