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Local ‘Think Tank’ survey shows community support for the Baxter Rail Project.

A recent survey undertaken by the Committee for Mornington Peninsula (CfMP) showed that of the 191 respondents, 87% supported the electrification of the rail line from Frankston to Baxter. The survey also asked “If the metropolitan rail network and services were extended to Baxter and possibly on further toward Hastings into the future, would you support a re-introduction of diesel rail services between Mornington and Baxter and more frequent services along the Stony Point line?”- 90 per cent of respondents supported this. 

Shannon Smit, President of the CfMP said “Our community survey showed that there appears to be significant community support for the electrification of the rail line from Frankston to Baxter and also other rail options on the Mornington Peninsula. This project already has a $225 million commitment from the federal government, and it will bring much needed jobs and economic stimulus to the Mornington Peninsula particularly in in the COVID-19 recovery phase. ”

A recent CfMP study found 45 per cent of Peninsula residents worked outside the region and less than 20 per cent of the Mornington Peninsula is serviced by public transport forcing nearly half the region’s residents to drive to work with significant impacts on the environment. 

“Our region has the lowest access to public transport facilities within metropolitan Melbourne and this impacts our community by inhibiting access to educational services, jobs and visitor connections to the region.”

Recently the MPS released a Climate Emergency Plan.

Shannon said “The MPS Climate Emergency Plan notes that Transport is the second largest source of carbon emissions on the Mornington Peninsula (31%) with most of this being attributed to road transport. The MPS on one hand acknowledge the need to reduce motor vehicle use, yet on the other do not support a “park and ride” option at Baxter which would go some way to getting a significant amount of commuter vehicles off the roads and improve greenhouse gas emissions. We believe the objections of the MPS is based on stabling requirements, which is no longer the case due to the stabling that has been constructed at Kananook Station. There are significant benefits of the Baxter rail project on a number of fronts for Monington Peninsula residents, including jobs and economic stimulus in the COVID-19 recovery phase. By supporting the Baxter rail project, the MPS can significantly reduce carbon emissions. ” 

 “We know that only 2.6% of Australia's transport greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to rail. This 2.6% includes both passenger and freight rail so, in fact passenger rail contributes even less, so it is curious why the Mornington Peninsula Shire object to the Baxter Rail Project that already has a $225 million funding commitment from the federal government. The CfMP urge the state government to match this commitment and the MPS, if they are serious about reducing greenhouse emissions, road trauma and improved public transport for the Mornington Peninsula to show their support for the project.”

Transport for NSW have identified that:

  • A train line can move 50,000 people an hour. Compare this with a freeway lane which can move 2500 people an hour.
  • To move 1000 people it takes: 
  • One train (eight carriages)
  • 15 buses
  • Anywhere from 250 to 1000 cars. This would then require 1.37 hectares of parking space in the Sydney Central Business District.
  • Urban rail transport is seven times safer than road per passenger kilometre.


 Get in touch: info@committeeformp.com.au 


Presented by NAB Business Banking Mornington, the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula invite CFMP Members to attend an afternoon briefing with NAB Senior Economist Brody Viney where Brody will share his insights and provide an update on the global, Australian, and local Frankston & Mornington Peninsula economy. …


Mornington Peninsula Shire has joined the Committee for Mornington Peninsula as a community member, strengthening our collective voice as we continue to work hard and advocate for our region.    …


Committee for Mornington Peninsula hosted a Shadow Ministerial Roundtable with Sam Groth MP to discuss with the Peninsula's leading tourism stakeholders about the competitive advantages and genuine challenges for our region.  …


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula was pleased to take part in a discussion with Minister for Roads and Road Safety, the Hon. Melissa Horne, and representatives from the Department of Transport about Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula's road network. …


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula facilitated a briefing with the UK Consul-General this week to discuss trade, export and visa arrangements under the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom. …


Committee for Mornington Peninsula is making good its aim of identifying and contacting decision-makers to help achieve its “long-term outcomes” and “strategic objectives.

…


Our CEO sat down with Tracee Hutchison for 'Peninsula Talks' on RPPFM - Your Peninsula Radio to discuss the Victorian Government's announcement that the Port of Hastings would be home to the Renewable Energy Terminal of Victoria. …


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula met with Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio, to discuss our shared objectives and priorities for Western Port. The Committee is seeking to work with local, state and federal government to attract major investment on the Westernport side of the Mornington Peninsula.  …


Join Committee for Mornington Peninsula members for a coffee and light breakfast to meet with business leaders and discuss industry issues in our region. …


Join Committee for Mornington Peninsula members for a coffee and light breakfast to meet with business leaders and discuss industry issues in our region. …


The Committee for Mornington Peninsula was pleased to be able meet with Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Federal Member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie to discuss the priorities for our region - including keeping jobs here on the peninsula, addressing disadvantage, and fighting for our fair share of government investment. …

If there’s one thing that unites us as a community, it’s our need for health, wellbeing and education.

If there’s one thing that unites us as a community, it’s our need for health, wellbeing and education.

In the case of the Mornington Peninsula, we deserve better healthcare and education systems.


As travel and capacity limits ease, Melburnians and regional Victorians making their annual pilgrimage to the Mornington Peninsula will find that the shops and restaurants are woefully unprepared for mandatory vaccine passport check-ins.

Op-ed by Committee for Mornington Peninsula Executive Officer, Briony Hutton, published in the Herald Sun South East Leader 29 September 2021. Full article here: tinyurl.com/3rfwra69 …


Politicians of all persuasions at all levels have started talking about our upcoming COVID-Christmas.

Op-ed by Zoe McKenzie, CfMP Board member. Published by Mornington Peninsula News, 7 September 2021. …

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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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