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Calls for urgent 'road out' plan to support for Peninsula businesses 'on the brink.'

The Committee for Mornington Peninsula (CfMP) is urging the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council make a roadmap for economic recovery their top priority as many local businesses report being 'on the brink' as a result of COVID-pandemic containment restrictions.

The local 'think tank' has heard how the benefits of modest Council relief measures do not represent a clear 'road out' for the local economic and the many business struggling to survive in the retail, hospitality, visitor and leisure industries are desperately awaiting a clear plan from the Shire about how it aims to support a reboot of the local economy and local businesses once current COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

President for the CfMP, Shannon Smit said “With the Premier due to release plans for lifting of restrictions for both metropolitan and regional Victoria on Sunday, the Mornington Peninsula needs a local government plan that is timely and workable. I would urge the current Councillors to ensure this piece of work is done prior to the Council entering caretaker mode for the upcoming election "Ms Smit said.  

"Our research points to many hospitality and retail businesses being on the brink and in desperate need of hope and a road out of the current punishing business conditions on the Peninsula.

 "We have proposed the activation of public spaces to support restaurants and cafes, creating a COVID-19 Business Response and Recovery Taskforce to provide advice and assistance and for Council to support the business community with streamlined permit processes and fee reductions. Hearing that the Council has some of its own ideas is encouraging, but we have not seen a willing embrace of employer and business community input.

We are just days out from restrictions potentially being lifted, with no sign of a clear plan from the MPS  that gives our job-creators some hope and certainty that the Council has them front-of-mind and is going to assist them. "

"Summer is around the corner and the CfMP is concerned that with no plan in place, Mornington Peninsula businesses are going to miss out on key opportunities in the recovery phase. A handbrake on summer trade and missed opportunities to commence recovery will mean many great Mornington Peninsula Businesses will not survive”, Ms Smit said.

 The CfMP point to great examples of the work other Councils are doing and have been doing in this space since the COVID-19 Pandemic occurred including:

  • COVID-29 business support grant programs for businesses 
  • Inviting local businesses to be involved in roundtables and similar to formulate strategies to respond to COVID-19
  • Compliance and enforcement action prioritised to issues of public and environmental safety risk during COVID-19 response and recovery
  • activating local shopping centres through COVID outdoor dining including parklets being installed throughout the City to create spaces for pedestrian activity and including seating, dining areas, greenery and bike parking
  • payment deferrals for quarterly rate payments 
  • fees for amendments to planning applications being waived 
  • local shopping centre ‘Buy local' and 'Activation' campaigns
  • improving access to local shopping centres through investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure

CfMP Member and owner of Green Olive at Red Hill, Greg O’Donoghue added his voice to the call for a clear Council business and jobs recovery plan.

 “It is extremely frustrating that the Shire has a 'tin ear' to the voice of its local businesses", an exasperated Mr O'Donoghue said.

 "To date, Council has done nothing for the hospitality and tourism industry in the five months we have been currently shut down.  Without a clear plan and decisive action to improve local business conditions, we'll end up with multiple businesses failing and unemployment for youth going past twenty per cent. 
"Please give us the plan for business recovery Mornington Peninsula Shire", pleaded Mr O'Donoghue.

Ms Smit added: “There are worldwide examples of how local authorities have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. One example is the Westminster council in London implemented a plan for al-fresco dining including pavement widening and temporary road closures for part of the day in popular London districts such as Chinatown, Covent Garden, Soho and Mayfair. If the Council responsible for Central London can come up with innovative solutions, surely so can our Council.”

 How can you help?

The CfMP are encouraging the business community to contact their local Councillor/s demanding priority be given to a timely and workable recovery plan to support a 'road out' of the COVID-19 pandemic for the business community. 

 The community are also encouraged to contact their Local state MPs asking for the Mornington Peninsula to be included in the Andrews Government Regional COVID-19 Recovery Plan to be released on Sunday.

To contact your local Councillor/s:

Red Hill Ward (Red Hill, Red Hill South, Main Ridge, Balnarring Beach, Somers, Merricks Beach, Merricks, Point Leo, Shoreham, Flinders, Cape Schanck, St Andrews Beach, Boneo, Fingal, Arthurs Seat, Balnarring, Merricks North and HMAS Cerberus)

Councillor David Gill
Email: david.gill@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0437 129 016

Briars Ward (Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha)

Councillor Sam Hearn
Email: sam.hearn@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0437 170 083

Councillor Rosie Clark
Email: rosie.clark@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0437 152 991  

Councillor Bev Colomb
Email: bev.colomb@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0418 506 638

Cerebus Ward (Tuerong, Bittern, Hastings, Crib Point)

Councillor Kate Roper 
Email: kate.roper@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0437 134 168

Seawinds Ward (Safety Beach,  Dromana, McCrae, Rosebud, Capel Sound)

Councillor Simon Brooks
Email: simon.brooks@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0437 174 486  

Councillor Antonella Celi
Email: Antonella.Celi@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0408 974 143

Councillor Frank Martin
Email: frank.martin@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0437 153 578

Nepean Ward (Tootgarook, Rye, Blairgowrie, Sorrento, Portsea )

Councillor Hugh Fraser
Email: Hugh.Fraser@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0428 258 354

Councillor Bryan Payne
Email: bryan.payne@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0437 193 039

Watson Ward ( Baxter, Somerville, Tyabb, Moorooduc, Pearcedale)

Councillor Julie Morris
Email: Julie.Morris@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 0437 156 531

To contact your local State MP:

 Chris Brayne - Member for Nepean 
 Chris.Brayne@parliament.vic.gov.au

David Morris - Member for Mornington
david.morris@parliament.vic.gov.au

Neale Burgess- Member for Hastings
neale.burgess@parliament.vic.gov.au


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula has written an open letter to the Victorian Premier and Chief Health Officer to request the Mornington Peninsula be urgently included in regional Victorian-level restrictions in the new roadmap to reopening. …


Disappointingly, there are no recommendations for significant improvements to public transport for the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria's Infrastructure Strategy 2021- 2051 released yesterday, despite this being one of the Peninsula's most significant infrastructure deficits.

If the Mornington Peninsula is unworthy of metropolitan public transport investment in the next 30 years, according to the Victorian Government’s key infrastructure advisers, then the legitimacy of our current metropolitan classification is once again thrown into serious question. …


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula is urging the Federal and Victorian Governments to provide additional financial support for communities under lockdown restrictions, including those on the Mornington Peninsula.

Yesterday’s announcement of a reinstated border between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria means that from today, the Mornington Peninsula will once again be subjected to ongoing lockdown restrictions despite having no active cases and our last listed exposure site being 15 days old. …


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula welcomes the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s move to investigate a possible reclassification of the Mornington Peninsula from the current metropolitan designation.

We welcome the Council’s attention to this issue to enable a collaborative solution to ultimately address the Peninsula’s economic disadvantage, which the Committee has focused on since 2019. …


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula is disappointed that the Mornington Peninsula received just 0.09 per cent of the funding announced for our neighbours in greater Geelong in this year’s State Budget.

$424,000 of new funding was announced for the Mornington Peninsula whilst $463.43 million of new funding was announced for Greater Geelong, which has the same enrolled population as the Mornington Peninsula.

After extended and repeated metropolitan Melbourne lockdowns, the CfMP would have expected more support for our local businesses and public assets and services to help the Mornington Peninsula to recover, however no new funding was announced for our local hospitals, schools, TAFE, parks, roads or public transport services in this Budget.

Disappointingly, new taxes will be imposed on major employers on the Mornington Peninsula and our residential and commercial properties will be taxed at a higher rate as businesses and property owners attempt to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19.

We remain hopeful that over the coming months, the Victorian Government will announce local funding initiatives for the Mornington Peninsula from the state-wide funding programs announced in this State Budget. …


This unpredictability of government decision-making contributes to the general unease in the community about unforeseeable restrictions that could be imposed upon Victorians at any moment.

The lack of a clear and consistent approach to reopening and locking down Victorian communities erodes business and consumer confidence to plan, resulting in damaging effects to local economies, community mental health outcomes and the reputation of Victoria as the place to be. …


Victorian members of the Committees for Cities and Regions are calling on the Victorian Government to actively consult with the community to develop a long-term Covid readiness plan for Victorian cities and regions.

As Victoria faces another long weekend under lockdown-style conditions, the Committees are calling for a common set of publicly available and industry-informed standards to be applied to decision-making on Covid restrictions in Victoria. …


With us all the time, through all seasons and despite Covid restrictions, are Mornington Peninsula’s skilled winemakers.

Cellar door visits are always popular, and even when Covid restrictions limit opportunities to browse and taste, the product of the region’s winemakers is still available.  If we can’t go to them, they’ll come to us.

Let’s face it - a lovely Pinocchio from Crittenden Wines or a Red Fox Pinot Noir from Foxeys Hangout are just the thing to help ease the Covid blues.   …

Appointment of Zoe McKenzie to Committee of Management

Appointment of Zoe McKenzie to Committee of Management


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula is excited to release our Post-COVID Plan for the Peninsula, officially launched at our Members Event on Thursday 25 March.

Based on our foundational policy pillars established in 2019, the Committee's revised Post-COVID Plan reflects emerging changes in long-term community needs due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on our region's economy.

This Plan will form the structure of our ongoing advocacy to government at all levels for improved investment and policy outcomes for the Mornington Peninsula.

You can view a copy of the Plan here: …


Following the Premier's confirmation that if Lockdown 3 were to be extended, he would once again divide regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, the Committee for Mornington Peninsula has again called for the Peninsula to be considered regional.

Read the full Herald Sun Leader article below. …


COVID-19 demonstrates the need for regional designation for the Mornington Peninsula.

Yesterday's announcement that the Mornington Peninsula would be placed into lockdown, but not Geelong, is yet another example of the disparity of those who have regional designation and those that don’t. …


The leadership of the regional group committed to lifting economic and social prosperity as a priority for the Mornington Peninsula has recently made key appointments.

  …


The JobKeeper subsidy represents the largest single stimulus initiative ever offered to Australian business. A payment of $1,500 per fortnight for each eligible employee for a period of up to 6 months is a massive underwrite of the Australian economy and already hundreds of thousands of businesses have registered their interest to participate in the scheme. …

Support for Our Local Businesses

We're all feeling the effects of coronavirus right now, especially with the way that we shop and pay for goods and services.
These changes are clearly taking a toll on many local small businesses, who rely on the revenue from their regular customers to pay for staff, rent and even stock.
But in what small way can we, as individuals, also help?
How can we support our favourite business while we're socially distancing?

Go online or pick up the phone



With Victoria opting to shut down non-essential services, quite a few local small businesses are adapting by offering online delivery services for the first time or by offering special deals. Please see below for some of the deals currently being offered by our members. 

Blue Mini 
Blue Mini is currently open 7am - 2pm for take away coffee and take away meals. There is also a 'mini mart' for basic essentials like milk, eggs, toilet paper, pasta, coffee beans etc (subject to availability). We are encouraging people to call ahead (5981 2520) for easy payment to grab and go. 

Crittenden Wines 
Because we've got to keep moving- our knowledgable, friendly and talented staff are making guaranteed next day wine delivery around the Mornington Peninsula with our 15% off and free delivery offer.  If your not local, you can still access free delivery, but it will be with Aus Post instead. Use our special code: DELIVERMEWINE when ordering six or more bottles to apply the offer. 

Foxey's Hangout
Usually the Foxey van delivers wine to Peninsula restaurants. In these interesting times, its delivering wine (and food!) to Peninsula residents. For free ( and contact free) same-day delivery, give us a call (03) 5989 2022. We will take your order and card details and drop outside your door. All we need is a minimum half-dozen order  (tell us if you want it chilled). If you would like some Mother Mary Bakes Bread of other Foxey food well bring that too, just ask. 



Green Olive at Red Hill
Even though you can’t come to the farm at the moment, that doesn’t mean that the farm can’t come to you! We are having a huge sale on our body products with some items selling for more than 50% off their RRP and free shipping on all body product purchases over $50! We are also offering free delivery to your door when you purchase a pack of 12 wines! Simply write which wines you’d like in the comments at checkout and wait for the wine to be delivered to your doorstep!

Shop our body products here: Visit Website

Shop our 12 packs of wine here: Visit Website

Martha's Table 
Enjoy quality dining at home without the hassle. Please call us on (03) 9617 5371 or place your order here. Visit Website
FREE delivery over $49 purchase. All of your favourite in one place

Martha's Table Grocer and Cellar is open 8am - 8pm daily.  Martha's Table Grocer and Cellar will continue to be open to provide you with every day essentials such as grocery products, ready to eat meals, sandwiches, pizzas, take away coffee, wine, beer and non alcoholic beverages. 

Mornington Mazda 
Visit Website

Visit Website


Peninsula Gas and Fuel 
Home delivery service of bbq cylinders - Next business day delivery on 9kg $25.00 & 4kg $20.00 to anywhere across the Mornington Peninsula. 

Also we have a petrol station that offers driveway service in the Rosebud Business Estate, Colchester Road

Pt Leo Estate
Our Cellar Door is open for all take-away wine purchases and take-away coffee only
7 days from 11am - 5pm
 15% OFF ALL IN-STORE AND ONLINE WINE PURCHASES
DISCOUNT CODE 'STOCKYOURCELLAR15%'
Visit Website

*This discount cannot be used in conjunction with the Wine Club discount or with any other offer
25% OFF FOR WINE CLUB MEMBERS - JOIN OUR WINE CLUB TODAY








Raising Boys with Steve Biddulph

Come and hear Steve's world famous talk, covering boys of all ages. How to raise sons who are kind, confident, and safe, boys and school, the importance of dads, what single mums can do, testosterone, the 3 stages of boyhood and how to have them go smoothly, boys and housework. This life-changing seminar is unforgettably moving and funny too. 
Toorak College in collaboration with the Committee for Mornington Peninsula and the Mornington Peninsula Foundation proudly present Steven Biddulph. 

Wednesday 4th March 2020, 7:00pm.
Mary Herring Hall, Toorak College, Mount Eliza VIC 3930
Tickets available via the book now button below
Adults $32 and Concession $25
For Concession tickets, please use the discount code "concession" below.

NB: We regretfully advise the presenter has requested that babies, including newborns, child and teens not be admitted to the session. …


Raising Girls with Steve Biddulph
Covering girls of all ages, this powerful, funny and moving talk will help you raise your daughters to be wise, warm, and strong. The five stages of girlhood, the importance of dad, the special role of aunties & how to avoid her growing up too fast. Steve Biddulph is one of the world's best loved parenting speakers and authors. 
Toorak College in collaboration with the Committee for Mornington Peninsula and the Mornington Peninsula Foundation proudly present Steven Biddulph. 

Tuesday 3rd March 2020, 7:00pm.
Mary Herring Hall, Toorak College, Mount Eliza VIC 3930


Tickets available via the book now button below
Adults $32 and Concession $25
For Concession tickets, please use the discount code "concession" below.


NB: We regretfully advise the presenter has requested that babies, including newborns, child and teens not be admitted to the session. 

…


Committee for Mornington Peninsula

Member Breakfast Briefing

‘Surplus to requirement’ Special Use Port-Related industrial land rezoning

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Martha’s Table at Martha Cove

7:30am - 9.30am

Hear about the recently released Port of Hastings review of the 3,500 ha of land zoned for future port development, parcels identified as ‘surplus’ to any conceivable future requirement and C4MP’s advocacy for the land to become available to meet the need for current and future employment-generating development.

Speakers:
Malcolm Greier, CEO Port of Hastings
Brian Haratsis, Chairman, Macroplan

Contribute to C4MP’s research and initial advocacy focus of rezone the ‘surplus’ Port-related land to the east of Somerville to a high-value technology precinct with marine industries as a cornerstone

RSVP by Monday, November 25 please to assist with event preparations.


…


MP Shire urged to make ‘Small Business Friendly Council’ commitment

The Committee for Mornington Peninsula (C4MP) is urging the local Shire to follow the lead of other Victorian local governments and commit to becoming a ‘Small Business Friendly Council’.

C4MP is hosting a luncheon on October 28 at the Mornington Racing Club, where the Victorian Small Business Commissioner (VSBC), Judy O'Connell, will outline the assistance her Office can provide local businesses, the advantages a ‘Small Business Friendly Council’ can bring and example of innovative approaches local government’s are deploying to support their business community.

Ms O'Connell address will include:

* The role and small business resource that is the Victorian Small Business Commissioner
* An Overview of the "Small Business-Friendly Council" initiative (and the process to support Council's living up to their Charter commitments)
*Why Council's have chosen to participate and practial examples of local government initiatives to support small business

Tickets available via the book now button below 
Members $75 and Non-Members $85
Ticket price includes 2 course luncheon and drinks at bar prices 


…


Following the Committee for Mornington Peninsula’s presentation to the Victorian Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet, awareness and momentum is building for our case for change.

Media reporting of this key C4MP policy focus has generated further local examples where the lumping in of the Mornington Peninsula with greater Melbourne is disadvantaging local businesses and residents. …


The formal designation of the Mornington Peninsula as a ‘regional’ rather than a metropolitan community was a priority initiative presented to the Victorian shadow cabinet by leading local advocacy group, Committee for Mornington Peninsula.

The C4MP group urged the Liberal National Party Shadow Ministers to recognise that the Peninsula was not Melbourne and that successive State Government’s had failed to distinguish the region from the metropolitan area. …


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula’s first member workshop was held last week and attended by 15 or our 40-plus financial members at this time.  Rosebud’s Blue Mini café provided an excellent meeting venue and hospitality (thank you Tracey). …

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The Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula is an independent, member-based organisation committed to leading and influencing long-term outcomes for our region.

Postal address: Level 1, 328 Main St, Mornington VIC 3931
Office address: G7/786 Esplanade, Mornington VIC 3931
info@cfmp.org.au
Phone: 0477 309 313

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The Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula acknowledges and pays respect to the Bunurong people, the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters.
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