Frankston City Council says it has adopted a community-focused Budget that delivers real cost-of-living support, keeps total rates capped at the State Government limit of 2.75% increase and continues investment in community infrastructure and local projects across the city.
“We heard clearly from our community that cost-of-living pressures are still very real for many households,” said Mayor, Sue Baker.
“This Budget responds by delivering real relief – keeping rates capped, reducing waste charges for most households, and continuing investment in the facilities, neighbourhoods and services people rely on every day.”
As part of Council’s cost-of-living response, most residential waste charges will reduce by an average of around 3 – 4% in 2026–2027 compared with 2025–2026, with the FOGO charge now integrated into the standard waste service charge.
The reduction coincides with the final stage of the four-bin kerbside system rollout.
“For ratepayers who already have a FOGO service, their waste charge will drop by around $23 with the move from a three-bin to a four-bin service,” Mayor Baker said.
“These savings are possible because of careful planning and procurement, improved recycling systems, and a community that understands how to sort waste correctly.”
The Council says community feedback also directly influenced the continuation of its Local Support Package, delivered for the second consecutive year to provide targeted assistance where it is most needed.
The $900,000 package supports inclusive access to the foreshore through Australia’s Most Accessible Beach following a successful pilot, helps children and families gain vital water safety skills through the Can Swim program, and strengthens frontline services through one-off support for neighbourhood and community houses.
Investment also continues in initiatives that support safety, connection, and wellbeing. Funding has been allocated to:
- Expand the Rapid Response program which provides proactive patrols across Frankston City ($124,740)
- Continue the nationally recognised, award-winning Community Connectors program, which supports early intervention, outreach and engagement around Frankston Station, Young Street and the city centre ($200,000).
- Increase support for community grants will help local organisations deliver grassroots programs that respond directly to local need ($163,256).
- Ongoing investment in local business and economic development partnerships, recognising their role in supporting the local economy ($90,000).
The Budget delivers an $83.6 million Capital Works Program that aims to balance major city-shaping projects with smaller, neighbourhood-level improvements that make a real difference day to day.
This includes significant progress on the Frankston Stadium in Seaford ($30M), continued delivery of the Frankston Regional Arts Trail, ($2.16M) new inclusive play and pump-track facilities at Banyan Reserve in Carrum Downs ($2M), and renewal works at Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre ($2M) to maintain one of the city’s most-used facilities.
Investment will also improve how people move around the city, with upgrades to Towerhill Road and shared paths ($2.45M), improvements at Monterey Reserve in Frankston North ($1.77M) and continued works along Nepean Boulevard ($1M).
Beyond these major projects, Council will continue to deliver smaller, high-impact works across neighbourhoods – including local path upgrades, open-space improvements and play space renewals – many of which are consistently raised through community feedback and valued for their everyday benefits.
Mayor Baker said partnerships will remain critical to delivering infrastructure and services without placing additional pressure on ratepayers.
“We know councils can’t do everything alone,” she said.
“We’ll continue to advocate strongly to state and federal governments for funding partnerships – particularly in the lead up to this year’s State Election, we are seeking support for shared user paths around schools and neighbourhoods, community outreach and homelessness support services and upgrades to key community sport and recreation infrastructure and more.”
Mayor Baker said the Budget had been developed “with a cautious and responsible approach in a challenging financial environment for local government”.
“Through efficiency measures, service reviews and Council’s Fit for the Future program, resources have been redirected toward high-impact
community priorities while maintaining essential services and strengthening long-term financial sustainability.”
The 2026–2027 Budget reflects a Council focused on supporting people through today’s challenges while continuing to invest sensibly in Frankston City’s future, she said.
View the complete budget: https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/Key-Strategic-Documents/Budget-and-Financial-Plans.
