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.
Tag Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
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.
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.
Marsh Drops Intervention Order Case Against Retiree Who Criticised Him Online
Newly elected Liberal MP Anthony Marsh alleged Safety Beach retiree Joe Lenzo harassed him with repeated emails, mocking language and the nickname “Marshy” during Marsh’s time as mayor. Marsh later withdrew the case after winning Nepean. No final order was made.
Tracee Hutchison Confirms November Run After Nepean By-Election
Independent Tracee Hutchison has confirmed she will contest Nepean again at November’s Victorian state election, following Saturday’s by-election result. Anthony Marsh’s win also means Briars Ward residents will vote in a council by-election, with ratepayers expected to meet an estimated cost of about $200,000.
Marsh Win Leaves Ratepayers Facing $200,000 Briars Ward By-Election Bill
Mornington Peninsula Shire ratepayers are facing an expected $200,000 Briars Ward by-election bill after Anthony Marsh’s Nepean win leaves a council vacancy and ends his time as mayor.
Marsh Under Department Review As Roadworks Scrutiny Deepens Around Nepean Campaign
Liberal Nepean candidate Anthony Marsh is facing fresh scrutiny after Victoria’s transport department began reviewing a complaint over a campaign pothole stunt, adding to earlier questions over road funding claims, Liberal unrest, political independence and the state-appointed monitors at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
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.
Fact check: Did Anthony Marsh increase road funding by 72% as stated in Jess Wilson’s video?
A claim that Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh increased road funding by 72% is examined against council records, budgets and procurement documents. The fact check looks at when the increase occurred and what decisions led to the higher spending.
Marsh’s Paper Trail Collides With Nepean By-election Reality
Anthony Marsh’s previous written survey responses on party affiliation and political donations are being revisited as the Mornington Peninsula mayor seeks Liberal preselection for the Nepean by-election on 2 May 2026.
Liberals Divided As Senior Sources Flag Mayor Marsh For Nepean Preselection
Senior Liberal Party sources claim Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has recently joined the party and intends to seek Nepean preselection following Sam Groth’s resignation announcement.
Whoops: Council Admits to ‘Accidentally’ Overcharging Ratepayers
Mornington Peninsula Shire has confirmed incorrect rates notices were issued after a system error. STPL News has received emails from residents reporting unexpected increases, including a Somerville man who said his instalment appeared to double, and a woman from Moorooduc who reported a significant increase.
Frankston Dolphins Face Reported Police Inquiry, WorkSafe Monitoring
Frankston Dolphins Football Club is facing a reported police inquiry and WorkSafe Victoria monitoring, according to a Herald Sun report. STPL News sought comment from club treasurer and MPSC councillor Stephen Batty, who declined to comment.
STPL News Rejects MPSC Claims and Affirms Independent Reporting
STPL News has issued a formal statement rejecting claims made by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and reaffirming its commitment to independent, fact-based local journalism and accountability.
‘Very Sus’: Mercurio Claims Mayor Shifted Hastings Parking Rules After Sticker Backlash
A Hastings parking sign dispute that sparked “money grab” claims has intensified after Council blamed incorrect contractor-installed signage and said no infringements were issued, while MP Paul Mercurio later claimed the Mayor advised High Street is now 1P, Monday to Saturday.
‘Money Grab’ Claims After Hastings Parking Signs Stickered Around New Year’s Day
Photos of sticker overlays on Hastings parking signs have triggered ‘money grab’ claims and confusion over whether time limits applied on the New Year’s Day public holiday. STPL News has contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s CEO and Mayor, as well as ward councillor Cr Michael Stephens, seeking clarification.
Ratepayers to Foot the Bill as Mayor Claims Credit for Monitors
Mornington Peninsula ratepayers are set to fund the cost of two municipal monitors, paid $1,375 per day each plus expenses, after Mayor Anthony Marsh claimed the appointments were his idea. STPL News examines potential annual costs, the governance context, and what documentation has not been produced publicly.
Mayor Attempts to Reframe Monitor Appointments As His Idea
Mayor Anthony Marsh says he sought advice about appointing a monitor, as the Victorian Government confirms two municipal monitors will oversee Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for 12 months.
BREAKING | Monitors Appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
STPL News has been told two monitors have been appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council by the Victorian Minister for Local Government. Once confirmed, the appointments would make Cr Anthony Marsh the first mayor in Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s history to have two monitors appointed at the same time.
Peninsula Safety Measures Announced Ahead of New Year’s Eve Crowds
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has outlined foreshore safety measures ahead of New Year’s Eve 2025, including alcohol restrictions, closures at key locations, prohibited items and transport reminders for visitors planning to celebrate on the Peninsula.
Cr Cam Williams Backtracks After STPL News Interview, Says “Some” Comments Were “Not Accurate”
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Cam Williams has apologised after fallout from an STPL News interview, claiming some comments were “not accurate” and confirming a Council Watch post was removed. STPL News has contacted Williams seeking clarification on what he now disputes.
Hastings Residents Call for Speed Humps to Curb Hooning in West Park Area
Hastings residents are calling for speed humps across West Park residential streets to curb hooning and slow traffic, and want Council to advocate for safer pedestrian crossings along Frankston–Flinders Road.
Letter to the Editor: Integrity Can’t Be Optional in the Council Chamber
In a letter to the editor, Anne Kruger of Rye questions whether the public can trust council decision-making if integrity inside the chamber is treated as optional, pointing to renewed concerns about governance and internal politics at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
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.
Bloc Votes Down Bid to Tighten Council Campaign Donations
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro appeared uncomfortable as he opposed Cr David Gill’s donation transparency motion, saying it “doesn’t really seem fair” and could have “real unintended consequences”.
Insider Claims Suggest Further Departures at MPSC
An anonymous MPSC insider has contacted STPL News alleging a new wave of departures, following senior staff exits in December 2024 and January 2025, as well as redundancies in September. The source also claims the Local Government Inspectorate is continuing its presence inside the organisation.
Former MPSC Mayor Praises Bolam’s Leadership as Frankston Mayor Receives Award
Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam has been awarded the MAV Mayor Emeritus title, with former Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Graham Pittock praising his leadership and regional partnership efforts.
Mornington Peninsula Council Reappoints Mayor Marsh and Deputy Mayor Pingiaro
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.
Shire’s Ten-Year ‘Deficit Turnaround’ Built on Assumptions, Asset Sales and Uncertain Savings
A financial review sought by STPL News raises concerns about MPSC’s 10-year plan, finding optimistic assumptions, and vague details.
Notorious Bloc of Six Faces Collapse as Internal Rift Threatens Mayor’s Control
Internal tensions within the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s ‘bloc of six’ have emerged following internal reports of a reprimand and threats of resignation from Cr Stephen Batty, an anonymous council employee told STPL News.
‘Balancing the Budget Is Not the Goal’ — Mayor Softens Fiscal Rhetoric as Council Approves 10-Year Plans
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh says balancing the budget is not the goal, signalling a shift from the fiscal crisis narrative as Council adopts its 10-year Financial and Asset Plans.
How Would You Spend $60,000? Mornington Peninsula’s Empty Seat at the MAV
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council spent $60,000 for a seat at the MAV State Council — but remained vacant. The no-show has fuelled frustration among ratepayers already concerned about transparency, budget cuts and leadership direction. What would you have done with $60k?
Gill’s Transparency Motion Voted Down with Mayor Marsh Absent for Meeting
Cr David Gill’s push to strengthen transparency and councillor rights during meetings was defeated at Tuesday night’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting — a vote that took place without Mayor Anthony Marsh, whose absence left Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro in the chair.
Report Finds South East Water and Mornington Peninsula Shire to Blame for McCrae Landslide
The McCrae Landslide Inquiry has found failures by South East Water and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, concluding that a burst water main and years of poor leadership combined to cause the disaster that displaced families in January 2025.
Cr Gill Pushes for Stronger Scrutiny Rules as Council Tensions Boil Over
Cr David Gill has lodged a motion to strengthen transparency and accountability at Mornington Peninsula Shire, following months of tension with Mayor Anthony Marsh and the “notorious bloc of six” accused of shutting down council debate.
Shire Faces $1 Million Recycling Bill as Contamination Rises
Mornington Peninsula Shire blames a rise in recycling contamination — now costing an extra $1 million — on residents putting the wrong items in yellow-lid bins.
Councillor Term Limit Motion Sparks Walkout at MPSC Meeting
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to call on the MAV to cap councillor terms at 12 years. Many saw the move as a strategic swipe at veteran Cr David Gill, who walked out of the chamber after being shut down in debate.
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.
“Keep Him From Facebook”: Mayor’s Post Under Scrutiny
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh is facing scrutiny after a Facebook post thanking the notorious bloc of six councillors raised governance concerns, with former mayor Steve Holland warning the comments risk undermining public confidence in council.
Holding Marsh to His Own Standard: Does His Record Stack Up?
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh has been the Shire’s most expensive and least performing councillor during the 2020–2024 term. With high allowances, costly trips and few resident requests lodged, his record raises questions of value for ratepayers — especially in light of his criticism of Frankston’s mayor and claims about spending not passing the pub test.
Shire Confirms Job Cuts: Up to 48 Staff to Go in Major Restructure
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has confirmed a restructure that will see up to 48 staff made redundant. CEO Mark Stoermer says the realignment is necessary for financial sustainability and improved services, with Mayor Anthony Marsh backing the move
Canberra Trip Highlights Leadership Divide and Souring Frankston & Mornington Peninsula Relations
A late-August Canberra trip is set to highlight both a leadership divide and souring relations between Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire. Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam refused to vote on his own travel, while Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh debated and approved his — a stark contrast that comes amid a breakdown in the councils’ regional partnership.
Mayor Votes on Own Travel Approval — Conflict of Interest Rules Examined
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Upgraded Marna Reserve Pavilion Opens in Dromana
Dromana’s Marna Reserve Pavilion is back open after a $740,000 upgrade, offering improved access, modern amenities and more space for local clubs and community groups.
Arts Funding Won’t Be Revisited, Says Marsh Ahead of Budget Session
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has relocated its budget meeting from Flinders to Rosebud, citing logistics. Mayor Marsh warns arts funding changes won’t be revisited, despite protest plans.
Buddy Bench Brings Kindness and Connection to Somerville Rise Primary
Somerville Rise Primary School unveils a new Buddy Bench—its 25th on the Mornington Peninsula—thanks to Mt Martha Men’s Shed and Shire funding.
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.
