Ratepayer relief

Every household is feeling the pressure of rising costs, and even small savings can make a real difference. Our ratepayer relief initiatives are designed to ease day-to-day expenses while supporting the local facilities and services that make Frankston such a great place to live. 

From exclusive ratepayer rewards for hard waste, recreation or the arts, to free indigenous trees, fee suspensions and a freeze on pet registrations, these initiatives deliver practical savings straight back to the community. Together, they help households, businesses and groups breathe a little easier, while strengthening the spaces and services we all value. 

Ratepayer Rewards

Funding: $137,000 

Frankston City ratepayers can access exclusive rewards with their 2025-2026 rates notice. The rewards are designed to help reduce household costs while supporting our much-loved community facilities and events. 

Ratepayers can choose one* of these three rewards: 

  • $30 off your next paid hard waste collection - book a paid hard waste collection and receive a $30 discount. 
  • Free entry or membership upgrade at PARC or Pines Forest Aquatic Centre - options include a Family Swim Pass, a One-Day Full Centre Pass for one adult or joining as a PARC Aquatic Access Member with a bonus upgrade to Full Access for one month. 
  • $30 voucher for the Frankston Arts Centre - receive $30 off the ticket price to any show at the Frankston Arts Centre. 

* Only one reward available per ratepayer. 

Check your eligibility  

To be eligible, you must be a Frankston City ratepayer.  

How to apply  

You can apply for your reward via the Ratepayer Rewards page. Applications will remain open until all available rewards have been claimed.  

Council may end Ratepayer Rewards at any time. 

Free Indigenous Plant Voucher

Funding: $19,000  

As part of our Urban Forest Action Plan and 60,000 tree planting program, Council is giving away 1,400 free indigenous trees to residents through a voucher program. 

This initiative will boost our tree canopy from 17 per cent to 20 per cent, providing shade, wildlife habitats and lasting environmental benefits. By registering, you’re also committing to care for your tree as it grows to maturity. 

The trees will be available for collection from Frankston’s Indigenous Nursery (32R McMannis Way, Seaford) during their Open House in 2026. 

Check your eligibility

To be eligible, you must: 

  • Be a landowner or tenant (with landlord consent) within Frankston City – with one voucher available per household 
  • Be one of the first 1,400 people to register 

How to apply  

More information about the application process can be found on the Ratepayer Rewards page.

Suspended service charges (residential and commercial)

Funding: $56,895 (maximum amount)

Council has temporarily waived 11 different service fees* to help households, community groups and businesses cut costs on everyday activities and essential services. 

The following charges have been suspended: 

  • Community event application fee 
  • Filming/photography application fee 
  • Minor event fee (CAA, half day) 
  • Public notification service (includes 10 letters, no sign) 
  • Kerbside trading fee (6 months per square metre licensed) 
  • Residential parking permit replacement fee 
  • Playgroup venue fee – half day (community playgroups) 
  • Playgroup venue fee – half day (supported playgroups) 
  • Lodgement of certificate of pool barrier compliance (reg 147X) 
  • Working dog registration fee 
  • Foster care animal registration fee 

* Note: Council has also introduced a 12-month freeze on pet registration fees, which you can read more about in the next dropdown (freeze on pet registration fees). 

These suspended service charges will automatically apply during the 2025-2026 financial year and will end 30 June 2026. 

Freeze on pet registration fees

Funding: $ 51,048 

Council has introduced a blanket 12-month freeze on pet registration fee increases for the 2025–2026 financial year. We know many households are feeling the pinch, and caring for a beloved pet can add to the strain. By holding fees steady, we’re helping residents manage everyday costs while continuing to support responsible pet ownership and the vital animal management services that keep our community and pets safe. 

The fee freeze applies automatically to all eligible Frankston City pets until 30 June 2026. 

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