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COVID-19 Towards Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 a very challenging time for many in our community.

Since the pandemic began, the Shire has been supporting the Mornington Peninsula community.

In 2021/22 (financial year) the Shire will invest over $10million in recovery projects, programs, and initiatives. These actions will contribute to the lasting resilience and renewal of the Peninsula.

Download: COVID-19 Towards Recovery(PDF, 1MB)

How you can help our community recover

Support local businesses and help create local jobs. Check our local business directory.
Volunteer in our community. Visit Volunteering Mornington Peninsula to learn more.
Maintain COVIDSafe behaviours to keep our community safe and most importantly, if you are unwell, get tested as soon as possible and stay isolated until you receive a negative result. Learn more on our COVID-19 page.
Support organisations that support our community
Learn about the support and information available for businesses.

What we are doing to help our community recover

Read the full details about what we are doing by downloading our Priority COVID-19 Recovery Actions(PDF, 1MB).

The Shire has a Financial Hardship Policy and reduced or waived $1 million worth of fees for local businesses, community groups and individuals doing it tough due to COVID-19. Download: Financial Hardship Policy COVID-19

Selected fees and charges have been waived or reduced across the areas of hospitality, events, live entertainment, the arts and sport – areas hardest hit by COVID restrictions.

The fee reductions are as follows:

Hospitality – footpath trading – 100% reduction
Events and live entertainment – busking permits, Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) fees, events fees and charges – 100% reduction
The arts - artists in residence Policy Point – 50% reduction
Sports club lease and licenses – 50% reduction
40 child swimming lessons for families experiencing financial hardship – 100% reduction

In addition, a new General Financial Hardship Policy has been introduced for anyone in the community struggling to pay other types of Council fees and charges. Download: General Financial Hardship Policy.

Our actions and initiatives are focused on:

Ensuring the health and wellbeing of our people
Reactivating the peninsula
Building disaster resilience
Connecting our community
Supporting business recovery and build economic resilience
Revitalising cultural, creative and recreation industries
Ensuring a green and sustainable recovery.

COVID Recovery Grants

As part of Council’s $10 million recovery package adopted earlier this year, over $2 million has now been allocated to a COVID-19 Recovery Grant program to provide direct financial support to those who have been most impacted by the ongoing lockdowns and restrictions. View all grants on our Grants and Funding page.

Projects & Initiatives

Our Climate Emergency Response

We are all part of the solution to stop climate change and can be responders to this emergency. Climate change affects each of our lives and it touches all aspects of life. There are many ways to take climate action and live sustainably on the Mornington Peninsula.

Supporting our community recovery

Mornington Peninsula Investment Ready Projects to support our community recovery

Outdoor Dining

The Shire is paving the way for extended outdoor dining to support local traders as COVID-19 restrictions ease this spring and summer.

Recreational Facilities for Mountain Bike and BMX Strategy

Children and young people on the Mornington Peninsula have embraced a new hobby – building bike jumps and tracks in their neighbourhoods.

'Road to Recovery' Youth Art Exhibition

Young artists share how COVID has impacted their lives, their families and their community.

Council endorses $2m COVID-19 Grants program

The many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued throughout 2021 and our residents have now faced more than 200 days in lockdown resulting in ongoing financial stress and impacts on wellbeing.

Latest news

Council adopts community focused Annual Budget 2020/21

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said “on behalf of my Councillor colleagues, I am pleased to present the 2020/21 Adopted Budget”.

Shire launches relief and recovery grants

Mornington Peninsula Shire understands the toll the pandemic has taken. To help our local businesses we have offered rent relief, waived outdoor trading fees, launched our Funding Finder website and Support Local campaign as well as organised extended outdoor dining for food businesses and more.