Community-first Budget delivers relief while investing responsibly

Published on 13 May 2026

Frankston City Council has adopted another community focused Budget that delivers real cost of living support, keeps total rates capped at the State Government limit of 2.75 per cent increase and continues investment in community infrastructure and local projects across the city.

Informed by early community engagement and building on extensive engagement from 2025-2026 from residents, community groups, and other organisations, the 2026-2027 Budget reflects a clear message from the community: people are still feeling the pressure of rising costs, they value strong local services, and they want Council to invest carefully and responsibly in Frankston City’s future.

Mayor Sue Baker said the Budget is about responding to those voices with practical action.

“We heard clearly from our community that cost of living pressures are still very real for many households,” Mayor Baker said.

“This Budget responds by delivering real relief — keeping rates capped, reducing waste charges for most households, and continuing investment in the facilities, neighbourhoods and services people rely on every day.”

As part of Council’s cost of living response, most residential waste charges will reduce by an average of around three to four per cent in 2026–2027 compared with 2025–2026, with the FOGO charge now integrated into the standard waste service charge.

The reduction coincides with the final stage of the four bin kerbside system rollout, delivering better environmental outcomes while helping ease weekly household costs.

“For ratepayers who already have a FOGO service, their waste charge will drop by around $23 with the move from a three bin to a four bin service,” Mayor Baker said.

“These savings are possible because of careful planning and procurement, improved recycling systems, and a community that understands how to sort waste correctly.”

Community feedback also directly influenced the continuation of Council’s Local Support Package, delivered for the second year in a row to provide targeted assistance where it is most needed. The $900,000 package supports inclusive access to the foreshore through Australia’s Most Accessible Beach following a successful pilot, helps children and families gain vital water safety skills through the Can Swim program, and strengthens frontline services through one off support for neighbourhood and community houses.

Investment also continues in initiatives that support safety, connection, and wellbeing. Funding has been allocated to:

• Expand the Rapid Response program which provides proactive patrols across Frankston City ($124,740);
• Continue the nationally recognised, award winning Community Connectors program, which supports early intervention, outreach and engagement around Frankston Station, Young Street and the city centre ($200,000);
• Increase support for community grants will help local organisations deliver grassroots programs that respond directly to local need ($163,256);
• Ongoing investment in local business and economic development partnerships, recognising their role in supporting the local economy ($90,000).

Alongside community support, the Budget delivers an $83.6 million Capital Works Program that balances major city shaping projects with smaller, neighbourhood level improvements that make a real difference day to day.

This includes significant progress on the Frankston Stadium in Seaford ($30M), continued delivery of the Frankston Regional Arts Trail, ($2.16M) new inclusive play and pump track facilities at Banyan Reserve in Carrum Downs ($2M), and renewal works at Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre ($2M) to maintain one of the city’s most used facilities.

Investment will also improve how people move around the city, with upgrades to Towerhill Road and shared paths ($2.45M), improvements at Monterey Reserve in Frankston North ($1.77M) and continued works along Nepean Boulevard ($1M).

Beyond these major projects, Council will continue to deliver smaller, high impact works across neighbourhoods — including local path upgrades, open space improvements and play space renewals — many of which are consistently raised through community feedback and valued for their everyday benefits.

Mayor Baker said partnerships will remain critical to delivering infrastructure and services without placing additional pressure on ratepayers.

“We know councils can’t do everything alone,” she said.

“We’ll continue to advocate strongly to state and federal governments for funding partnerships — particularly in the lead up to this year’s State Election, we are seeking support for shared user paths around schools and neighbourhoods, community outreach and homelessness support services and upgrades to key community sport and recreation infrastructure and more.”

The Budget has been developed with a cautious and responsible approach in a challenging financial environment for local government. Through efficiency measures, service reviews and Council’s Fit for the Future program, resources have been redirected toward high impact community priorities while maintaining essential services and strengthening long-term financial sustainability.

The 2026–2027 Budget reflects a Council focused on supporting people through today’s challenges while continuing to invest sensibly in Frankston City’s future.

View the complete budget: https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/Key-Strategic-Documents/Budget-and-Financial-Plans.