New environmental project to slash energy costs and emissions
Published on 19 December 2025
Frankston City Council is partnering with the Australian Government to deliver a major sustainability project that will cut around 723 tonnes of carbon emissions and save over $200,000 in energy costs every year.
Through the Community Energy Upgrade Fund, the Australian Government is contributing $1.425 million towards Council’s Powering Creativity and Wellness Electrification project, with Council funding the remaining half. The partnership will enable significant energy infrastructure upgrades at the Frankston Arts Centre (FAC) and Library Precinct, and the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC).
These works will slash Council’s gas use by 45 per cent and future-proof two of Frankston City’s largest and most popular community facilities, bringing Council 6 per cent closer to its 42 per cent emissions reduction target.
As part of the project, all gas systems will be removed from the FAC and library precinct (which also includes Youth Central), cutting 212 tonnes of emissions and saving $40,000 annually.
At PARC, high-efficiency heat pumps will replace gas pool heating, reducing 511 tonnes of emissions and saving $168,000 each year.
These upgrades support the actions in Council’s Climate Change Strategy 2023-2030 and build on earlier sustainability wins at the sites, including 623 kW in rooftop solar across both sites which save a combined 744 tonnes in emissions and $117,500 each year.
Future plans at PARC include a renewable energy agreement, full electrification of heating and kitchen systems, avoiding another 700 tonnes of emissions.
Frankston City Mayor Sue Baker said the project is a big step forward.
“This is a huge win for our community and the environment, and we thank the Australian Government for helping us to make it possible,” Mayor Baker said.
“We’re cutting emissions, saving money, and creating facilities that are fit for the future and our community’s growing needs.
“Wellbeing is a top priority for Council, and these improvements will ensure that we can continue to build on the services we offer at these sites for social connection, health and fitness, the arts, youth services and more.”
Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea said she was proud to support projects that deliver real benefits for local communities.
“By supporting upgrades at PARC and the Frankston Arts Centre and library precinct, we’re helping local families and businesses benefit from lower emissions and smarter energy use, while creating jobs and building resilience for the future,” she said.
“This is about delivering on our national goals in a way that makes a real difference here in Dunkley.”
Work on the Powering Creativity and Wellness Electrification project begins in April 2026 and runs through to March 2028, with design and planning already underway.
PARC and the FAC are two of Frankston City’s biggest drawcards, with both recording their highest-ever annual attendance in 2024/25 (more than 1 million visits for PARC and 195,000 visitors for FAC). In addition, just this year, Frankston Library has recorded more than 147,000 visits and Youth Central has recorded over 2,410 visits.