2026 Victorian Parliament CFMP Advocacy Visit

On 12 August 2026, the Committee led a delegation of local government leaders to Victorian Parliament for meetings with Ministers and Shadow Ministers on priorities affecting our region. 

The delegation included:

Conversations centred on regional issues and election advocacy priorities ahead of the Victorian election to be held this November.

On behalf of our members, the Committee presented our findings from the Benchmarking Frankston-Mornington Peninsula Analysis commissioned earlier this year, which found that our region contributes more tax but receives significantly less government investment than comparable regions like Greater Geelong. Specifically, over the past three Victorian State Budgets, we've received $1.8 billion in state capital investment compared to $4.2 billion in Greater Geelong.

In meetings with decision-makers, our Chair and CEO noted challenges and issues that our members have raised with us over a number of years, and many of the priorities listed in our Strategic Plan 2030.

These included:

• Taxation: Tax revenue created by business in our region that is spent elsewhere - land tax, payroll tax, stamp duty, short-stay levy and more.
• Health: The redevelopment of Rosebud Hospital and improved ICU at Peninsula University Hospital. The Opposition Leader and Shadow Health Minister both confirmed that the Opposition's proposal to redevelop Rosebud Hospital during the Nepean by-election will carry over to the State election.
• Planning: The re-zoning of SUZ-1 land in Hastings for broader commercial, industrial and residential uses, industrial land shortages within Frankston City. In addition, we continue to raise with the government and opposition the complexities and costs associated with being designated as Metropolitan Melbourne particularly in relation to taxation.
• Public Transport: Improving public transport beyond Frankston by uplifting the Stony Point line and increasing bus routes.
• Roads: Upgrades to major roads that enhance connectivity, safety and reduce congestion. We also registered our complete dissatisfaction with the works undertaken on Peninsula Link earlier this year and the lack of coordination between roadworks, particularly along Nepean Highway, Moorooduc Highway and local Mornington roads. The department advised the delegation that remaining works on Peninsula Link will take place over two weeks at the beginning of December.
• Infrastructure: Economy-enhancing infrastructure for Frankston's CBD and the revitalisation of Nepean Boulevard

• Energy: Supporting the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) at the Port of Hastings

At each meeting, the Committee partnered with local government and supported both Frankston City and Mornington Peninsula Shire on the following priorities:

• Economic activity: a proposed Special Economic Priority Area (SEPA) for Frankston's CBD to attract further private investment and economic uplift throughout Frankston City. This proposal would deliver $4 for every $1 spent.
• Planning: More jobs in Hastings if SUZ-1 land were released, and supporting Kananook Industrial Precinct 
• Roads: Rebuilding Coolart Road, Intersection upgrade at Mornington-Tyabb Rd/Racecourse Rd in Mornington, Intersection upgrades at Graydens Rd/Frankston-Flinders Rd/Marine Pde in Hastings, Frankston South road upgrades including Stotts Lane and Baxter Park entrance upgrades.
• Health and Active Transport: The National Centre for Healthy Ageing and its significance to Frankston. Completing the Peninsula Trail including $14 million for the 8.3 km stretch between Mornington and Moorooduc and a number of links in Frankston City.

• Homelessness: $15 million required to support women and children in housing in Rosebud, financial assistance for overstretched Peninsula support centres, support for the Function Zero program
• Tourism: Fixing Portsea front beach, completing the rebuild of Flinders Pier that has already started, restoring the Beleura Cliff path

Over the course of the day, the delegation met with:

Our delegation was supported by our local Members of Parliament, including:

This joint parliamentary advocacy trip led by the Committee and together with our local governments is an important advocacy tool that our region will continue to utilise. 

Presenting a united approach to priorities across two local governments and industry has consistently proved to be influential in achieving funding announcements or election commitments.

Thank you to both local governments and their leaders for participating with great vigour in each of our meetings.

And a special thank you to the offices of both Paul Mercurio and Chris Crewther for helping facilitate meetings for our group and guiding us around the Parliament for the day.