Yarra Ranges, Mornington Peninsula Shire push for peri-regional status

They were controversially classified as metro Melbourne during repeated lockdowns, now two councils want to be given a new status.

Yarra Ranges Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire are pushing to be given a “peri-regional” status.

After enduring months of harsh lockdowns, two councils on Melbourne’s fringes are ramping up their push to be given a “peri-regional” status.

Yarra Ranges Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire have written to the state government asking to be given the new status, which they say would unlock funding opportunities for community projects.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the change would allow both councils to keep their metropolitan classification – which proved a hot topic during lockdowns, when regional areas were classified in the same way as inner Melbourne – while gaining access to regional funding programs.

“There are funding streams available to support regional communities, but neither Yarra Ranges or Mornington Peninsula have consistent access to these programs, despite having towns that locals would call regional,” Cr Child said.

“A peri-regional status would unlock our ability to apply for regional funding streams from both state and federal Governments, creating greater opportunities for our tourism, agricultural and cultural industries in the process.”

The classification of both local government areas became a hot topic during Covid lockdowns as residents and businesses were tied to the same restrictions as metropolitan Melbourne while regional Victorians enjoyed greater freedoms.

Leader understands being granted peri-regional status would not guarantee an exemption from any potential future public health orders, as the councils would keep their metro classification.

Yarra Ranges Council has previously called for its regional towns not to be classified as part of metropolitan Melbourne during lockdowns, with then Mayor Fiona McAllister arguing “Warburton, Millgrove and our outer areas are about as far from metropolitan as you can get”.

Debate has been raging over the Mornington Peninsula’s metropolitan status for years, with residents furious when they were locked down with the rest of Melbourne, despite a small number of active cases.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh said since Covid lockdowns, the Mornington Peninsula’s metropolitan classification had been a topic of much debate.

“We share the community’s concern that our current metropolitan status does not recognise the unique character of the Mornington Peninsula and leaves us disadvantaged in many ways,” Cr Marsh said.

“However, the proposition to reclassify the Mornington Peninsula as regional will threaten the protection of our cherished Green Wedge and result in significant planning issues.

“We are proposing another more tailored solution where a similar precedent exists, with the creation of the peri-urban group of councils.

“We need a new status called peri-regional, which recognises our unique challenges and opportunities and unlocks the significant economic potential of our region.

“This new status would open up new state and federal government funding streams and benefits of a regional classification, while preserving access to metropolitan funding programs and safeguarding our Green Wedge planning protections.”

Mornington Peninsula Shire has joined forces with Yarra Ranges Shire to advocate for the new peri-regional status in recognition of the unique rural and urban character of each Shire.

Liberal candidate for Nepean Sam Groth said the peri-regional status raised more questions than answers.

“But it was certainly highlighted over the last couple of years that being part of metropolitan Melbourne disadvantaged people living on the Mornington Peninsula,” he said.

“Personally, I will continue to support whatever (zoning) designation delivers the best outcomes for the people here.”

Last year, Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Despi O’Connor wrote to Premier Daniel Andrews urging him to reconsider keeping the region tied to metro Melbourne restrictions.

And a petition started by a Rosebud mum and business owner calling for the peninsula to be reclassified as regional collected thousands of signatures.

Nicole Nicolle said businesses and residents were disadvantaged by the “incorrect label”.

“This isn’t just about escaping Covid lockdowns,” Ms Nicolle said.

“This affects all of us in some way; payroll tax rates, household rates, access to government grants, ability to employ certain overseas travellers, financial assistance for access to business training, infrastructure projects, VicRoads upgrades, help for low income residents and so many more.”