First 100 Days

Published on 18 March 2025

The first 100 days of the new Council term have been full steam ahead! We’ve hit the ground running—engaging with the community, pushing for real change, and making the important decisions.

We’re incredibly lucky to serve such a passionate and engaged community, and every step we take is guided by the people who call the Peninsula home. From local projects to major advocacy wins, here’s a look at just some of what we’ve been up to and already achieved—and we’re just getting started!

Community engagement and local events

• Hosted Community Conversations to shape the Council Plan and Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan
• Engaged with countless community groups, including Rotary, Neighbourhood Watch, and Friends of Beleura Cliff Path
• Supported and attended forums on social housing, women’s leadership in sports, and conservation

Attended and supported major local events, including:

• Australia Day celebrations and citizenship ceremonies across the Shire
• Carols by Candlelight in Sorrento and various summer festivals
• The Rye Gift, Portsea Swim Classic, and local sports tournaments
• Luke Batty Memorial Cricket Match in Tyabb
• Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk community forum, gathering feedback and discussing future options to rebuild this much-loved asset
• Attended a forum on crisis accommodation to discuss solutions for women’s housing needs
• Held our Peninsula Schoolies festival on the Rye foreshore
• Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula’s Federal Candidates Forum, advocating for regional priorities
• Angel of Mercy Celebration at Peninsula Aero Club, honouring the birthplace of the world’s first helicopter ambulance service
• Peninsula Film Festival and local art exhibitions
• Art exhibition at Coolart Homestead for World Wetlands Day, supporting environmental awareness through local art
• Held an Open Day at the Tounnin Wominjeka Youth Hub in Rosebud, supporting young people in the region

Advocacy and Policy Wins

• Secured $4.7 million in Federal Government funding for the Dallas Brooks Reserve Soccer Upgrade
• Abandoned the Social Housing Contribution Scheme in response to overwhelming community feedback
• Abandoned the Paid Parking Proposal
• Advocated for and secured repairs for key infrastructure, including Rosebud Pier Maintenance, Portsea Pier Repairs, Beleura Cliff Path Upgrades and Rye Foreshore Park and Promenade Revamp
• Advanced the Mornington Peninsula Technology, Industry and Business Park to a Planning Panel
• Supported McCrae Landslide response, recovery, and advocacy, working closely with emergency services and impacted residents
• Responded to jet ski safety concerns, leading to increased enforcement action and discussions
• Kicked off the Shire’s Federal Election campaign, including launching the pledge tracker and hosting an upcoming forum
• Meetings with various MPs and Ministers to advocate for local issues, including infrastructure, housing, environmental priorities and more.

Infrastructure and environmental initiatives

• Started construction on key projects, including Somerville to Baxter Bike Trail and Pavilion at Marna Reserve, Dromana
• Opened and upgraded community facilities, including Dunns Road Seniors Outdoor Gym, Tootgarook Kindergarten and Civic Reserve Pavilion
• Enhanced green spaces through tree planting initiatives and improved public toilet access
• Advocated for better wildlife protection on roads and investigated measures to reduce roadkill incidents
• Western Port Boat Trip to discuss the importance of Western Port and the Ramsar Wetland, reinforcing conservation efforts
• Supported hybrid beach cleaning trials to balance environmental sustainability and public amenity
• Commenced the Green Wedge Management Plan review for sustainable land use
• Approved the Planning Permit for the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club Rebuild

Governance and organisational progress

• Appointed an Interim CEO within the first eight days
• Selected an Executive Search firm and progressed the recruitment of a new CEO, progressed to final interviews
• Changed how votes are recorded—now, all individual votes are recorded by name by default
• Strengthened Council decision-making through induction, ongoing Councillor training and governance workshops
• Held seven formal Council meetings to make key decisions for the community

Community wellbeing and social initiatives

• Advocated for affordable and social housing options, including identifying suitable locations
• Worked on expanding crisis housing services in partnership with local organisations
• Reinstatement of the mobile library bus (OLiV) to improve community access to books and resources across the Peninsula
• Created new leash-free dog areas to improve pet-friendly spaces
• Celebrated and supported the incredible contributions of local volunteers, from Mt Eliza’s Christmas tree decorators (now crafting Easter bollards!) to dedicated sporting club and conservation volunteers who strengthen our community

Economic and tourism development

• Attended Victorian Tourism Awards, where the Shire was a finalist
• Launched “Behind the Farm Gate” and “Live the Local Experience” podcasts to promote local businesses and tourism
• Met with Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board to discuss industry growth strategies and future partnerships to boost local tourism and business opportunities
• Advocated for regional economic development, including improved business parking solutions

Looking ahead

The first 100 days have laid a solid foundation, with a dedicated and community-focused Council working hard to deliver positive outcomes. There’s still plenty to do, and we’re committed to listening, learning, and working together to make a real difference for the Mornington Peninsula.
Looking ahead, our priorities include:

• Finalising and implementing the Council Plan, setting a bold vision for a thriving and sustainable Peninsula
• Partnering with our new CEO to drive innovation, efficiency, and exceptional outcomes for our community
• Expanding community engagement on key initiatives, ensuring every voice is heard
• Accelerating infrastructure improvements across all wards to enhance liveability and accessibility
• Strengthening our advocacy efforts to secure state and federal funding, unlocking new opportunities for growth, investment, and sustainability