By J Scicluna
Council meeting to address public concern over funding decisions and climate policy
A public protest is planned ahead of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting on Tuesday 17 June, as councillors face growing scrutiny over arts and culture funding cuts, governance concerns, and recent decisions relating to the Shire’s climate commitments.
The protesr, organised by the Save Our Arts MP campaign, will begin at 4.45pm outside the Council chambers at 90 Besgrove Street, Rosebud, ahead of the 6.30pm Council meeting. It comes in response to the Shire’s May 2025 decision to remove several long-standing community grants under its Community Investment Funding (CIF) program.
At the meeting, Councillor Max Patton will move two Notices of Motion (No. 490 and 491) addressing community concerns around arts and culture funding, First Nations programs, environmental groups, and Council’s climate change response.
Motion 1: Arts, First Nations, Environment
Cr Patton’s first motion calls for a series of reports by September 2025 to clarify:
- The level of consultation prior to the removal of arts, First Nations, and environmental subsidies;
- The impact of these cuts on delivery of the Arts and Culture Strategy, Music Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan, and environmental goals;
- A funding comparison with similar councils.
The motion follows the removal of funding streams supporting local arts programs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inclusion, and organisations such as the Dolphin Research Institute and Repower. A petition opposing the arts cuts has attracted over 2,500 signatures.
Council officers have confirmed a report can be provided by September. They noted that over 3,500 submissions were received during budget consultation earlier this year and that changes to CIF were made within the community investment budget allocation.
Motion 2: Climate Change Engagement
Cr Patton’s second motion addresses community concerns following recent decisions regarding the Shire’s Climate Emergency Declaration and Climate Emergency Plan. His motion proposes a comprehensive community engagement process, beginning as soon as possible, to:
- Inform residents of Council’s legislative responsibilities in climate action;
- Gather public feedback on priorities, programs, and partnerships;
- Engage key sectors, including youth, agriculture, coastal communities and business.
A report summarising the outcomes is proposed for October 2025, including:
- Community sentiment and expectations;
- Comparative analysis with similar coastal and agricultural councils;
- Data on projected local impacts from sources such as the Port Phillip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment;
- Recommendations to guide future planning and climate resilience measures.
The Mornington Peninsula faces unique climate risks including coastal erosion, rising sea levels, bushfire threats, and impacts on biodiversity and agriculture.
Broader Context and Mayor’s Response
The meeting will occur under increased security protocols, requiring pre-registration and ID for public attendees. The chamber is limited to 45 people.
- Register: https://mornpen.link/hs
- Agenda: https://mornpen.link/ht
- Livestream: https://mornpen.link/hr
Mayor Anthony Marsh has publicly defended the Council’s budget, stating it was informed by extensive consultation and aligned with community priorities. He has denied the existence of a voting bloc controlling Council decisions and denied that he was not involved in the introduction of the increased security or registration rules for meetings.
Despite these assurances, some in the community remain sceptical, citing a lack of transparency and growing concern over how key decisions are being made.
