Lockdown Melbourne:metro status debate ‘too complex’ for Mornington Peninsula locals

As Victoria grapples with yet another lockdown one council has put the brakes on a poll that could help it avoid future restrictions.

A poll to gauge if Mornington Peninsula wants to change its metropolitan status has been delayed over fears the question is too sophisticated for residents to answer.

The council was asked to run an online poll next month on the shire’s classification – a question that has angered locals since the first lockdown in 2020.

However, the council decided to wait until a report prepared by external experts was completed before asking residents what they thought.

“There is a piece of work which is planned which is looking in quite a sophisticated way at the pros and cons, the benefits, the drawbacks of both the regional case and the metropolitan and the varying funding streams,” chief executive John Baker said.

He said a poll with that information attached would be more effective.

Cr David Gill, who proposed the poll, said there had been a long time to for people to come to terms with a change in classification.

“We should be treating the community as if they understand this,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure people know what they want.”

Cr Gill said with a State Government election on the horizon this was the shire’s “big chance” to push for change.

“If we’re serious about not being metro, and I think we all woke up to it with Covid, then this is a step in the right direction.”

Cr Antonella Celi worried a poll might confuse the community.

She wanted to gather feedback by holding a forward planning community meeting.

“They are amazing forums. You put a discussion paper out, you put a white paper out, you invite the community to read that paper, to understand the topic, so that they know what they are responding to and can help set a proper direction for council.

“I’m not saying no to a poll. I’m just saying … a forward planning meeting would serve our community better when we’re dealing with such an important topic.”

Cr Susan Bissinger wanted to simply the process.

“I don’t think anyone has the will to go through a gazillion submissions when we could put the information out there very simply and let people decide,” she said.

The poll, which the council has renamed a survey, will be held in October.

Restrictions introduced at midnight Thursday blanket the entire state.

Victorians have just five reasons to leave home – authorised work, exercise, caregiving and compassionate reasons, to be vaccinated or for essential shopping once a day.

Previously, regional Victoria has not been asked to follow the same strict rules as Greater Melbourne, which currently includes the Mornington Peninsula.

At least two exposure sites have been identified on the Mornington Peninsula including Hastings KFC – visited by a positive case on Monday between 9pm and 9.15pm – and Chemist Warehouse Karingal – visited by an infected person on Monday between 5.40pm and 5.50pm and again between 8.30pm and 8.50pm