Influencing a better Peninsula starts with a plan

After extensive collaboration with our members, the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula will soon present our Strategic Plan 2025-2030, which is unashamedly bold, ambitious and forward-thinking for our region.

We’ve received terrific feedback from April’s Future Forum, and the 170 attendees in the room took part in workshops where they provided their feedback on what the Peninsula should be turning its attention to over the next 20 years.

Our region has significant and unique challenges:

• 40 per cent of renters are in rental stress

• 82 per cent of the Peninsula has no public transport, and just 3 per cent of residents use it

• On infrastructure commitments, we’re getting just $2317 a person from the government while Geelong residents get $22,823 a person.

To overcome some of these obstacles, we need a plan. Our strategic plan will focus on five key pillars: homes and livelihoods; better infrastructure and better connectivity; sustainable development; smarter people and healthy communities; and a thriving local economy.

Crucial to these pillars are key advocacy objectives the committee will work towards with our partners in the region, including:

• Diverse housing across the Peninsula, including higher density in Frankston and looking at surplus portzoned land in Hastings

• Better public transport beyond Frankston. This includes options for improved rail to Hastings or Mornington, a 30-minute express peak train from Frankston to Melbourne, and better bus connections

• The Port of Hastings Renewable Energy Terminal. With the right balance, this project will provide a significant economic and environmental benefit for Victoria

• Upgrades at Rosebud Hospital and TAFE and training facilities

• Equitable access for our region to government grants and fairer tax arrangements that reflect the unique characteristics of our region

• A flagship convention and exhibition centre.

These are just some of the advocacy objectives we’ll be working towards with our partners and members. It’s an evolving document that needs to reflect the changing landscape and demographics of our region.

We can deliver better outcomes for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. And it all starts with a plan.

JOSH SINCLAIR, COMMITTEE FOR FRANKSTON & MORNINGTON PENINSULA