VIC · Melbourne — Mornington Peninsula · Local council, made simple
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
A shire between Port Phillip and Western Port on Melbourne's south-eastern edge, home to about 172,000 people across some 40 townships — from Mount Eliza and Mornington to Rosebud, Hastings, Sorrento and Flinders. Much of its land is rural and Green Wedge. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks and foreshores, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average general rate +2.75% (state cap)
Open →Budget & financesThe Shire's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,659 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyMornington Peninsula's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
11 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Stephen Batty (since June 2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, the Briars Ward by-election, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, office hours and address.
Phone: 1300 850 600 (24 hours)
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 172,217 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Council to reconsider its aged care decision on 29 September
After the Federal Government extended the Commonwealth Home Support Program to 2029, the council will reconsider its June decision to stop delivering Meals on Wheels, Community Transport and Group Social Support by July 2027. No decision has been made yet.
What this means for you: If you or a family member use these services, they continue while the council decides. The Shire says clients will be kept informed.
Source: Mornington Peninsula Shire — News and media releases
- Development
Major turf repairs planned for six sports ovals
Ovals at Rye, Rosebud, Sorrento and Mount Eliza were damaged after a contractor applied the wrong herbicide. They will get major turf works, along with Boneo and Olympic Park Oval 2, and are expected to be out of action until early in the new year.
What this means for you: Clubs using these grounds will play home games elsewhere; the Shire says it is working with them on alternatives.
Source: Mornington Peninsula Shire — News and media releases
- Election
Briars Ward by-election: postal voting closes 2 October
The VEC is holding a postal by-election for Briars Ward after Councillor Anthony Marsh resigned. Ballot packs were mailed from 14 September. Completed ballots must be in the mail or at the election office by 6pm on Friday 2 October 2026; counting starts on Saturday 3 October.
What this means for you: If you were enrolled in Briars Ward on 22 July 2026, voting is compulsory. Lost your ballot pack? Call the VEC on 131 832.
Source: Victorian Electoral Commission — Briars Ward by-election
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted: rates up 2.75%, waste charge split in two
The council adopted its 2026–27 budget on 29 June 2026. The average general rate rises by 2.75%, in line with the state cap. The waste charge is split into a $353 collection charge and a $154 public cleaning charge, and $46.8 million is planned for capital works.
What this means for you: Properties with kerbside bins pay $507 in waste charges this year, up $74; those without pay $154.
Source: Mornington Peninsula Shire — Annual Report and Budget
- Election
Cr Stephen Batty elected Mayor
The councillors elected Cr Stephen Batty (Kackeraboite Ward) as Mayor, after the resignation of Cr Anthony Marsh, who was elected Member for Nepean in the Victorian Parliament. Cr Paul Pingiaro continues as Deputy Mayor.
What this means for you: The Mayor chairs council meetings and is the council's main spokesperson.
Source: Mornington Peninsula Shire — News and media releases
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Mornington Peninsula Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.