Southern Mornington Peninsula

L O C A L A R E A A C T I O N P L A N 2 0 2 2 Southern Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula developed its first destination management plan in 2012 when the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board was first established. Back then, it was appropriate to the lifecycle stage of the local visitor economy, and the fact that this was the first plan to be prepared, that a top-down approach was used. Fast forward 10 years the Mornington Peninsula visitor economy has grown and become more sophisticated. It is now appropriate to work on a bottomup approach when planning, and herein lies the purpose of the Local Area Action Plans (LAAPs). What is a Local Area Action Plan? The LAAPs is the identification of local needs to ensure that the visitor economy thrives. The aim of the plan is to provide a mechanism for local visitor economy stakeholders to identify priority strategies to specifically address challenges to enhance the local visitor economy in support of the greater region’s vision. How will the Local Area Action Plan be Used? The LAAPs will be a dynamic document which will be managed by the establishment of an Advisory Committee. The Committee will be a collaboration of community, industry and local government stakeholders to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board. The LAAPs will be the guiding document that the Committee will utilise to document priorities and their current status for the particular local area. Furthermore, the LAAPs will be the key communication tool from the LAAP Advisory Committee to the broader stakeholder network and will be published on the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board Corporate Portal. 3 2 Acknowledgments The development of the Frankston Local Area Action Plan has been facilitated by the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board (MPRTB). MPRTB acknowledges support provided by Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions State Government Victoria that has assisted with the development of the Local Area Action Plans. Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board acknowledges and pays respect to the Bunurong/ Boon Wurrung people, the traditional custodians of these lands and waters. FACILITATORS WhereTo Research Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board 4/2a Carbine Way Mornington VIC 3931 P 03 5925 9346 E info@mprtb.com visitmorningtonpeninsla.org Introduction to the Local Area Action Plan Best destination management ensures tourism adds value to the economy and the social fabric and ecology of communities. The Dunes Golf Links

5 4 The Mornington Peninsula region consists of five tourism precincts. Each of these precincts have distinctive characteristics in terms of their tourism attractions, their communities and their level of tourism development activity. The five regions are: How does the Local Area Action Plan link into other Strategic Documents? The Local Area Action Plan is designed to work in a framework of other plans and strategies. VICTORIAN VISITOR ECONOMY RECOVERY AND REFORM PLAN Product and infrastructure to strengthen our tourism offer Industry Strengthening Destination Marketing Events Strategic collaboration and partnerships 5 LOCAL AREA ACTION PLANS Frankston and Surrounds Northern Mornington Peninsula Hinterland Mornington Peninsula Western Port Mornington Peninsula Southern Mornington Peninsula State Government Local Council Tourism Plans Frankston City Council Mornington Peninsula Shire Council MPRTB LAAP Committees Advocacy Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions Investment Attraction Local Representatives Destination Management Destination Marketing Industry Development MORNINGTON PENINSULA DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN Connected Communities An Easy Journey The Complete Experience A Sustainable Tourism Industry BASS STRAIT PORT PHILLIP WESTERN PORT FRENCH ISLAND EASTLINK M1 ARTHURS SEAT RD BALNARRING RD RED HILL RD BITTERN DROMANA RD FRANKSTON FLINDERS RD WHITE HILL RD CRANBOURNE FRANKSTON RD CRANBOURNE To Melbourne TOORADIN TO MELBOURNE POINT NEPEAN C783 C784 B110 C777 C777 C777 A780 C777 C787 M11 M11 M11 M3 BONEO RD TRUEMANS RD BONEO RD NEPEAN HWY ESPLANADE PT NEPEAN RD SANDY RD MELBOURNE RD BROWNS RD DUNDAS ST NEPEAN HWY FRANKSTON DANDENONG RD MORNINGTON TYABB RD TUCKS RD SHANDS RD SHOREHAM RD BAXTER TOORADIN ROAD WESTERN PORT HWY MORNINGTON FLINDERS RD PENINSULA LINK MOOROODUC HWY MORNINGTON PENINSULA FWY EASTLINK HOTHAM RD QUEENSCLIFF COWES FLINDERS ROSEBUD COWES FRANKSTON SOMERVILLE MORNINGTON DROMANA RYE BLAIRGOWRIE PORTSEA HASTINGS MOUNT ELIZA CAPE SCHANCK SORRENTO MAIN RIDGE SEAFORD CARRUM DOWNS RED HILL BALNARRING TYABB LANGWARRIN SKYE SHOREHAM POINT LEO MOOROODUC STONY POINT SOMERS SAFETY BEACH TOOTGAROOK ARTHURS SEAT TUERONG MOUNT MARTHA TOURISM AND GOVERNMENT LINKAGES Local Area Action Plan The key focus areas when formulating the plan were the following regional priorities: State government development partnership Local government support Connection with Indigenous community Local Area Action Plans implemented through local committees Collaborations within the local industry, associations and groups Engagement with external stakeholders Residents who understand the economic importance of tourism Way finding so visitors can find what they need when they need it including digital engagement Transport infrastructure and options that allow easy navigation Accessibility for all visitors on both land and sea Diverse and balanced product offering Clear unique selling proposition for the region Local immersions Events/functions Dispersal Enabling innovative product development A beautiful surrounds - nature and aesthetics Industry Best practice Integration of products across the region Workforce development and recruitment/retention opportunities including transport, education Environmentally sustainable practices • An initial survey to all industry and stakeholders via a questionnaire examining the key issues for the region; • An online round table consultation with industry, business and community by each local area discussing the results and diving deeper into area’s survey results; • One on one consultation with key industry leaders whose feedback would cross over multiple local areas • Local Government Workshop with Officers and Elected Officials FRANKSTON AND SURROUNDS NORTHERN MORNINGTON PENINSULA WESTERN PORT HINTERLAND SOUTHERN MORNINGTON PENINSULA The development of the Local Area Action Plan was initiated in late 2021 and finalised in the first half of 2022, and has involved extensive input from industry, Local and State Government. The process to formulate the plan is outlined below and serves as good information in understanding how bottom-up feedback from the local area is gathered. How was the Local Area Action Plan Developed? Consultation in preparing the Local Area Action Plans included: CONNECTED COMMUNITIES THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INDUSTRY AN EASY JOURNEY

7 6 Destination Characteristics COMPLEX GEOGRAPHY HAS SOME OF THE MOST SUBURBS IN VICTORIA whilst also having some of the most disadvantaged. OF THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA IS NOT ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT ZONED AS GREEN WEDGE 85% 70% 53% OF VISITORS ARE LIKELY TO VISIT THE BEACH ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA 1.7 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO VISIT A WINERY ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA TWICE AS LIKELY TO PLAY GOLF ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA Compared to other destinations in Regional Victoria Compared to other destinations in Regional Victoria 142,147 132,194 168,865 151,700 2012 2021 Frankston Mornington Peninsula POPULATION GROWTH EXPENSIVE & EXCLUSIVE VISITORS ARE VISITORS ARE Compared to other destinations in Regional Victoria Source: MPRTB Destination Management Plan 2012 and TEVE Research 2021

9 8 The Visitor Economy Tourism is an important industry for the Mornington Peninsula and visitors to the region are major contributors to the strength of the local economy. The Mornington Peninsula (including Frankston) attracted a total of 5.9 million visitors spending $1.143 billion for the year ending 30 June 2022. Australian borders were closed for the entirety of 2021 and therefore there was no international visitation or spend in the region during this time. The industry generated employment of 10,900 jobs (2020) of which represented 9.2% of total employment in the region. Source: National Visitor Survey YE December 2021 and TEVE Research 2021. This comprised of: 4,381,759 TOTAL DOMESTIC DAYTRIPPERS 1,557,634 TOTAL DOMESTIC OVERNIGHTS 10.1% OF TOTAL VISITOR EXPENDITURE REGIONAL VICTORIA 12.8% OF DAYTRIPPER VISITOR EXPENDITURE REGIONAL VICTORIA 15.7% OF TOTAL REGIONAL DAYTRIPPER VISITORS 1,411,000 INTRASTATE VISITORS STAYING 2.95 NIGHTS $448M DOMESTIC DAY VISITORS SPENDING $695M DOMESTIC OVERNIGHT VISITORS SPENDING 118K INTRASTATE VISITORS STAYING 5.9 NIGHTS 45-54 YEARS OLD $200K+ HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIVE IN MELBOURNE STAY RENTED HOUSE, APARTMENT OR UNIT VISIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF A HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS TRANSPORT SELFDRIVE 49% FEMALE 51% MALE Visitor Profile VISITORS TO THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA ARE PREDOMINANTLY TO BE: Carmel at Sorrento Searoad Ferries

11 10 About the Local Area The hinterland section of this region contains equestrian stables, hot springs and several internationally regarded golf courses. Southern Peninsula also has several open ocean surf beaches. There are large number of accommodation establishments, although most re considered boutique in size, as well as nature and water-based activity providers. Wineries are present, but are not as prevalent as in the Hinterland or Western Port areas. Southern Peninsula attracted 2,849,219 domestic and overnight visitors (2,881,594 nights) spending $508.6 million, representing 48% of total visitation and 67% of nights to the Mornington Peninsula Region. They spent on average $125 per night in the region ($362 million). Visitor Journey Report 2022 and National Visitor Survey June 2022, TEVE Report on 2021 Trends. BASS STRAIT PORT PHILLIP WESTERN PORT FRENCH ISLAND EASTLINK M1 ARTHURS SEAT RD BALNARRING RD RED HILL RD BITTERN DROMANA RD FRANKSTON FLINDERS RD WHITE HILL RD CRANBOURNE FRANKSTON RD CRANBOURNE To Melbourne TOORADIN TO MELBOURNE C783 C784 B110 C777 C777 C777 A780 C777 C787 M11 M11 M11 M3 BONEO RD TRUEMANS RD BONEO RD NEPEAN HWY ESPLANADE PT NEPEAN RD SANDY RD MELBOURNE RD BROWNS RD DUNDAS ST NEPEAN HWY FRANKSTON DANDENONG RD MORNINGTON TYABB RD TUCKS RD SHANDS RD SHOREHAM RD GOLF LINKS RD WESTERN PORT HWY MORNINGTON FLINDERS RD PENINSULA LINK MOOROODUC HWY MORNINGTON PENINSULA FWY EASTLINK HOTHAM RD QUEENSCLIFF COWES FLINDERS ROSEBUD COWES FRANKSTON SOMERVILLE MORNINGTON DROMANA RYE BLAIRGOWRIE PORTSEA HASTINGS MOUNT ELIZA CAPE SCHANCK SORRENTO MAIN RIDGE SEAFORD CARRUM DOWNS RED HILL BALNARRING TYABB LANGWARRIN SKYE SHOREHAM POINT LEO MOOROODUC STONY POINT SOMERS SAFETY BEACH TOOTGAROOK ARTHURS SEAT TUERONG MOUNT MARTHA A long, bayside urban strip extends along the Southern Peninsula culminating in the fashionable villages of Sorrento and Portsea. Southern Mornington Peninsula Stakeholders GOVERNMENT INDUSTRY ORGANISATION National Tourism Australia Air Transport State Visit Victoria Air Transport Rail Transport VTIC Regional Southern Metropolitan Partnership Taxi Bus Uber Water Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board Local Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Accommodation Cafes and Restaurants Clubs, pubs, taverns and bars Breweries, Distilleries Cultural Attractions Major Event Centres Retail Motor vehicle hiring Hot Springs, Bathing House Committee for Mornington Sorrento Beachside Information Centre Peninsula Business Network Sorrento Chamber of Commerce YEAR 0 500,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 3,000,000 3,500,000 4,000,000 2012 2022 Number of Overnight Visitors Number of Daytrippers Total Visitors NUMBER OF PEOPLE OVERNIGHT VISITORS SHARE DAYTRIPPERS SHARE EXPENDITURE (DIRECT) $ 66% 2012 67% 2022 37% 2012 41% 2022 TOTAL VISITORS SHARE 51% 2012 48% 2022 750M 2012 508M 2022 Sorrento Golf Club Bayplay Adventure Tours Hotel Sorrento

13 12 Success Factors Positioning The Southern Peninsula is Melbourne’s ultimate playground. It is known for its beaches and scenic coastal drives. As a destination this Southern Peninsula is lined by the coastal beaches and has the biggest concentration (and variety) of accommodation. From holiday homes to camping and luxury hotels. With access to iconic experiences such as Pt Nepean National Park, marine precinct, hot springs, and man-made icons such as The Continental and Portsea Hotels. The major challenge for the region is the seasonality and accessibility of the region. Thousands of visitors’ head to the bottom end of the Peninsula in the warmer months, and very few visitors are aware of the opportunities available in the cooler months. This challenge causes traffic congestion and increased waste during the peak months, and in the shoulder and off-peak months a lack of sustainable employment for workforce. This has created a need for increased investment by multi-national corporations that can sustain the ups and downs of seasonality. VISITOR BENEFITS • Beaches both swimming and ocean, access to marine • Walks • Range of accommodation including luxury hotels, camping and holiday homes • Hot Springs • Coastal villages with strip retail precincts • Breweries and Distilleries • Golf Courses • Pt Nepean National Park Challenges The following key challenges were identified throughout the consultation • There are staffing issues and a lack of adequate transport to the area and affordable accommodation for staff contributes to this. • There is a lack of incentives for people to visit/stay during the week. Many shops/restaurants closed midweek. • There are infrastructure issues near St Andrews golf course – with dangerous potholes, no lighting during the night, non-existent signage and hard to follow roads (Browns Road for example). • Traffic congestion and inadequate available parking make it extremely difficult to travel in and around the area, especially during peak season/major events. • Parking along the back beaches especially an issue as people are still parking along the highway. • There is a lack of adequate public transport/rideshare/taxi services in the area so moving around/visiting this region is very limited unless travelling by car. Grow shoulder visitation in shoulder/off-peak periods and mid-week Drive visitor dispersal throughout the region Increase tourism industry yield through length of stay Maximise visitor Expenditure Enable a premium visitor experience requirements REGIONAL OBJECTIVES The nature and coastal precinct of the Mornington Peninsula WaterMaarq Rye Hotel InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula Alba Thermal Springs and Spa

15 14 The following key priorities: OBJECTIVE PRIORITY AREA ACTION ITEM An Easy Journey Infrastructure Explore opportunities to improve signage around St Andrews golf course and Browns Road. An Easy Journey Signage and Information Investigate the development of the Interpretive Centre at Point Nepean so visitors can be educated/provided information from Traditional Owners of the region. An Easy Journey Infrastructure Explore ways to increase the safety and volume of parking areas along the back beaches in the local area. An Easy Journey Infrastructure Investigate opportunities to improve public transport/rideshare/taxi accessibility to help to ease congestion and make the region more accessible for visitors. A Sustainable Tourism Industry Workforce Development Develop industry courses for hospitality and cocktail makers in the area to increase workforce capability. A Sustainable Tourism Industry Balanced Offering Explore ways to increase opportunities to open businesses and services mid-week to promote multi-night/mid-week visitors and stays including creating and distributing itineraries for visitors to use and plan their visits A Sustainable Tourism Industry Environmentally sustainable practices Develop a strategy to ensure sustainable beachside camping Key Priorities Next Actions The next steps that the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board will initiate in activating the Local Area Action Plan for Southern Mornington Peninsula: STEP ACTION TIMING 1. Publish Frankston and surrounds December LAAP to stakeholders 2. Identify the ideal representatives to form part December of the Frankston and surrounds Advisory Committee 3. Confirm membership to the Advisory Committee January by way of invitation, agreeing time commitment 4. Conduct quarterly meeting January/February • Confirm Chair • Establish meeting cycle • Establish Success Factors • Rate and allocate priorities • Report 5. Republish updated LAAP to stakeholders after March quarterly meeting once ratified by the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board Progress of implementing the Local Area Action Plans will take place 3 times per year in conjunction with a reporting framework to be established with the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board. This may result in the plan being updated and published throughout the year. The Local Area Action Plan for Southern Mornington Peninsula will not feed up into the Destination Management Plan for the Mornington Peninsula as it is likely to be a part of Greater Melbourne for Destination Management.

visitmorningtonpeninsula.org 4/2a Carbine Way, Mornington VIC 3931 P 03 5925 9346 E info@mprtb.com

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