Advocacy

Our Shire delivers more than 100 community services, but when it comes to tackling bigger issues and projects, we need the support of Victorian and Commonwealth governments.

Economic context

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is home to more than 171,000 people across an area of 723 sq km. Our municipality is a unique environment made up of 70 per cent Green Wedge and has 10 per cent of Victoria’s coastline (192kms). Our municipality supports over 62,000 jobs, with an annual economic output of over $23 billion. Our Gross Regional Product is close to $8.7 billion – led by construction, retail, education and training.

Located just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, we have a state-significant tourism industry, attracting 8 million visitors a year. The region has a distinguished agricultural history with many food and wine producers recognised as industry leaders on the world stage.

The Peninsula, often perceived as a millionaire’s playground, has a higher proportion of people on low incomes than greater Melbourne. We have some of the most disadvantaged communities in Australia. Yet, there is so much opportunity for our region to thrive and become a significant contributor to the broader Victorian and national economy.

Our advocacy focus areas 2025-26

Coastal management

The Mornington Peninsula Shire has 192km of coastline, of which Council manages 64km. We are experiencing climate impacts, including erosion and sea level rise and need adequate government funding to better manage our coastlines and build resilience.

Housing and homelessness

Just 3.5 per cent of local rental properties and only 2.4 per cent of houses sold are affordable to low-income households. More than a third of private rental households are suffering housing stress. Our health, tourism and hospitality sectors are struggling to attract workers, due to a lack of affordable housing.

Port of Hastings surplus land

We need clarity on the timing of a Victorian government decision regarding the boundaries of the Port of Hastings and release of surplus land. This would enable planning for industry, housing and conservation.

Public transport

An incredible 82 percent of the Peninsula is not serviced by adequate public transport. There is strong community support for electrification of the rail line from Frankston to Stony Point. Our bus services need to be reviewed and to better connect people to activity centres.

Jet ski safety

Council calls on the Victorian government to introduce stronger measures to address community concerns regarding personal watercraft (PWC) and threats posed to the safety of our residents, visitors and marine life.

Road maintenance

Our community continues to raise the declining condition of roads on the Mornington Peninsula as their number one concern. The most problematic roads, highlighted by our community, include many main arterial roads managed by the Victorian Government.

Green wedge management and protection

The Mornington Peninsula’s natural environment is fundamental to our identity and economy. Our Green Wedge includes world-class highly productive agricultural areas. An integral part of Melbourne’s food bowl, the Green Wedge produces large volumes of high-quality fruit and vegetables year-round.

Download: Community Advocacy Information Brochure(PDF, 1MB)
Download: Advocacy Strategy(PDF, 2MB)

Ongoing projects

We will pursue our priorities with Members of Parliament, Ministers, council alliances such as the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) and other representatives of the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

Please help our campaign by contacting your local political candidates to express your support for any or all of the projects below.