Performance Measures
check_circle 80 days, on average, for planning applications (Target ≤ 90 days). 61% of planning applications decided within target timeframes.
check_circle 94,845m² of roads resurfaced and/or rehabilitated in the quarter. 232,252m² year to date (Annual target – 200,000m²)
Annual Actions
1.2.1.1 Finalise the residential height planning controls review
Off Track
Both the Background Report (Literature Review) and the Shire-wide Landscape Character Assessment Report were completed in the last quarter.
Data from the Landscape Character Assessment will be integrated with the Victorian Government's Vic3D platform in the next quarter. Detailed site testing, modelling and analysis will then be undertaken to inform recommended changes to height controls before commencing community engagement.
1.2.1.2 Deliver planning scheme amendments across Mornington Peninsula in support of population growth and maintaining neighbourhood character
On Track
Upon receiving the report from the independent Planning Panel about Amendment C295morn (Creswell Street Crib Point Development Contributions Plan Review) in the previous quarter, Council resolved on 16 December 2025 to adopt the amendment and submit it to the Minister for Planning for approval with changes.
These changes will investigate whether two Manna Gums in the Cooma Street Road Reserve can be retained with an alternative road sealing treatment. If an alternative design cannot preserve the trees, the Development Contributions Plan will be updated to delete sealing that section of Cooma Street to ensure the trees can be retained. These investigations will commence in January, with the final DCP and Amendment C295morn to be submitted to the Minister for approval in early 2026.
A Planning Panel hearing was held in October 2025 for Amendment C247morn (Woodbyne Crescent, Mornington North). The Panel delivered its report to Council in November 2025. Council will consider the Panel's report and decide whether to adopt the amendment in the following quarter.
Amendments sitting with the Minister for Planning:
- Amendment C219morn (Housing on the Peninsula). We continue to liaise with the State Government to try to progress the assessment and approval of the amendment, noting that significant recent planning reforms (namely the new Single Dwelling Code and Townhouse and Low-Rise Code) will likely impact the amendment. The amendment was adopted by Council in August 2024 and submitted to the Minister for Planning in September 2024.
- Amendment C302morn (Heritage Review Area 4 and Stage 5, including permanent Heritage Overlays and Sorrento Incorporated Document Review). Council is awaiting approval from the Minister for Planning to publicly exhibit the amendment.
- Amendment C286morn (Ocean Beach Road Sorrento Built Form Controls). Council adopted the amendment on 23 September 2025.
1.2.2.1 Deliver the Community Facilities Infrastructure Strategy through development of Community Infrastructure Action Plans
On Track
The local area action plans for Western Port are almost complete, with assessments of all 94 facilities conducted.
A Community Facilities Delivery and Management Model Framework, which will guide the recommendations, has been developed and we are currently undertaking engagement and consultation on the recommendations.
The draft Framework will be presented to Council in early 2026.
1.2.2.2 Review the Public Amenity Strategy
On Track
The review of our Public Amenity Strategy is nearing completion, with a significant amount of work completed, including audits of all facilities, the development of a prioritisation matrix and consideration of key data and information. Upon completion, the Plan will be presented to the Project Control Group and the Executive.
1.2.2.3 Develop the Property Strategy
On Track
The development of a new Property Strategy is underway. A Councillor workshop is planned for 3 February 2026 to discuss the strategic property framework with councillors, and to agree on timelines, including community consultation.
1.2.2.4 Develop the Long Term Capital Works Plan
Monitor
We started planning for and incorporating a 4-year and 10-year financial planning outlook for capital budget submissions in November 2025.
We also undertook priority Councillor sessions to outline the process and inputs as part of the Long Term Capital Works Program and facilitated recurring program sessions. This will help us understand the planning and necessary information required for a 10-year outlook.
1.2.3.1 Develop the Integrated Transport Strategy
On Track
The draft Integrated Transport Strategy is progressing and nearing completion. A series of workshops with internal stakeholders was held with recommendations informing the draft. Workshops with Councillors will be held in the coming quarter, before finalising the draft for public exhibition by June 2025.
1.2.3.2 Review the Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy
Monitor
The draft strategy is currently in development. To inform its development, a workshop with key stakeholders was held on 11 November 2025 to discuss options for improving road safety on the Mornington Peninsula.
The workshop provided valuable input into the road safety strategy development. An expert road safety consultant has been engaged to refresh the Shire's road safety strategy. The first stage of the road safety strategy refresh (crash data analysis) is almost complete. The next stage is development of road safety actions.
1.2.4.1 Deliver the annual Road Rehabilitation and Resurfacing Programs
On Track
The Mornington Peninsula community can look forward to smoother, safer journeys, with the Shire’s annual Road Resurfacing and Rehabilitation Program (RRRP) now underway. As part of the scheduled program of works, these programs will be delivered throughout the 2025-26 year with some works, including Uralla Road, Mount Martha, already completed.
Pre-works have been completed for remaining locations, which include:
- Wooralla Drive, Mount Eliza
- Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza
- Old White Hill Road, Dromana
- Point Leo Road, Point Leo
- Verdon Street, Dromana
- Heales Street, Dromana
- Coryule Street, Shoreham.
1.2.4.2 Review the Road Management Plan
Completed
Our Road Management Plan (RMP) was adopted on 14 October 2025.
As part of delivery of the RMP we filled in 1,866 potholes this quarter from 548 requests received.
1.2.5.1 Deliver the Peninsula Trail Masterplan
On Track
The Peninsula Trail project has made good progress this quarter, particularly in the areas of branding, wayfinding, and design. A Branding Strategy has been completed, incorporating the MPS logo and aligning with the corporate Style Guide. Extensive engagement, including workshops with the Bunurong Land Council, Parks Victoria, community stakeholders, and internal experts, has informed the Strategy and identified five brand pillars: Country & Culture, Diversity & Discovery, Inclusivity & Connection, Healthy Living & Wellbeing, and Sustainability & Care. These pillars will guide functional wayfinding, interpretive storytelling, and engagement campaigns.
Concepts have been completed in time for the new visual identity to first appear on signage for the nearly completed Somerville to Baxter link.
Planning progress continues on the Mornington to Moorooduc section, with an updated concept design completed in draft pending the outcome of a biodiversity assessment. The biodiversity assessment is also currently in draft form and undergoing internal reviews before finalisation. Once complete, a decision on a preferred route through the rail corridor will be able to be made to progress the section to detailed design.
A design package for the next four highest priority missing links will go to market shortly to engage a suitably qualified consultant to undertake detailed design.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 financial year, priorities will include progressing key sections through design to be funding-ready and collaborating with the Advocacy team to support funding opportunities.