Herald Sun Article - Mornington Peninsula Economic Disadvantage Report calls for regional designation to unlock funding opportunities.
A new report reveals rezoning the Mornington Peninsula as regional would not only unlock more funding but would fix social and economic
inequalities.
Article extracted from Herald Sun, 3 March 2022 by MITCH CLARKE.
Rezoning the Mornington Peninsula to take it out of metropolitan Melbourne would bring a major boost to the region and fix serious social and economic inequalities, according to a new report.
The Mornington Peninsula Economic Disadvantage Report, obtained by the Herald Sun, determined current government policy settings had negatively affected the area’s local economy. It found the metropolitan status had rendered the municipality ineligible for a “significant pool” of regional economic development support from the Victorian government, adding that “the region has special character and importance with a role that is distinct from and complementary to metropolitan Melbourne and designated growth areas”.
As seen on Channel 9 News
The report, commissioned by the Committee for Mornington Peninsula in partnership with Australian Unity and carried out by Urban Enterprises, said a regional designation would unlock funding opportunities to improve transport and infrastructure, health and education, and community and recreation.
“The current economic and social disadvantage linked to the Peninsula’s metropolitan designation is significant,” it stated.
“Across a wide range of impact areas, its metropolitan status provides a hindrance for economic growth and prosperity for local businesses and the community. Government intervention is required to address this disadvantage, and begin unwinding the inequities that exist.”
The report also found the “misalignment” had resulted in “growing community concern” regarding economic and social disadvantages, which reached high levels during the pandemic.
Aussie tennis ace Sam Groth, who is running as the Liberal candidate in Nepean, said he was a “strong supporter” of the changes.
“It is wrong and unfair to the local community that we are part of metropolitan Melbourne, an absurdity which was highlighted when we were
subject to the same record number of lockdown days as the CBD, despite the vast distance and differences”
Sam Groth
Liberal candidate in Nepean
The report said reclassifying the Mornington Peninsula from a metropolitan to regional municipality through legislation is “one option” while other pathways included the creation of new funding programs, granting access to existing regional funds and changing policy settings of taxes and charges.
Reclassifying the Shire as a “peri-regional designation” was an alternate option but was too difficult to accurately assess its feasibility given the classification does not currently exist.
Spat Over Green Wedge Classification
Federal MP Greg Hunt has claimed the area’s “sacred” green wedge is under threat, following comments made by a local Labor MP.
Twelve designated green wedge zones are currently in place across metropolitan Melbourne in 17 municipalities that form around the city.
The government said Melbourne’s green wedges and surrounding farmland are critical to economic prosperity, while also providing thousands of jobs in agriculture, conservation, and tourism.
Speaking in parliament this week, Nepean MP, Chris Brayne, said actively pursuing a regional status and rescinding the metropolitan status risked losing the green wedge.
If that occurred, it would result in an “increasingly developed and unrecognisable Mornington Peninsula”, Mr Brayne said.
“At this critical juncture we are seeing for the first time in a long time the greatest threat to the green wedge on the Mornington Peninsula,” he said.
Mr Brayne said the argument to make the area regional while upholding green wedge protections was nonsensical.
“This is sort of like saying, ‘we want to get rid of the monarchy while also we want to keep the Queen’. It does not work,” he said.
“Long term, actively pursuing a regional status and rescinding our metropolitan status would see the loss of the green wedge and an increasingly developed and unrecognisable Mornington Peninsula. This push has been opportunistically made by the Committee for Mornington Peninsula.”
But the comments have been slammed by Mr Hunt and the region’s state Liberal MPs and candidates in a joint statement to the Herald Sun.
Mr Hunt said green wedge protections can be “strengthened through planning scheme amendments”.
“Further, a vast majority of the Mornington Peninsula green wedge sits outside the Melbourne urban growth boundary, meaning significant state government legislative changes would be required to bring about the over development doomsday he prophesies,” he said.
“If the Member had even done the smallest amount of research, he could have confirmed this himself. But instead, he is happy to be Labor’s attack dog, threatening Mornington Peninsula environmental groups and small businesses alike.
“We condemn the Member for Nepean’s appalling attempts to threaten our communities and we call for all Labor candidates in the region to denounce the Member’s statement.
“The Peninsula deserves better than to be threatened by Labor’s Spring Street backbenchers.”
A government spokeswoman said there were no plans to change the urban boundary.
“We’re supporting the Mornington Peninsula through upgrading local schools, kindergartens and community infrastructure, protecting local heritage, improved access to mental health support, better transport options and support for local Aboriginal organisations,” she said.
Want to know more about the Economic Disadvantage Report?
Members' Breakfast
CfMP members-only August breakfast gathering.
Members' Breakfast
CfMP members-only July breakfast gathering.
Members' Breakfast
CfMP members-only June breakfast gathering.
Members' Breakfast
CfMP members-only May breakfast gathering.
Member Breakfast
Committee for Mornington Peninsula members are invited to a monthly business breakfast, with our first for 2021 to be held on 16 April.
Member Briefing and Networking Event
Committee for Mornington Peninsula members were invited to gather for first time since COVID restrictions began to launch our Post-COVID Plan for the Peninsula.
Finding Happiness with Turia Pitt
To celebrate International Women's Day, Toorak College is proud to bring the inspirational Turia Pitt to the Mornington Peninsula!
Recording - CfMP Jobkeeper and Jobseeker webinar
Please see link below to a recording of our recent Jobkeeper & Jobseeker Webinar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTsM5uS9C-E&feature=youtu.be
WEBINAR: The Future of JobKeeper and JobSeeker
The Government is releasing the outcome of the review into JobKeeper and JobSeeker, and its economic update (along with any further
initiatives).
Hosted by Shannon Smit, Chair of C4MP and Director of Mornington accounting firm SMART Business Solutions.
Upcoming Webinar: Respond, Rebound and Grow: Marketing strategies post COVID-19 shutdown
This webinar provides information on opportunities available to market your business with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. This webinar is hosted by CfMP members Grendesign.
Commercial Tenancies and Support During COVID-19
This webinar will provide you with a clearer understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 on commercial tenancies and assistance that is available from the Victorian Small Business Commission.
Raising Boys with Steve Biddulph
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
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.
C4MP Member Breakfast
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.
Small Business Friendly Council
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
Morning Tea with Liberal Nationals Shadow Cabinet
Through the work of local Upper House MP, the Hon Edward O'Donohue MLC, the C4MP has been afforded the opportunity to invite our Members to attend a morning tea with the Victorian Liberal Nationals Shadow Cabinet.
Successful C4MP member strategy workshop
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).
