FMAC Structure Plan Approved for Frankston
Frankston’s FMAC Structure Plan has been added to the planning scheme, providing certainty for future development and investment, RPP FM reports.
STPL News
Concern for Missing Dandenong Toddler as Police Launch Urgent Search
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate three-year-old Erin and her mother, last seen in Warburton on Monday. The pair may have travelled through Echuca and are believed to be in a white Mitsubishi Triton with the number plates 1RR1ZF.
In Print: Latest Edition of the Somerville Times Available Tomorrow
The latest edition of the Somerville Times is rolling off the press and will be available for pickup at local collection points starting tomorrow.
New Boutique Hotel Development Site in Rye Hits the Market
A new boutique hotel may soon rise in Rye, with a development-approved site at 6 Napier Street now on the market.
Veterans Urge Community to Attend ANZAC Day Services
Veterans and the RSL are calling on locals to turn out in force this ANZAC Day. Services will be held across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
Paterson Lakes: Driver Hits 200km/h and Rams Police Car
A 27-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly driving at 200km/h, colliding with a police vehicle, and fleeing the scene in Paterson Lakes. She is expected to face multiple charges.
Letter to the Editor – Disappointing Old School Politics.
Letter to the Editor: Tracey Asquith discusses the political excitement surrounding the 2025 election, emphasizing support for independent candidate Ben Smith and the importance of a diverse crossbench in government.
Would This Happen in Mornington? Tyabb FC Forced to Cancel Game Due to Council Failure
Tyabb Football Netball Club volunteers were forced to fill rabbit holes on Bunyguyan Reserve’s top oval after MPSC failed to deliver promised repairs, highlighting ongoing infrastructure neglect in Western Port. With the council's budget approaching, many wonder: Will Western Port be forgotten again?
Who Do You Stand With? STPL News Wants to Hear From Local Supporters This Election
STPL News invites Flinders residents to share authentic opinions on local election candidates for a special feature, focusing on community voices and pressing issues.
Council’s 3% Rate Hike Misses the Mark with Residents
Mornington Shire's 3% rate increase has faced backlash from residents, particularly in lower-income areas like Hastings, who argue the burden of recovery from the McCrae landslide unfairly falls on them. Deputy Mayor Pingiaro cited financial pressures and a lack of state support, but many feel betrayed after promises of a rate freeze during the election.
Inspire Change Crew: Bindi & Callum’s Mission to Empower At-Risk Youth
Inspire Change Crew, led by Bindi and Callum, is empowering at-risk youth through mentorship, life skills, and opportunities for personal growth. Learn how their initiative is reshaping the future for troubled youth by focusing on early intervention and positive guidance.
Deputy Mayor Pleads for Understanding Over Council’s Rate Rise Backflip as Residents Lash Out
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted unanimously to increase rates by the maximum 3%, despite several councillors previously campaigning on a rate freeze. Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro says the move is necessary to avoid financial collapse, but local residents have reacted with anger.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Votes for Maximum 3% Rate Rise
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to apply the full 3% rate cap for 2025–26, despite several councillors having campaigned for a rate freeze just five months ago.
Frankston Council to Consider Graffiti Bounty
Frankston City Council is proposing a community-driven initiative to combat graffiti, aiming to reduce the $500,000 annual clean-up costs through engagement and rewards.
Victoria Police Urge Reporting of Sexual Offences Linked to Dating Apps
Victoria Police are urging victims of sexual offences connected to dating apps to report incidents, highlighting the importance of affirmative consent and access to support services.
Is the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Under Investigation?
STPL News has received reports that the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council may be under investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate.
Prayer and Preferences? Curious Alliance in Flinders Sparks Controversy
A quiet prayer between Flinders candidates Ben Smith and Mike Brown has ignited political controversy, with claims of preference discussions denied by both parties.
Southern Peninsula Support Centre Prepares for Increased Winter Demand
The Southern Peninsula Community Support Centre expects increased demand this winter, with CEO Jeremy Maxwell highlighting uncertainty in government funding and ongoing community reliance.
Police Enforcement Blitz Across Victoria
Victoria Police are increasing road safety enforcement across the state during the April school holidays and Easter long weekend, warning motorists to remain cautious despite recent reductions in road trauma.
Race Raises Stakes: Labor’s $1.3 Million Promise to Hastings
Labor’s Sarah Race commits $1.3 million to Hastings Recreation Reserve upgrades, lifting total Western Port sporting pledges to $1.55 million and increasing pressure on the Liberals.
Public Tips Lead Police to Alleged Drink Driver in Seaford
A 53-year-old Seaford man allegedly returned a 0.245% BAC after being intercepted by police on Saturday. Public reports led to his arrest and vehicle impoundment.
Western Port Communities Demand Better Sports Infrastructure After Club Closure
The Hastings Club's closure highlights long-term underinvestment in Western Port, with residents vocally criticizing the Council's inadequate support for local sports infrastructure over decades.
Police Renew Cape Schanck Search for Missing Man Sergio Cuesta
Victoria Police are conducting a renewed search at Cape Schanck for missing 28-year-old Sergio Cuesta, last seen in September 2023. His case is treated as a homicide, with four murder charges filed.
Police Search for Missing 13-Year-Old Girl Sheanna
Police are seeking public help to find 13-year-old Sheanna, missing since April 2 in Montrose. Concerns grow for her safety; she may be in the Pakenham, Dandenong, or Doveton areas.
Labor’s $250K Pledge Overshadowed by Liberal’s $5M Somerville Commitment
As the federal election approaches in May, Somerville Recreation Reserve's future is pivotal, with Labor's $250,000 and Liberal's $5 million funding promises competing, highlighting community priorities and the need for feedback on the master plan.
Police Appeal to Locate Missing Woman Moira
Police are searching for 50-year-old Moira, last seen on 27 March 2025. Frankston Eyewatch Police have shared the appeal.
Hastings Club Hits Back at Mercurio’s Claim
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio claimed the Hastings Club is not a not-for-profit, but official records tell a different story. The club has pushed back, calling for clarity and support.
Not Holding Back Criticism
Hastings Club board member Kevin Miles criticizes the Mornington Peninsula Shire for neglecting Western Port communities following the club's closure due to a leak. He claims the Shire failed to provide financial support, leading to the club's liquidation and community frustration.
Hastings Club Fallout Exposes Widespread Neglect in Western Port
Prompted by STPL News’ coverage of the Hastings Club collapse, a local volunteer has exposed systemic neglect across sporting facilities in Somerville, Tyabb and Hastings, calling for urgent action.
Police Seek Public Assistance Following Frankston Burglary
Police are investigating a burglary in Parwan Court, Frankston, where jewellery was stolen. Image released of a man who may assist with enquiries
Learner Driver Caught at 200km/h in Cranbourne North Street Race
An 18-year-old learner from Clyde North has been caught driving at 200km/h during a suspected street race in Cranbourne North. Police are still searching for the second driver.
Hastings Club Collapse Raises Questions Over Council Neglect
After a prolonged closure caused by delayed building repairs, the Hastings Club has entered liquidation. Community leaders are questioning Mornington Peninsula Shire’s handling of the issue.
Frankston City Council’s Call for Support on Key Projects
Frankston Council is urging election candidates to support funding for emergency relief, infrastructure upgrades, and a $11.7M active transport network to better connect the city.
Federal Election Called for May 3
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia’s federal election will take place on May 3, with major parties focusing on cost-of-living and economic policies.
Independent Ben Smith Claims Flinders Race Is Neck and Neck
Independent candidate Ben Smith says the race for Flinders is neck and neck with incumbent Zoe McKenzie. With over 500 volunteers and strong local donations, he believes momentum is on his side. Read more on STPL News.
Another Senior Departure at Mornington Peninsula Shire
Another senior leader has resigned from Mornington Peninsula Shire, with insider reports suggesting more exits to come. Is this a restructure or something bigger?
Arsonists Cause $2M Damage in Dandenong South Truck Yard Fires
Victoria Police are investigating two suspicious fires at a Dandenong South truck yard, causing nearly $2 million in damages. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
I Have Seen Photos of Bigfoot with Better Resolution
The Greens’ Dunkley candidate, Matt Maber, became the centre of attention earlier this month—not for his policies, but for a campaign photo so pixelated it rivals a Bigfoot sighting. As social media mocked the blurry image and anonymous post, it raised a bigger question: how can you take the Greens seriously?
Three More Charged in Lyndhurst Murder Case
Victoria Police have charged three more individuals in connection with the fatal stabbing of Timothy Leek in Lyndhurst. Investigations continue, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward.
2025 Australian Federal Budget: Winners and Losers
Discover the key takeaways from the 2025 Federal Budget. Find out who benefits from tax cuts, rent assistance, and healthcare funding—and who misses out.
What Is Going On at the Shire?
Reports from an insider are that the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Director of Planning, Renae Littlejohn, has suddenly left the role. The insider further reports high staff turnover and low morale within the organisation.
Police Investigate Arson in Hastings
Mornington Peninsula detectives are investigating an arson attack in Hastings after two males set fire to a ute at a Frankston-Flinders Road service station.
Highlights from Hastings Emergency Services Open Day
The Emergency Services Open Day at Hastings foreshore drew thousands on 22 March 2025, featuring police, SES, CFA, Coastguard, stunt riders, and community safety initiatives.
Mornington Peninsula Couple’s $2,000 Daily Medical Bill in China
A Mornington Peninsula couple’s holiday turned into a nightmare when David Crowley suffered heart failure in China, leaving them with $2,000-a-day hospital bills. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $16,000 to help cover costs.
Labor Extends $150 Energy Bill Rebate
The Albanese government is extending its $150 energy bill rebate for households and small businesses as part of a $1.8 billion cost-of-living package in the 2025 federal budget.
Man Arrested Following Alleged Sexual Assault on Dandenong Bus
A 25-year-old Springvale man has been arrested following an alleged sexual assault on a Route 811 bus in Dandenong. Victoria Police continues to investigate.
Body Found in Seaford Beach: Investigation Ongoing
A woman's body was found off Seaford Beach near Melbourne, prompting an ongoing investigation as authorities seek to determine the circumstances of her death.
Top Crime Spots on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Revealed as New Report Shows Crime Running Rampant
Concerns surge as crime rates escalate across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, prompting urgent calls for government action and support.
Baxter Men’s Shed Reopens After Two-Year Rebuild Following Fire
The Baxter Men's Shed celebrates its grand reopening after a two-year rebuild following a fire, reaffirming its vital role in community connection and support.
Teenager Charged After Passenger Killed in Fatal Pakenham Crash
A 16-year-old has been charged with culpable driving after a fatal collision in Pakenham last November. Police allege the Audi involved was stolen.
