H5 Bird Flu Threat Prompts Western Port Wildlife Warning
Residents are being urged to report sick or dead birds and marine mammals as H5 bird flu threatens wildlife, tourism and poultry operations around Western Port.
Tag Mornington Peninsula
14-Year-Old Girl Critical After Peninsula Link Rollover
A 14-year-old girl remains in a critical condition after an allegedly stolen Honda Jazz rolled several times on Peninsula Link at Langwarrin. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Sneak Peek Inside iPlay Frankston Before Doors Open to the Public
STPL News received a sneak peek inside iPlay Frankston, the company’s first Victorian location, before the new Bayside Centre entertainment venue officially opens from 10am today.
Victoria Police Release Staffing Figures as State Battles Officer Shortage
Victoria Police has released new staffing figures for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, providing a snapshot of local police allocations as the organisation continues tackling a statewide officer shortage.
Rosebud Property Among $17.5M Frozen in Alleged Cannabis Syndicate Probe
A Rosebud property is among 14 homes worth about $17.5 million frozen as police investigate an alleged organised crime syndicate linked to at least 41 cannabis grow houses across Victoria.
Game On: 160-Game Entertainment Centre Set to Open in Frankston
iPlay Australia will open its first Victorian entertainment centre in Frankston on 30 July, featuring more than 160 arcade games, indoor bumper cars and challenge rooms.
Manufacturers Call for Royal Commission Into Victorian Land Tax
A south-east Melbourne manufacturing group wants an inquiry into Victoria’s land valuation and tax system after members reported steep increases in industrial land tax.
Teenager Fighting for Life After Langwarrin Motorcycle Crash
A 16-year-old boy is fighting for life after a motorcycle collided with a car on Cranbourne-Frankston Road in Langwarrin. Victoria Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
New Bus Timetable Changes Now in Effect Across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula
New bus timetable changes are now in effect across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, with revised services, improved train connections, additional Saturday services on Route 833 and the withdrawal of Route 786. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest timetables before travelling.
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.
Bittern Man Allegedly Five Times Over Limit After Mount Martha Collision
A Bittern man has had his licence suspended and vehicle impounded after police alleged he returned a breath test reading more than five times the legal alcohol limit following a two-car collision in Mount Martha.
Portsea Tops Australia’s Taxable Income Table As Mornington Peninsula Housing Crisis Deepens
Portsea has topped Australia’s taxable income table, but the latest ATO figures sit beside deep housing pressure across the Mornington Peninsula, where Council continues to warn of homelessness, rental stress and a shortage of social housing.
Poor Buses, Missing Footpaths And Congestion: Peninsula Residents Asked To Shape Transport Future
Mornington Peninsula residents have another chance to shape the Shire’s transport future after earlier feedback raised concerns about poor bus links, missing footpaths, cycling gaps, unsafe crossings and congestion.
No Money Left: Flinders Pier Restoration Will Not Be Fully Rebuilt
Parks Victoria has confirmed Flinders Pier’s historic timber inner section will not be fully rebuilt after new safety findings expanded the scope of restoration works. Save Flinders Pier campaign chair Charles Reis OAM has questioned the reduced rebuild and raised concerns over heritage obligations.
Frankston Rough Sleeping Hits Four-Year High As Council Seeks $2.5m For Outreach
Frankston Council says rough sleeping has reached its highest recorded level since the local Zero Project began, with 59 people sleeping rough in May and Council seeking $2.5 million for dedicated outreach teams.
AI, Robotics and Smart Sensors: New Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Labs Focus on Healthy Ageing
Bayside Health Peninsula and Monash University have opened six research simulation facilities across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula to help older Australians and people with disability live more independently at home. Researchers will use the facilities to test how technology,…
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.
Peninsula Health Leaders Honoured for Service to Community and Mental Health
Two Bayside Health Peninsula leaders have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their work across community health, disability support, mental health care and psychiatry.
Seven Homes In Hastings As Mornington Peninsula Housing Crisis Outpaces Supply
Seven new social homes are underway in Hastings for women on the priority housing list, but Mornington Peninsula Shire figures show local housing demand still far outweighs supply.
Peninsula Projects Recognised At National Tidy Towns Awards
The Mornington Peninsula has received three honours at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful National Tidy Towns Awards, recognising local projects in reef restoration, conservation and youth environmental education.
Federal Budget Winners And Losers: NDIS Cuts, Rising Debt And Local Pressure
The 2026 federal budget offers tax relief, housing reform and health spending, but NDIS cuts, rising debt in dollar terms and increasing yearly tax collections leave serious concerns for households, carers and small businesses across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Nepean Candidates Asked What They Can Actually Deliver Before November
STPL News has put six questions to every Nepean by-election candidate, focusing on cost of living, crime, housing affordability, roads and Rosebud Hospital, and asking what they can realistically deliver from outside government before November.
Liberal Campaign Goes Harder Negative In Nepean As Anti-One Nation Flyer, Video And Texts Circulate
Fresh anti-One Nation material is circulating in Nepean through letterbox flyers, authorised video and text messages, adding to concerns about an increasingly negative Liberal campaign centred on Rosebud Hospital ahead of the by-election.
Fire Restrictions Ease In Frankston And On The Mornington Peninsula
Fire restrictions have eased in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula, with CFA confirming the Fire Danger Period ended at 1am on Tuesday 7 April 2026. The change means some private burn-offs can resume, but safety rules still apply.
Greens Candidate Targets Cost Of Living Pressure In Nepean
Greens candidate for Nepean Dr Sianan Healy has made cost of living and public transport central to her by-election campaign, arguing Peninsula families are being squeezed by rising everyday costs.
Support Independent Nepean By-election Coverage
STPL News is seeking support to expand its independent coverage of the Nepean by-election, with funds to go towards reporting, travel, fuel, print distribution or digital coverage.
Stolen Buggy Rams Police Car In Moorooduc
Police are investigating after a stolen industrial buggy allegedly rammed a police vehicle in Moorooduc early on Monday morning. The incident began at a business on Moorooduc Highway before officers later located the vehicles on Bentons Road.
Liberal Party Preselection Candidate Resigns & Nominates for One Nation in Hastings
Former Liberal Party member Shane Osborne has confirmed to STPL News he has nominated to run for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Hastings after withdrawing from Liberal preselection and resigning his membership. The Liberals have not announced a candidate at publication time.
Nepean By-election: Liberals go all-in on Anthony Marsh as One Nation moves in
The Nepean by-election is set for 2 May after Sam Groth’s resignation. Labor is not running, One Nation has named Darren Hercus, and a Roy Morgan poll shows One Nation leading in Victoria. Anthony Marsh’s past statements and a verified how-to-vote card have added scrutiny as the May by-election and November state election approaches.
11K Snatched in Boneo Sports Facility Break-In
More than $11,000 in prize money and staff salaries was allegedly stolen in a break-in at a sports facility on Boneo Road. Police say a Cranbourne man has been charged and bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court in May.
Somerville Times Returns Wednesday with Refreshed Look for 2026
Somerville Times returns on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with a refreshed layout and design, leading with coverage of the monitors’ appointment and terms of reference and confirmed developments in the Nepean race involving Mayor Anthony Marsh. This edition also includes a local crime roundup, a Rate Your MP survey snapshot and how to participate, an MPCA Country Week carnival recap, Australia Day in Hastings revisited, and more.
Snorkeller Reports Small Shark at Dromana, Commenters Respond with “Doo Doo Doo”
A snorkeller has reported seeing a small shark near Anthony’s Nose Boat Ramp at Dromana Beach, with the sighting logged through the Dorsal shark alert platform on Saturday evening.
Ex-Langwarrin Principal Jailed For Child Abuse Material, Eligible For Release After 3 Months
former Langwarrin Park Primary School principal has been jailed over child abuse material offences and may be released after three months. Readers are invited to share their views.
Early Snapshot: What Hastings, Mornington and Frankston Residents Want Prioritised in 2026
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.
Somerville Cricket Club Rises To The Top
Somerville Cricket Club consolidated top spot on the MPCA ladder with a Round 11 win over Long Island, making 182 before bowling the hosts out for 101.
Hastings Man Charged After Police Probe Into Copper Thefts From Power Poles
A 26-year-old Hastings man has been charged following a Victoria Police investigation into alleged copper thefts from power poles in the Hastings area, with police seizing what they described as a large amount of copper wiring during a search.
Rosebud Raid: Man Remanded As Police Allege Firearms, Drugs, Cash And 3D Printer Seized
A 53-year-old man has been remanded after police executed a warrant at a Rosebud address, with officers alleging they located firearms, drugs, cash and a 3D printer during the search.
Hastings Library Forced To Close On Tuesday Due To Extreme Heat
Hastings Library was forced to close from 2pm Tuesday after Mornington Peninsula Shire said extreme heat meant the building could not be kept at a safe temperature.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Weekly Weather Report
Australia Day begins warm before a hot mid-week spike across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, with UV expected to stay high to extreme. A cooler change is forecast for the weekend, with light showers possible on Saturday.
Shark Sighting Reported Off Merricks Beach in Western Port Bay
A shark sighting was reported off Merricks Beach in Western Port Bay on Saturday afternoon, with the animal listed as about 50 metres from shore, according to a public Dorsal Shark Reports entry.
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.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Beach Report (Week commencing 19/01/26)
Warmer weather returns this week, but so does the wind. Here’s the BOM outlook for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, plus key safety notes on UV and marine conditions.
‘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.
Cut Through The Noise: Fixed Placement, Local Audience, Real Visibility
STPL News is now offering fixed-placement online advertising for Mornington Peninsula and Frankston businesses, reaching 100,000 website visitors a month, 7,000 daily e-news subscribers and 1–2 million Facebook views monthly. Print advertising also returns in February 2026 with 10,000 copies distributed each month.
Second Body Found On Mornington Peninsula As Police Investigate Rye Pier Death
Police are investigating after a man’s body was found floating near Rye Pier on Thursday morning. It was the second death reported on the Mornington Peninsula the same day, after police were called to a campsite in Rosebud earlier that morning.
Man Found Dead At Rosebud Foreshore Camping Grounds
A man has been found dead at the Rosebud Foreshore Camping grounds, with police saying the death is not being treated as suspicious. STPL News attended after a tip-off and police confirmed the man appeared to be experiencing homelessness.
Expert Tips to Avoid Burnout in 2026 as Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Workers Return to Routine
Burnout played a significant role for many workers in 2025, with stress and exhaustion affecting wellbeing and productivity. Burnout specialist Nick Orchard, founder of The Big Refresh, shares practical tips to help Mornington Peninsula and Frankston residents recognise early warning signs and reduce the risk of burnout in 2026.
New Year’s Eve 2025: What To Expect Across Frankston And The Mornington Peninsula
New Year’s Eve across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula is expected to be mild, with no council-run fireworks, foreshore alcohol bans and extra patrols in place. Check local weather, vantage points and safety advice before heading out to welcome 2026.
Peninsula University Hospital Set To Open In January 2026
Peninsula University Hospital will open its new 12 storey clinical tower on 20 January 2026, significantly expanding public hospital services for people in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula with more beds, new operating theatres, an upgraded emergency department and improved access to specialist care closer to home.
Christmas Day Across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston: Key Info for Residents
Christmas Day service closures, council contact details and key community support information for residents across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
