Performance Measures
check_circle 38 business events and workshops led or supported (Quarterly target – 8)
check_circle 22 community events held or supported (Target – increase)
check_circle 45 days, on average, for event applications (Target – decrease)
arrow_circle_up 39,048 visitations to Shire destinations (Briars visitation up 39% from July-September 2023)
Annual Actions
3.1.1.1 Create a dedicated business permit support process
Off Track
An application was submitted to the Business Acceleration Fund to develop a digital concierge for business permits, which will help businesses navigate the process of obtaining necessary approvals and provide support with application forms, as well as offer advice and guidance.
Initial planning around the internal mapping process for the digital concierge has been completed, however further work has been deferred until after the Organisational Structure Review.
3.1.1.2 Deliver the Western Port Futures Project
On Track
The Western Port Futures Project is underway. The working group met to plan the key project deliverables and Councillors were briefed on 19 August to introduce the project and discuss some project components that required feedback.
Recruitment for the Project Lead role will start again following the withdrawal of the initial preferred candidate.
3.1.2.1 Deliver initiatives, in collaboration with stakeholders, to increase local learning opportunities
On Track
Shire officers supported the delivery of Frankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network Industry Expo and attended regular meetings with the Frankton Mornington Peninsula Skills and Jobs network and South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula Taskforce. We also attended monthly meetings with Chisholm TAFE and Advance College.
3.1.4.1 Deliver planning scheme amendments in support of increasing commercial and industrial land
On Track
Planning Scheme Amendment C243morn (Somerville Technology, Industry and Business Park) was adopted by Council on 23 September 2025. It seeks to rezone surplus Port-related land at 79 and 83 Bungower Road in Somerville to create a new precinct for general industrial use with a focus on emerging strategic manufacturing, research and development, and start-up enterprises. The amendment will be submitted to the Minister for Planning in October for final approval
Planning Scheme Amendment C294morn (Hastings Industrial Precinct) is yet to be lodged with Council for assessment. The privately led amendment is intended to create a new industrial precinct on surplus Port-related land north of Graydens Road, generally between Frankston-Flinders Road, Boes Road and Olivers Creek South.
3.1.5.1 Deliver the Food and Agroecology Strategy
On Track
The Future Farmers Pathway program to develop the next generation of small-scale farmers on Mornington Peninsula land has commenced. This Program creates a pathway for new farmers to have opportunities to access land and learn sustainable farming practices.
The project to measure the baseline for agroecological farming practices on the Mornington Peninsula is progressing. We will be the first region in Australia to use the Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation (TAPE), which will be used to measure this in the region. The Tool was developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
The Sustainable Food Economy and Agroecology Taskforce met to work together on strengthening the local food system. The Shire is a partner on The Community Plate, and a representative from Peninsula Health sits on the Taskforce.