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.

Cr Stephen Batty has been elected Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor after councillors broke a two-week deadlock following repeated tied votes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Cam Williams has acknowledged the September term-limits motion was used to target Cr David Gill, as questions mount over bloc politics, council culture and leadership 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.

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.

The Mornington Peninsula exhibits a growing divide between its Western Port residents and affluent coastal communities. The closure of the Hastings Club substantiates this inequality, as the Shire neglects Western Port in favour of better-funded Port Phillip facilities like the Mt Martha Golf Club.