Is the Mornington Peninsula really part of Melbourne? Or are we more like a string of country towns and coastal villages that just happen to be an hour from the CBD?
That question is back in the spotlight, with local MP Chris Crewther renewing his push for the Peninsula to be officially classed as regional. And for many locals and small business owners, it’s a move that simply makes sense.
Speaking on ABC Radio Melbourne this week, Crewther said it’s pretty clear the Peninsula has more in common with regional Victoria than it does with metropolitan Melbourne.
“Most people on the Peninsula wouldn’t say they live in a suburb — they’d say they live in a town or a village. You’ve got Mount Eliza village, Mount Martha village. We’re beyond the urban growth boundary in large parts,” he told host Ali Moore.
Paying more, getting less
Right now, the state government considers the Peninsula to be metropolitan. That means small businesses here pay a much higher payroll tax — about 4.85% — while in Geelong, which is officially regional, it’s just 1.21%.
“Geelong has a bigger population, more services, but pays less tax than we do,” Crewther said. “And we still miss out on the grants and funding that are aimed at metro areas, because we’re treated like we’re on the outer edge.”
It doesn’t stop there. Around 82% of the Peninsula doesn’t have access to public transport, and homelessness rates are among the highest in Melbourne. Meanwhile, the federal government treats large parts of the Peninsula as regional for Australia Post, so locals pay higher parcel rates. It’s a messy situation that leaves many feeling like they’re stuck with the worst of both worlds.
Locals on board
Crewther says most locals are right behind the idea. During his 2022 election campaign, he found strong support for pushing to be officially recognised as regional.
“You just have to walk down the street to see it. People here don’t see themselves as part of suburban Melbourne,” he said.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire and local groups like the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula have also been calling for change, arguing the current classification holds the area back.
Any shift would need some careful tweaks to planning rules, like ensuring the Green Wedge stays protected, but supporters believe it would open the door to fairer tax rates and more targeted funding.
A fair go
If Geelong qualifies as regional, why shouldn’t the Mornington Peninsula? With local businesses paying higher taxes while receiving fewer benefits, and much of the Peninsula resembling coastal country towns rather than Melbourne suburbs, many believe the case for reclassification is compelling.
What do you think? Should the Mornington Peninsula finally be recognised for what it really is — a regional community with its own unique needs, not just another corner of Melbourne?
The State government probably wants the population of the Peninsula to be included in the Melbourne population statistics to say Melbourne is bigger than Sydney.
Also doesn’t want to include Geelong area to keep votes.
I just wanted to say that I totally support this initiative. I’ve always questioned why Geelong is classified as regional while the Mornington Peninsula isn’t, especially given they are larger in population size, infrastructure, and community needs.
It’s clear that something needs to be put in motion to address this. Reclassifying the Mornington Peninsula as regional could unlock much-needed funding, services, and support for our area.