The Mornington Peninsula is a local government area located in southeastern Metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It covers an area of 724 square kilometres and had a population of 165,822 in June 2018. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula was established on 15 December 1994 through the amalgamation of the previous Shires of Flinders, Hastings, and Mornington. In August 2019, the Shire voted to declare a climate emergency following similar declarations by other councils in Australia. Additionally, in December 2020, the Shire discontinued the tradition of reciting a prayer before Council meetings, which had been in place for 150 years.
The Mornington council area has a diverse population in terms of income and age, with a significant number of residents falling in the lower income brackets and younger age groups. Rent affordability is a key issue, as a considerable portion of households are spending a significant portion of their income on rent.
