Council boosts safety with CCTV expansion and Rapid Response upgrade

Published on 08 December 2025

Frankston City Council is significantly strengthening community safety, with new CCTV installations and expanded patrol teams as part of a comprehensive community safety uplift. 

The Frankston City community will benefit from $1.5 million in Federal Government funding, following an election commitment to improve public safety infrastructure across key locations in Frankston City.  

Since the commitment was announced, Council has worked closely with the Australian Government to progress the project and ensure the funding can be delivered on the ground. 

Council is assessing both permanent and moveable CCTV options as part of this rollout, with the Federal Government now advising that the CCTV funding will be delivered over the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 years, 

Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the investment reinforces Council’s focus on long-term community safety. 

“This funding allows Council to strengthen an already significant CCTV network, one of the largest local government-operated systems in Australia,” Mayor Bolam said. 

“Every resident deserves to feel safe in their local shops, parks and public spaces. These upgrades will deter crime, support police investigations and deliver greater peace of mind for our community.” 

Work is already underway to map suitable sites for both fixed and mobile CCTV, including new installations in Karingal (Ashleigh Avenue and Karingal Drive) and Carrum Downs (Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve car park).  

Since 2018, Council has increased its CCTV footprint by more than 20 per cent, with footage streamed directly to Frankston Police Station for use in active investigations. 

Neighbourhood Watch Frankston founding member, Nick de Kunder, said community support for CCTV remains strong. 

“CCTV is an invaluable tool, not just for solving incidents, but preventing them,” Mr de Kunder said. 

“Council’s continued investment gives residents confidence and complements the work of Neighbourhood Watch and local police.” 

As part of the 2025-26 Budget, Council established a second Rapid Response Team, extending its existing presence beyond central Frankston into suburban areas under the new Safer Neighbourhood Patrol model. 

Teams will deliver proactive patrols across parks, foreshore areas, shopping strips and neighbourhood hotspots, responding to local law issues, keeping public spaces clean and safe, and supporting residents through on-the-ground engagement. 

“Residents asked for more visible patrols in our community, and we’ve listened,” Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy said. 

“This expansion allows us to respond faster, be more present in local neighbourhoods and build relationships that help keep people safe,” said the Deputy Mayor. 

Rapid Response Officers operate under stringent professional standards, are equipped with portable body-worn cameras, and possess strong skills in de-escalation and engagement. 

Council’s renewed focus on proactive safety initiatives aims to address the causal drivers of anti-social behaviour rather than relying solely on reactive measures. 

“Real public safety means tackling the causes, not just reacting to the symptoms,” Mayor Bolam said. 

Council continues to invest strongly in safety and wellbeing initiatives, including: 

• $215,000 in the 2025-26 Budget for safety and community programs (Rapid Response patrols, Community Connectors, graffiti prevention and community partnerships) 

• $10,000 to support the re-establishment of Neighbourhood Watch Frankston 

• $2.4 million Local Support Package over two years, targeting safety, social wellbeing and cost-of-living impacts 

• Development of a new Trader Assistance Directory to support local business owners 

• Water safety initiatives, including: 

• A major summer-safety program with free and subsidised water-safety and swimming lessons for all ages through the Peninsula Leisure “Can Swim” program, helping build water confidence and reduce drowning risk.  

• Enhanced foreshore beach safety efforts: increased lifeguard/beach-patrol coverage during high-use periods, more safety signage, and better hazard communication and beach-access support.  

• The rollout of accessibility-focused beach infrastructure as part of the “Australia’s Most Accessible Beach” pilot, to ensure the foreshore is welcoming and safe for people of all abilities. 

• Expanded youth recreation offerings, including safe, inclusive night-time activities informed by local young people. 

“Strong partnerships make a strong community,” Mayor Bolam said. “These initiatives aren’t isolated projects, they’re part of a coordinated approach to make Frankston City one of the safest and most welcoming communities in Victoria.”