Council launches dedicated emergency fund to support disaster recovery
Published on 14 October 2025
Frankston City Council is safeguarding the community against the growing risks of natural and other disasters by establishing a dedicated Emergency Disaster Fund.
The initiative reflects Council’s commitment to responsible financial management and future-proofing the municipality against events such as landslips, bushfires, coastal erosion, and severe storms.
Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the fund is designed to provide a financial buffer that ensures Council can respond swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes.
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact disasters such as storms, coastal flooding, and landslips – like the one nearby at McCrae – have directly on the community and in the recovery effort that follows. This fund is about future-proofing our city and being sufficiently prepared for the unexpected. We feel this is especially important for coastal communities like ours,” he said.
“While Council remains committed to planning and having strategies and infrastructure in place to reduce impacts where we can, we know this isn’t always possible and sometimes disaster strikes without warning.”
Councillor Emily Green also highlighted the increasing risks posed by climate change.
“Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of events like bushfires and coastal erosion. This fund is a responsible and necessary step to ensure we can support our community when it matters most,” she said.
“This new fund gives the community peace of mind that Council is thinking ahead and doing all it can to ensure their safety and access to Council services and facilities is returned as quickly as possible.”
The fund is designed to help cover costs associated with small to medium disaster events and provide a meaningful buffer for major disaster scenarios. It can only be accessed by the CEO or a delegate when the Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) is activated.
It will be implemented as part of the 2026/2027 budget, with an annual allocation of $150,000.
Recent storm events in Frankston City have ranged from $50,000 to $100,000 in operational costs, underscoring the importance of having a financial safety net in place.
Since 2010, Council has had agreements with neighbouring municipalities to assist each other in emergency management situations. Council also regularly participates in joint exercises with external agencies such as SES, CFA, and Victoria Police.
To learn more about Council’s emergency preparedness and access the Municipal Emergency Management Plan, visit: Emergency services and preparation - Frankston City Council.