Performance Measures
check_circle 47 business events and workshops led or supported (Quarterly target – 8)
arrow_circle_up 34 community events held or supported. 22 events last quarter (Target – increase)
arrow_circle_down 55 days, on average, for event applications. 45 days last quarter. (Target – decrease)
arrow_circle_up 48,000 visitations to Shire destinations
Annual Actions
3.1.1.1 Create a dedicated business permit support process
Off Track
A working group has been established to map the current procedures that businesses must follow when seeking permit information from the Council. Officers are collaborating with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and several other councils to explore the potential of an AI-driven business concierge service.
3.1.1.2 Deliver the Western Port Futures Project
On Track
Officers are actively engaged in working group meetings with the State Government to advance initiatives concerning the Surplus Port Land. A comprehensive land use plan is currently under development and will subsequently be presented to Council for endorsement. Furthermore, preliminary work has commenced on the Vision and Opportunities Paper.
3.1.2.1 Deliver initiatives, in collaboration with stakeholders, to increase local learning opportunities
On Track
Shire officers supported the implementation of several initiatives, including the Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards program, a series of agribusiness workshops and field days, an Emergency Preparedness workshop attended by 24 businesses, and the ‘Work for Money and Enjoyment’ forum, which was designed for more than 60 seniors looking to re-enter the workforce.
The Best Bites program provides opportunities for businesses to enhance their skills in sustainability, accessibility, and health and wellbeing. At the end of 2025, the program had successfully assessed 64 businesses, which was a 20 per cent increase on last year. Additionally, program officers participated in regular meetings with various organisations, including the Frankton Mornington Peninsula Skills and Jobs Network, the South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula Taskforce, the FMP Youth Employment Body, 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 and submitted to the Minister for Planning on 6 October 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.
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 Sustainable Food Economy and Agroecology Taskforce engaged Sustain to prepare a progress report on the 2-year Action Plan, to run a priority setting workshop in December, and to develop a forward-looking priority action plan for the next 2 years.
Delivery of the 3-year Climate Smart Agriculture grant through Melbourne Water has started. This funding will assist in progressing the project to measure the baseline for agroecological farming practices on the Mornington Peninsula. A launch event was held in the quarter with farmers registering their interest.
The Future Farmers Pathway program, to develop the next generation of small-scale farmers on Mornington Peninsula land, is continuing.
Additionally, communication and education to the Mornington Peninsula farming and landholding community were enhanced through the Agribusiness newsletter and business website resources in the previous quarter.