As the 2024 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections approach, a familiar and passionate figure is once again stepping forward to represent the community of Mount Martha. Anthony Marsh, an independent Councillor and former Mayor, has officially announced his candidacy for the newly created Briars Ward, reflecting his ongoing dedication to serving the area he calls home.
A Local Journey
Anthony’s connection to the Mornington Peninsula runs deep. Having grown up spending holidays on the Mornington Peninsula, his family made Mount Martha their permanent home in 1999, and Anthony has never looked back. He attended Dromana High School and launched his first IT business at just 14 years old, signalling his early entrepreneurial spirit.
His path led him to study aerospace engineering at RMIT before embarking on a five-year tenure with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a Commissioned Officer. This experience shaped his sense of duty, leadership, and a fascination with technology, all of which have played significant roles in his career and community service.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Community Service
Following his time with the RAAF, Anthony’s entrepreneurial drive saw him launch a second business in 2014, blending his passions for technology and aviation. This venture focused on drone aerial surveying, particularly within the agricultural industry. In collaboration with insurance companies, Anthony also founded ROOFCHECK, a company that uses drones for roof inspections nationally. However, like many businesses, it was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing a pivot. Anthony now continues to consult within the aviation sector, using his expertise to find innovative solutions.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Anthony has long been an active volunteer within the local community. His contributions range from mentoring disadvantaged youths to serving as a director of a non-profit for children with disabilities, as a committee member at a local tennis club, and even participating in maritime rescue efforts. His commitment to his local community is as enduring as it is varied, demonstrating a true hands-on approach to service.
A Clear Vision for Briars Ward
Anthony’s passion for local governance stems from his belief that councils should focus on the core needs of their communities. He is critical of councils that become distracted by broader issues, advocating instead for a local-first approach. “With increasingly limited resources, Councils should focus on fixing our own backyard rather than trying to solve global problems,” he says.
His hands-on leadership style emphasizes involvement at every level of decision-making. Rather than relying on remote or superficial assessments, Anthony believes it’s crucial to understand issues on the ground. He views local councils as having immense power to influence day-to-day life, and as such, believes councillors must be deeply informed and engaged.
Fighting for a Better Future
Anthony’s campaign is driven by a desire to see local government refocus on better serving its local community and working more effectively for its residents. He envisions a Mornington Peninsula where the council is locally focused, highly efficient, cuts wasteful spending, improves transparency and undertakes genuine community engagement. He focuses on enhancing coastal infrastructure, providing better road and vegetation management, supporting local sports and recreational facilities, improving Mount Martha village and appropriate development.
“I will continue to work incredibly hard for you on local issues and always hold the Council accountable.” He promises. He also aims to continue his fight to make the council a leader in transparency, good governance and cost-effective service delivery.
Some of his primary concerns are the current state of Council infrastructure and roads across Mount Martha, the negative impacts of paid parking, more transparency in decision-making, and ever-increasing rates without a commensurate return to the community. Anthony is committed to working with residents across Mount Martha to bring balance back to the Council and a genuine sense of ownership and community belonging.
Why Vote for Anthony Marsh?
As an independent candidate, Anthony is not beholden to party politics or special interests, has no interest in running for State or Federal politics, and. is an experienced Councillor and Mayor who has worked tirelessly to refocus Council on local issues while bringing balance and transparency to the debate. His motivation is simple: a genuine love for Mount Martha and a desire to serve his local community. He offers a unique combination of professional expertise, business acumen, and a deep commitment to community engagement. Anthony Marsh is running for Briars Ward with a clear vision and a promise to bring about meaningful change.
Says Anthony, “This is the first time a single Councillor will represent Mount Martha as the new Briars Ward, and I’ve been so privileged to serve our residents as a Councillor and mayor for the past four years. I love our special patch on the peninsula and hope to continue that work for our incredible community, where I live, work and play, and am raising my young family.”
Voting is by postal vote only – you should receive your ballot packs in early October and voting closes on October 25th. Remember voting is compulsory, so make sure your vote counts!
“I bring a unique mix of qualifications, commercial experience, community involvement and character. I am an experience Councillor and Mayor, fiercely independent and motivated only by my love for the peninsula, a strong desire to contribute to my community, and the challenge to bring about significant and much-needed change. VOTE 1 MARSH for Mount Martha.
Authorised by Anthony Marsh – PO Box 473 Mount Martha VIC 3934
