Saturday, August 30, 2025

Frankston City heralds $72.9m capital works spend

Frankston City Council has adopted a $72.9 million capital works program for 2025–26, with major upgrades planned across sport, early years, local precincts, roads, transport, and the arts.

Councillor, Brad Hill said the 2025–2026 Capital Works program ensures the city is ready to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.

“Frankston is growing fast – we estimate our city will grow by a further 20,000 by 2036,” said Cr Hill.

“In addition, property prices have surged by up to 40% in recent years, so we’re making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with the growing community’s needs.

“We’re proud that unlike many other councils, Frankston City has no infrastructure backlog, and we intend to keep it that way.

“Our residents expect high-quality, well-maintained infrastructure and we’re delivering that as well as creating the right conditions to attract appropriate development from the public and private sectors,” he said.

2025–26 Capital Works highlights include:

  • Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium: $20 million ($60 M project delivered over multiple years with Australian and Victorian Government support);
  • Shade sail installations (doubled investment over four years): $210,000;
  • Shopping precinct upgrades:
    o Railway Parade, Seaford: $250,000
    o Mahogany Avenue, Frankston North: $200,000
  • Road and footpath improvements: Almost $8M, including Tower Hill Road Shared User Path and
    McCormicks Road, Carrum Downs
  • Open space and play spaces: $3.91M, including:
    o Lipton Reserve, Frankston
    o Heritage Reserve, Skye (partly funded by the Victorian Government)
    o Athol Reserve, Langwarrin
    o Ferndale Reserve, Frankston
  • Jubilee Park: Path lighting, overflow car park and access paths: $450,000;
  • Ballam Park East Oval reconstruction: $1.35M (partly funded by the Victorian Government);
  • Nepean Boulevard Precinct Revitalisation:
    o Early works (lighting the boulevard, Davey Street to Mile Bridge, Frankston): $698,000
    o Signature art project (Nepean Boulevard Master Plan): $505,000
    o Council is working closely with the Victorian and Australian Governments to deliver a range of
    jointly funded improvements as part of this project over the coming years.
  • Frankston Arts Trail: $2.13 M (jointly funded with the Australian Government);
  • Feasibility studies:
    o Langwarrin Men’s Shed extension: $30,000
    o Frankston and Peninsula Lapidary Club extension: $30,000
    o Ballam Park additional car parking spaces (60): $50,000
    o Tennis Club Evening Lighting: $$30,000
    o Future of Havana Maternal Health Building: $30,000
    o Gallery Lane and Stieble Place revitalisation: $50,000
    o Kashmir Playground: $45,000
    o Frankston Skate Park Evening Lighting: $55,000
  • Frankston House car park (near Moondog Café): $100,000 Reactivation of 70 car spaces by October 2025;
  • Drainage works: $2.76M across 22 sites;
  • Early years facility upgrades: completion of Langwarrin Community Centre and Early Years Project and Seaford Child, Youth and Family Centre: $8.13M (multi-year projects partly funded by the Victorian Government).
    *Figures indicate budget allocations for this financial year. Some projects will be funded over several years, such as Frankston Stadium and Nepean Boulevard Revitalisation.

To support the Federal Government’s $50 million Nepean Highway investment, funding has also been allocated in Councils Budget for a dedicated Project Officer, subject to negotiations with State and Federal Government’s, to help ensure works are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest standard.

The Council says this year’s budget builds on the strong results of the 2024–25 financial year, with the organisation completing 85% of projects within the expected timeline, and a 92% delivery rate against program budget.

Both metrics represent an improvement on the previous year and reinforce Council’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, on time and on budget, and continuous improvement, it stated.

Councillor, Cherie Wanat said that despite a range of economic pressures including inflation, reduced external funding and rate capping, Council successfully adapted its long-term infrastructure strategy, shifting focus from large, grant-dependent projects to smaller, community-focused works that deliver value across the municipality.

“A standout example is the Langwarrin Community Centre and Early Years Project, which moved from a full rebuild to a smart, cost-effective renewal and expansion, a shift welcomed by stakeholders and now progressing toward completion in late 2025,” said Cr Wanat.

She said Council continues to manage its finances prudently, with a focus on avoiding unsustainable debt. While some projects have been deferred, these decisions are guided by long-term planning and community benefit.

Looking ahead, Council will continue to work with all levels of government to secure additional funding to support delivery of community infrastructure, as well as continuing to focus on attracting responsible development throughout Frankston City.

“We’re laying the foundations now for the Frankston City of the future and you can already see what is possible if you take a walk around our city. It’s Frankston City’s time to shine,” said Cr Wanat.

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