11 November 2019
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Red Frogs Youth Support Program and local Police have announced an increase in services during Schoolies Week.
School leavers or Schoolies Week will take place from 23 – 30 November 2019.
Shire Mayor David Gill said the increase in services was necessary to address the influx of visitors and associated community concerns raised last year.
“While the Shire is not promoting the Mornington Peninsula as a Schoolies destination, we know that school leavers will visit and therefore we have a duty of care to those young people while they are here.
“Based on feedback from our community, this year the Shire has increased our services in partnership with local police and Red Frogs to help keep everyone safe on the Peninsula.
“This year we’ll have additional Youth Services staff on the ground day and night working closely with local police officers and support staff from Red Frogs, DanceWize and many others.
“Our main priority is safety and creating a safe environment for residents and school leavers”, concluded Cr Gill.
To allow the Shire and local police greater oversight of activity during Schoolies, particularly at night, a section of the Rye Foreshore will be allocated as a designated zone solely for school leavers from 23 – 30 November 2019.
The Rye Foreshore playground and public toilets will remain open and fully accessible to the public throughout this period.
The Shire’s Short Stay Rental Local Law is in full effect and holiday home owners are reminded to understand your responsibilities and to think about who you’re renting your home to.
Under the Short Stay Rental Accommodation Local Law, homeowners will be responsible for any inappropriate behaviour of their guests and could be fined up to $2,000 per offence for any breach of this Local Law or Code of Conduct.
Community members can report inappropriate behaviour to the Shire 24 hours a day by calling 1300 850 600. Intervention with occupants remains the responsibility of the homeowner or Police.
School leavers travelling to the Surf Coast, Bass Coast or Mornington Peninsula are encouraged to register their attendance via Good Times Great Breaks, supported by the Victorian Government.
Register online at: goodtimesgreatbreaks.wordpress.com
