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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro voted for the 2025–26 budget as amended, acknowledging room for improvement amid backlash over arts and environment cuts.
Arts organisations across the Mornington Peninsula are preparing a coordinated response to proposed council funding changes, fearing the move could jeopardise the viability of the region’s creative sector.
A fiery Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting exposed deep divisions between councillors, raising concerns over ethics, representation, and governance across the peninsula.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro speaks with RPP FM about his motion to end the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Emergency Climate Plan, calling it a move towards fiscal responsibility—not climate denial.
Last night, Mornington Peninsula Shire voted to disassemble its climate emergency plan, prompting public debate and mixed community reactions. Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro defended the motion as fiscally responsible, not climate denial.
Mornington Shire's 3% rate increase has faced backlash from residents, particularly in lower-income areas like Hastings, who argue the burden of recovery from the McCrae landslide unfairly falls on them. Deputy Mayor Pingiaro cited financial pressures and a lack of state support, but many feel betrayed after promises of a rate freeze during the election.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to apply the full 3% rate cap for 2025–26, despite several councillors having campaigned for a rate freeze just five months ago.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has restructured its budget to absorb the costs of the McCrae landslip, allocating $1.2 million for emergency management and removing the last COVID-19 business assistance package.
Former Mornington Peninsula Citizen of the Year Josie Jones criticizes council's handling of beach cleaning trials, raising concerns about governance, evidence-based decision-making, and vested interests.
New Mayors and Deputy Mayors Elected in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston
