The Mornington Peninsula, with its 192 km of coastline has recorded the highest number of drownings in Victoria in recent years. Without coordinated intervention, trends indicate that fatal and non‑fatal incidents are likely to continue annually.
In response, the Mornington Peninsula Water Safety Alliance (MPWSA) was formed in February 2024, bringing together local agencies, industry partners, government bodies and community organisations to improve water safety outcomes across the region.
The Alliance was established to strengthen water safety education, awareness and community engagement for both local residents and the more than 9 million visitors who access the Peninsula each year.
Since its formation, MPWSA has driven a range of collaborative initiatives, including:
- Developing shared marketing and communications resources
- Delivering community education and programming, including CALD Water Safety & Camping initiatives with partner organisations
- Securing funding for the creation of educational assets and implementation of Mornington Peninsula’s first ever localised water safety campaign in 2025/26
- Advocating for improved safety infrastructure, blackspot remediation and public rescue equipment at local, state and national levels
- Ensuring consistent, evidence‑based safety messaging across all member organisations
- Supporting the establishment of a Regional Water Safety Group and framework involving Mornington, Bass Coast, Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong
- Contributing to the development of the Local Water Safety Plan released for community consultation in December 2025
Through these collective efforts, the Mornington Peninsula Water Safety Alliance continues to strengthen water safety leadership across the region and drive long‑term change for the community.
Local Plan: Local Water Safety Plan | Shape Our Future. Regional Plan: Water Safety – Mornington Peninsula Shire
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