MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh will invite a meeting with Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny expressing growing community concern over a proposed redevelopment of Arthurs Seat Eagle.The $25 million plan involves expanding the popular tourist attraction including adding a new observation tower, a pedestrian bridge over Arthurs Seat Rd, a function centre, a luge ride attraction and an “experiential interpretive centre” – all of which would be delivered over three stages.However, a petition launched by “Save our Seat” last October has warned that Arthurs Seat state park was in “grave danger” if the plans went ahead. “Private developers are planning…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
A CONTENTIOUS citizens’ panel aimed at helping shape the peninsula’s future at a cost of $150,000 to ratepayers has been given the flick by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors.The panel, established in 2022, has seen 150 members participate in “gaining valuable insights into the many challenges facing council” as well as developing a community vision to 2040. Through the forums panellists provided councillors with “a rich data source to assist them with their decision-making” as part of “deliberative consultation” as stated in the Local Government Act. Last year the budget allocated to the 2024 panel was $140,000 with each panellist receiving…
Rosebud police have charged a woman and a man following an alleged hit-run collision in a stolen vehicle in Dromana early last night. It is alleged that a stolen green Toyota Rav 4 was involved in a collision with a second vehicle on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway about 5.30pm. No one was injured. Investigators allege that the driver of the Toyota failed to pull over and exchange details, continuing to drive on at a fast rate of speed. It is alleged that the Toyota left the road near the intersection of Seacombe Avenue and Palm Grove, before crashing into trees…
Detectives are appealing for public assistance after a man was stabbed during New Years Eve celebrations in Sorrento. It is understood an altercation occurred between a group of males on Point Nepean Road, near Collins Parade and Calcutta Street on 1 January about 2am. The victim, an 18-year-old man from Melbourne, was stabbed five times during the altercation before he was able to escape and run to the aid of his friends. He was later taken to hospital with serious upper body injuries and required stiches for his injuries. The offenders fled the scene prior to police arriving. Detectives believe…
A MOTHER has spoken out against what she describes as unfair parking fines being issued to parents outside Sorrento Primary School, claiming they are nothing more than a “revenue raising” tactic by the Mornington Peninsula Shire.Sari, who asked not to use her surname, said she and other parents had been targeted last year for parking in Kerferd Ave for just a few seconds or minutes while they collected their children from school. Sari said while there were about three to four “kiss and go” parking spaces, this was “not enough” for the growing school population with the nearby Ocean Beach…
A DIVISIVE trend of people setting up cabanas and tents to reserve prime beach spots on the peninsula has prompted mayor Cr Anthony Marsh to call for the behaviour to end. “If you come and set up (at the beach) with the intent of going off and doing other stuff and returning half a day later, that’s totally inappropriate,” he said.The issue has attracted global attention after it was revealed early beachgoers were reserving coveted beach spots at Safety Beach with cabanas, tents and chairs before wandering off and returning later. It has sparked debate on social media as to…
A PLAN to transform a huge beachside Dromana site, including a former holiday park, into 69 homes has been approved despite strong community opposition.Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have given the green light for the 1.7-hectare site to be developed at 105-113 Point Nepean Rd that comprises eight allotments of varying sizes, one of which was formerly used as a service station and the Kangerong Holiday Park.The plans, endorsed at council’s 17 December meeting despite receiving 79 objections, proposes a mix of three and four-bedroom residences across two-storey buildings, each providing private open space and garages that have two car parking…
Emergency services are on the scene of a landslip that has caused the collapse of a house at Penny Lane in McCrae. The emergency alert, issued at 8.49am, stated that a house had “rolled down the hill”, and was responded to by the CFA, police and ambulance services. Paramedics are treating at least one injury on site. It is believed emergency services are inspecting the site to determine if any other structures are at risk due to the landslip. Point Nepean Road has been closed in McCrae, near Penny Lane, in both directions with police advising motorists to avoid the…
A PLAN to introduce paid parking along the peninsula foreshore appears all but set to be scrapped after a trial was slammed by residents and business owners. The controversial trial, which began December 2023 and lasted only nine months, saw visitors charged $6.20 an hour or $19.50 a day to park at Sunnyside Beach, Mt Eliza, Schnapper Point (near the pier), Mornington and near Flinders pier. Parking was, however, free for peninsula residents who had an e-permit. But it quickly became a burden for beachgoers, who reported confusion over the new system, not to mention a negative impact for businesses…
A CONTENTIOUS hand beach cleaning trial launched by Mornington Peninsula Shire has come under fire for failing to meet the “community’s expectations” with reports of litter and seaweed having increased.The shire is currently undertaking a 12-month trial that involves cleaning all Port Phillip beaches solely by hand on a fortnightly basis instead of a mechanical rake, which was found to have only removed about 40 per cent of litter, according to the shire. However, while mechanical raking does create an aesthetically pleasing groomed look, it has been known to leave behind broken bottles, shredded plastic and even hypodermic needles.Deputy mayor…
By Barry Irving OAMDESPITE a very warm day Rye’s premier event, the 49th running of the Rye Gift, drew a record number of entries. There were 99 juniors who contested the junior gift with competitors coming from clubs as far away as Warrnambool. A record number of 736 VAL registered athletes contested the day’s events with clubs coming from Victoria-wide and including one international competitor from Scotland.Mornington Peninsula Shire prepared an excellent surface for competition; the running track was cut and rolled a number of times as was the 400 metre surface for all the distance runners. The event is…
A CENTRAL Victorian mum whose toddler almost drowned last summer is urging parents to learn the signs of drowning and know what to do in an emergency.Chloe Freeman and her sister-in-law had taken their five children to the Mornington Peninsula for a holiday at the end of 2023. “We were setting up a sun tent (at Sorrento Beach) for the kids when I turned around to do a head count,” Freeman said. “I remember scanning the children, counting them one by one, and then I noticed a child face down in the water. “At first, I thought it was another…
The Water Police Squad is issuing a water safety warning ahead of the weekend as figures show the unit has been called to more than 100 incidents in the first week of 2025. It’s an extraordinarily busy start to the year following days of favourable weather. During the same time last year there were 17 incidents, while the year before 36 were recorded over the period. Many of this year’s callouts have related to dangerous jet ski behaviour including speeding, travelling too close to other swimmers and in some cases even collisions with other vessels. A multi-agency rescue was required…
AN overflow carpark at the popular Peninsula Hot Springs, which was shut down by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors last month after not having proper permits, is still allegedly being used.The spa and wellness centre in Fingal had made a formal planning application to the shire to continue using the carpark at 170 Devonport Drive even though it had been operating without a permit for the past four years when the existing car park reached capacity, with access via Springs Lane. But the proposal was rejected unanimously by councillors at their 17 December meeting after facing a community backlash, with their…
Four men were arrested by detectives from Frankston Crime Investigation Unit yesterday as part of an investigation into a number of aggravated burglaries in December and January. The quartet were arrested following the execution of a warrant at a home in Flynn Court in Frankston on Tuesday 7 January about 10.25am. Several vehicles were seized from the property including a: • 2013 Holden statesman sedan believed stolen from Patterson Lakes between 5-6 December and valued around $25,000. • 2015 Yamaha motorcycle allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary in Waterways on 7 January and valued around $4000. • 2010 Volkswagon Passat…
COMMUNITY campaigner Fred Crump is calling on the state and local governments to do more to maintain roadside corridors to reduce the fire danger this summer. The call comes amid warnings from the Country Fire Authority about heightened risks this fire season, and calls on individuals to reduce vegetation loads around their properties.“The CFA are asking individuals to act to reduce the fire risk, but what about state and local governments?” said Crump. “The roadsides are an absolute disgrace. Very little maintenance is being done, and the grass and undergrowth is the worst I have ever seen.”Crump believes the issue…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh and Hastings MP Paul Mercurio have turned the first sod to celebrate construction starting on the Somerville to Baxter Trail.This much-anticipated new shared path is a vital missing link in the grand vision for the Peninsula Trails project, a 170km network of connected trails traversing the Mornington Peninsula. Once the Somerville-Baxter section is complete, walkers and cyclists will be able to travel off road from central Melbourne all the way to Balnarring.“The Somerville-Baxter Trail was council’s first priority in terms of filling in the missing links of the Peninsula Trails project, and we…
Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a woman in Langwarrin this morning. Emergency services responded to reports that a woman was stabbed at a Wood Duck Court address about 6.30am. The yet to be formally identified woman was declared deceased at the scene. Officers arrested a 63-year-old man at the address who is known to the woman. A crime scene has been established while detectives investigate to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report…
Buses are replacing trains on the Stony Point line today (Saturday 21 December) after the Hastings Railway Station building was destroyed by fire overnight. Fire crews were called to the structure before 4am to find it fully engulfed by flames. The station has been the subject of recent discussion with Brian Stahl calling for the improvement of the rail precinct and the possible repurposing of the disused building for a social enterprise (Call for railway station renewal hosed down, The News 13/11/24). Stahl said at the time “As a significant public transport arrival point it leaves a lot to be…
Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man following the death of two people in Rye on 2 December. Emergency services were called to a property on Parson Street shortly after 4am following reports of an alleged altercation. It’s alleged a man and a woman had attended the address and became involved in an altercation with the residents of the property. A male resident of the property and the female who attended the property were allegedly located with gunshot wounds. Medical treatment was provided, however a 29-year-old Rye man and a 19-year-old Mornington woman passed away at the scene. It’s alleged…
THE Mornington Community Support Centre is making sure everyone has a Christmas to look forward to through a range of programs to help families doing it tough, including a toy and gift program, a steam train ride, and Christmas lunch, supported through a $50k Christmas Appeal fundraising campaign.As part of the Christmas programs, the centre transformed the Mornington Pavilion into a giant toy and gift shop, where clients with children or grandchildren could choose from hundreds of gifts donated by the community. Donations came from families, businesses and organisations who collected gifts through Giving Trees in a range of community…
A MEMORY support program helping residents with dementia introduced at Calvary’s aged care homes across Mornington Peninsula and bayside areas has won an award. The program, based on the Montessori approach by providing meaningful, tailored, small-group activities and support for residents living with dementia, won the healthcare provider’s national quality and safety Star award 2024.Calvary Aged Care general manager Dana Ieraci said the memory support program tailored residents’ interests and past lives which was also improving clinical outcomes and more settled behaviours. “Dementia can impact memory, speech, cognition, personality, and mobility. Unfortunately, it can also affect behaviour,” Leraci said. “Having…
Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh was joined by the Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio yesterday to celebrate construction starting on the Somerville to Baxter Trail. This much-anticipated new shared path is a vital missing link in the grand vision for the Peninsula Trails project, a 170km network of connected trails traversing the Mornington Peninsula. Once the Somerville-Baxter section is complete, walkers and cyclists will be able to travel off road from central Melbourne all the way to Balnarring. “The Somerville-Baxter Trail was council’s first priority in terms of filling in the missing links of the Peninsula Trails project, and we…
THERE’S not much Georgie Gibbs can’t do – she rides horses up to three times a week, sings in a choir, is a member of a French speaking group, and plays tennis. And she’s about to turn 90.While the Balnarring woman is showing no signs of slowing down, she is quick to concede, “I’m very lucky to be as healthy as I am”. Just last week she spent a morning equestrian riding at Merricks Saddle Club before a few hours later joining a choir at Flinders Probus Club to sing Christmas carols. “I do indeed [love it],” she said.Born in…
THE Labor Party has named ex-Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Sarah Race as its candidate for the seat of Flinders at the 2025 federal election, selecting her unopposed.“I am a local volunteer and advocate – from my kids’ kinder committee to sports clubs and business groups, I have been putting my hand up for our community,” said Race. “We’ve had the same Liberal politicians for 40 years, but I’m here to change that. Protecting the peninsula lifestyle and making life easier and more affordable for locals are my key priorities.”Race lives in Tootgarook with her husband Andy and two kids Nellie…
IN a significant move to support cancer patients and their families, Community Bank Mt Martha has partnered with The Bays Hospital to fund the wellness centre within the new Bays Cancer Care Centre. The wellness centre will offer essential support services, pre and post treatment, for those affected by cancer. The partnership will see the bank contribute $600,000 over the next five years, funding the dedicated wellness centre.The Community Bank Mt Martha Wellness Centre will provide a range of services designed to complement traditional medical care, addressing the physical, emotional, and mental needs of patients. Services for patients living with…
BEN Smith has been named as the “Independent 4 Flinders” candidate for the upcoming federal election.Smith, of Cape Schanck, is a small business owner, and has been the CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre since 2022. He was also awarded the 2024 Victorian Father of the Year award in August, being honoured for his “community advocacy and deep love for his family”.“The Peninsula community has been taken for granted by the major parties for far too long,” said Smith. “It is time to send an independent to Canberra to fight for the services and infrastructure we need.” Smith told…
BEN Smith has been named as the “Independent 4 Flinders” candidate for the upcoming federal election. Smith, of Cape Schanck, is a small business owner, and has been the CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre since 2022. He was also awarded the 2024 Victorian Father of the Year award in August, being honoured for his “community advocacy and deep love for his family”. “The Peninsula community has been taken for granted by the major parties for far too long,” said Smith. “It is time to send an independent to Canberra to fight for the services and infrastructure we need.”…
THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) for Mornington Peninsula Shire will begin at 1am on Monday 9 December. Residents are encouraged to use the time before the FDP to prepare their properties. This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen (Southeast) stressed the importance of taking early action as conditions continue to dry across the region. “Now is the time for residents to act by clearing around their homes and ensuring any private burn-offs are completed safely before restrictions come into…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is seeking community input on the three options it has put forward for repairing The Briars’ section of the Balcombe Creek boardwalk. “This popular trail is a beautiful walk that meanders through the natural bushland and creek from Mount Martha beach to The Briars, and connects with the Wildlife Sanctuary and Harrap Creek walking trails,” said a statement from the shire.“Unfortunately, back in November 2022 the boardwalk was severely damaged in a storm. The extreme weather event brought on a flood that destroyed and relocated the boardwalk in some areas. Since the flooding, this section of the…