Frankston City 2040 is the place on the bay to learn, live, work and play in a vibrant, safe and culturally inclusive community. Our City is clean, green and environmentally responsible.
The Community Vision 2040 incorporates six key themes, each with an aspirational statement and key priorities for the future.
Acknowledgement of Country
Frankston City Council acknowledges the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters in and around Frankston City, and value and recognise local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, heritage and connection to land as a proud part of a shared identity for Frankston City.
Council pays respect to Elders past and present and recognises their importance in maintaining knowledge, traditions and culture in our community.
Council also respectfully acknowledges the Bunurong Land Council as the Registered Aboriginal Party responsible for managing the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the land and waters where Frankston City Council is situated.
Introduction
Our Community Vision 2040 was developed by our community to articulate its longterm aspirations for the future of our City, in terms of its look, feel and liveability. It also captures what our community most values about Frankston City and connects it to our municipality as a place to live, work, study and visit.
Having a Community Vision 2040 helps Council, our partners and the broader community with planning and decision making, helping to shape our City’s future into one that the community wants to see, live and experience.
Our Community Vision 2040 was created by a representative community panel of residents and is voiced in their own words.
The Community Vision 2040 forms part of Council’s strategic planning and reporting framework to ensure it incorporates a long-term view of the community’s desired future into strategic planning and decision making. In particular, the Community Vision is used to help to shape the strategic priorities and directions in the four-year Council Plan that is established at the start of each Council term.
This Progress Report provides some of the highlights of how Council has contributed towards delivering the priorities set out in the Community Vision during the first two years of the current Council Plan 2021-25.
To see an overview of Council’s services and a full report of Council activity please visit Council’s website at www.frankston.vic.gov.au/councilplan.
Theme 1: Healthy families and communities
Aspiration for 2040
Empowering everyone to improve their health and wellbeing through access to green space, quality health services, social supports, education and opportunities to be physically active.
2021-2022 (Year 1)
Welcomed 10,699 visitors to Pines Forest Aquatic Centre in January 2022, the highest ever January attendance under Peninsula Leisure management The Peninsual Aquatic Recreation Centre held more than 550 swim classes with over 2,100 students.
Provided financial support for material aid through eligible emergency relief and recovery organisations, and partnered with Community Support Frankston to support over 130 local households with deliveries of essential food, pet care and medicinal items during the pandemic
Officially opened the $2.8 million Pat Rollo Reserve Pavilion in Frankston North. It includes two new female-friendly change rooms, umpire’s rooms, accessible toilets, a kitchen and kiosk, a meeting room and a social room.
Upgraded playgrounds at Fleetwood Crescent Reserve (Frankston South), John Monash Reserve (Skye), Lady Emily Reserve (Skye) and Witternberg Reserve, (Frankston).
Frankston Zero, a major initiative combating homelessness and helping rough sleepers in Frankston City was launched providing improved service system supports, including mental health, family violence and trauma support, to support people into long-term secure housing
Delivered Youth Services outreach, in-reach and engagement programs, and engaged young people to have a voice through the Youth Council and youth events.
Delivered a community call centre to triage service system support, referrals and the funded job advocacy program (established and delivered in response to COVID-19)
2022-2023 (Year 2)
Delivered the Maternal Child and Health Service and improved staff capacity to focus on actively engaging families that have missed key visits due to the pandemic, targeting developmental delay, outreach opportunities and community strengthening activities.
The Healthy Futures Hub was opened providing access to community sports programs, telehealth services, sports physio and sports medical practices, gym and learn to swim programs, community dentistry, NDIS programs and a café
Five new outdoor playspaces were opened giving families and children a safe, fun and accessible environment to play, improving the health, wellbeing and liveability of the community.
Launch of the Wingham Park Exercise Space for older adults including fitness equipment designed to enhance balance, agility and dexterity.
Transformed Evelyn Street Park into a vibrant, sustainable and accessible community space offering a range of amenities, such as an amphitheatre, rainforest garden, a grassed recreation area, accessible barbecues, and more trees.
Commenced development of the following action plans to improve community wellbeing: Family Violence Prevention Action Plan (now adopted); Healthy, Secure and Sustainable Food Action Plan (now adopted).
Coordinated Central Registration of enrolments for community kindergartens.
Theme 2: Vibrant and inclusive communities
Aspiration for 2040
The community is proud of First Nations Peoples heritage and culture and promotes a sense of pride and belonging for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Frankston City is known as a cultural hub with a thriving arts community, embracing diversity and promoting wellbeing.
2021-2022 (Year 1)
Celebrated 16,800 volunteers in Frankston City, contributing more than 46,000 hours of their time each year to our community, equalling approximately $1.3 million worth of donated time annually
Reconciliation Week was recognised and celebrated across Frankston City with a range of events and programs such as a flag raising ceremony, Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at Nairm Marr Djambana.
Several vibrant public art sculptures were progressively installed across Frankston City, including Council commissions and partnerships with Sculptures By The Sea and McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery. Five new vibrant public art sculptures were leased from Sculpture by the Sea for three years.
Welcomed over 80,000 visitors to our major events, including Frankston’s Magical Christmas (6,793), Waterfront Festival (45,000), Big Picture Fest (1,500), Party in the Park (8,000) and South Side Festival (20,000)
Delivery of the Frankston Open Space Strategy, Open Space Master Plans, Local Park Action Plan and Play Strategy priorities that ensure universal access principles are integrated into the design and implementation of projects.
Supported and promoted Culturally Linguistically Diverse (CALD) seniors groups
2022-2023 (Year 2)
Introduced new wayfinding signs along the Nepean Highway near Seaford, incorporating local indigenous language and design elements to promote Frankston City’s unique identity.
The South Side Festival featured the contributions of 230 artists, both events boosting tourism and earning Frankston a finalist spot in the Bronze category 2022 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards
Active promotion of Aboriginal art and culture through various initiatives, such as the “Spirit Dreaming” public art installation outside the Frankston Arts Centre. Commenced development of a concept for a new Cultural Heritage and History Trail at Ballam Park.
Incorporating Aboriginal artworks into architectural designs in various projects such as the façade screen of Jubilee Park Stadium, showcasing Bunurong Country’s changing waterways and reflecting the traditional culture of the Aboriginal people.
Established a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Advisory Committee to ensure the successful implementation of the RAP
Delivered the Disability Action Plan and facilitated the Disability Access and Inclusion Committee to facilitate improved access and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Theme 3: Natural environment and climate action
Aspiration for 2040
Frankston City is green and sustainable, and a leader in sustainable industry and development. Both Council and community are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and actively addressing climate change.
2021-2022 (Year 1)
Adopted the Biodiversity Action Plan 2021–2026 which reinforces Council’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment recognising the importance of supporting resilient ecosystems.
Developed the Urban Forest Precinct Plans for Carrum Downs/Sandhurst/Skye and Seaford to guide the planting of 20,386 trees in streets, parks and reserves to increase our canopy cover
Completed Stotts Lane path upgrade in Frankston South which includes the use of Polyrok, a sustainable alternative to mineral aggregate which includes soft plastic
Increased the uptake and awareness of the Kerbside Food & Garden Waste Collection Service to divert waste from landfill and support a circular solution in composting
Development planning applications are now required to include Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles in accordance with our Environmentally Sustainable Development Policy.
Supported the Frankston Environmental Friends Network and established the Frankston Foreshore Advisory Committee.
2022-2023 (Year 2)
Natural reserves maintenance achieved annual weed control and re-vegetation targets.
Rehabilitation projects at Olivers Hill, Seaford Wetlands, Jubilee Park and Seaford Foreshore achieved significant improvement in conservation value as part of long-term projects to restore natural values in degraded sites.
Canopy tree mapping across three years (2017 to 2022) was completed for Frankston, Frankston Heights, Karingal and the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC).
Commenced an annual municipal wide tree planting program for increasing tree canopy cover
Numerous key energy efficiency initiatives were completed including the installation of rooftop solar systems on the Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre (PARC) and the Civic Centre; and LED street lighting conversion in Sandarra and Sandhurst Estates.
The standardisation of bin lid colours for the current three bin system was completed (Red, Yellow and Green) and an education program implemented to increase community awareness of acceptable materials for recycling using the standardised bin system.
Lighting efficiency upgrades of the Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston Library, Youth Central, Cube 37, Frankston South Recreation Centre, and Council’s Operations Centre were completed.
Adopted the Climate Change Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change impacts.
Theme 4: Connected places and spaces
Aspiration for 2040
Frankston City is a well-connected and safe community with a unique identity, recognised for its vibrant City Centre that capitalises on its natural assets and heritage. Frankston City is the place that people want to visit, study, work and live in.
2021-2022 (Year 1)
Place-making and activation programs were implemented through the Do it Outdoors –Destination campaign with short-term licences available for businesses at a variety of reserves, parks and malls across the City.
Outdoor dining interventions and concepts were progressed for White Street Mall and Norman Avenue Shops. Improvement programs for McClelland Gallery Café, Banyan Reserve and Monterey Park were also delivered. Planning and designs for improvements to Railway Parade Shops, Seaford and Fairway Street Shops, Frankston were also progressed.
Key priority open space connections were completed including South Gateway Reserve, Langwarrin and George Pentland Botanic Gardens new primary path. Work to deliver Witternberg Reserve shared use path connection to the Peninsula Link Trail in the 2022-2023 financial year was also progressed.
New animal orders were introduced that now permit dogs into the Frankston City centre; and the establishment of a new free-roam dog beach at Keast Park, Seaford
Drafted the Integrated Transport Strategy: Connecting Communities (now adopted) to provide a comprehensive view of transport in Frankston City including active transport, public transport, sustainable transport and what the community would like to see into the future.
2022-2023 (Year 2)
Council completed the first ‘After Dark Activation Grants Program’. This was developed to support Frankston City’s transformation into a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe destination after dark.
Commenced development of the Nepean Boulevard Vision, which was identified as a priority strategic revitalisation action in the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Structure Plan Action Plan. This project will deliver the vision of Nepean Highway as a boulevard through the development of a Master Plan to guide prioritisation and advocacy.
The public realm upgrade concepts and consultation for Fairways Street Local Shops (Frankston) continued. Planning for Kareela Rd Local Shopping Strip upgrade commenced. Minor improvements, including Tactile Ground Surface Indicators and Disability Discrimination Act compliant car park were planned at various local shopping strips across the municipality.
The first stage of the Housing Strategy commenced with the development of a Neighbourhood Character Study and Housing Background Analysis. These background reports were used to develop the Housing Strategy Discussion Paper.
Council’s Rapid Response Team increased its patrols over the summer months to prevent anti-social harmful, destructive and illegal behaviour. The team was present in public spaces across the municipality and undertook proactive patrols, including joint patrols with Victoria Police.
Theme 5: Industry employment and education
Aspiration for 2040
Frankston City nurtures and attracts innovation and investment and is known for its education and business opportunities, including renewable energy, technology, hospitality, health and tourism.
2021-2022 (Year 1)
A new local business chamber, the Frankston Business Collective was launched, fostering a thriving local economy and elevating Frankston City’s identity as an innovation hub and businessfriendly city.
The City Wide Façade Improvement Grants were awarded to businesses to improve shopfront facades and beautify the municipality, while also activating and enhancing our retail precincts
The Southeast B.I.G. Build showcased almost $1 billion worth of the latest exciting new developments coming to the region and provided opportunities for local businesses to hear from developers about how to be involved.
Improvements to the urban design, pedestrian appeal and activation of Nepean Highway progressed. The expanded Nepean Highway Outdoor Dining was completed and design for creative tree lighting and median improvements finalised, with on-the-ground works commencing in September 2022
Grants were awarded for programs that seek to activate retail precincts in Seaford, Nepean Highway, Stiebel Place and City-wide facade improvements, with delivery of works commencing.
Delivered festivals and events to improve precinct activation and build on destination tourism.
2022-2023 (Year 2)
Council attended the CommBank Small Business Expo showcasing the City and opportunities for business investment to over 150 business owners form across the country. This resulted in 40 new business registering for the business e-news and numerous enquires form interested business owners.
Frankston City was awarded bronze in the 2022 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. The award acknowledged the City’s unique blend of city, bush, and bay, as well as the exceptional lifestyle experience it offers to both locals and visitors.
A group of students studying Year 11 Business Management attended a Q&A panel session with local business operators in the Council Chambers. Council worked with the student Coordinator to develop a Q&A session to help students understand what it was like to run a small to medium business.
The Frankston Business Collective become an independent entity with over 130 members. The initiative provided a voice for business and industry in Frankston City and was established to support a thriving local economy and to elevate Frankston City’s identity as an innovation hub and business-friendly city.
Council’s Business Concierge service provided existing and new business operators with valuable information and support. This year 172 businesses were supported through this service to set-up and/or relocate within the municipality
Adopted the Economic Development and Skilled Community Strategy to articulate Council’s role and focus for economic development.
Theme 6: Advocacy governance and innovation
Aspiration for 2040
Frankston City Council puts innovation and inclusion at the heart of all that it does, engaging with all of the community and advocating for people of all abilities and backgrounds. Council will be well governed and use its resources in an accountable and sustainable manner.
2021-2022 (Year 1)
The Mini Frankston Panel was formed to represent the wider community in online engagement activities, discussions, focus groups and deliberative panels and to help influence and guide our decision-making, policies and planning
The Transparency Hub was launched providing improved access to relevant financial and nonfinancial information for the community. Available data sets included financial, capital works projects, animal registrations, awarded contracts, consultancy expenditure and eBike data
Engage Frankston, our new engagement platform was launched enabling greater community participation on Council plans, projects and activities. The platform brings together all of Council’s engagement projects into one digital space where community members interested in particular projects can contribute while also seeing all other projects.
Council joined the Regional Smart City Partnership with another five Councils increasing smart city opportunities across the south and eastern Melbourne suburbs
A new Customer Service Charter was endorsed, promising the community accessible, respectful, clear and accountable customer service delivery by Council.
2022-2023 (Year 2)
The Governance and Integrity Framework was developed with the overarching aim to enhance community trust and transparency The framework is expected to be embedded during 2023-24.
The Transparency Hub enabled Council to provide and maintain strong data sets available for community access. The added inclusion of Councillor data has further improved transparency and the customer experience.
Service Governance Groups were established to assist in budgeting, prioritisation and streamlining of corporate initiatives. The 20212025 Service Plans were used to better inform the 2023-2024 planning cycle.
Enhancements were made to Council’s financial management system with Officers actively managing the integrity of data to inform decisions and progress Council’s overall maturity in procurement
Council undertook in-person community engagement through pop ups, drop-in sessions, and online workshops for approximately 50 projects. These engagements were delivered across all local areas to ensure the inclusion of the many voices of our community members.
