Frankston City Council says its adopted 2026/2027 Budget will deliver cost-of-living relief, reduce waste charges for most households and continue investment in local infrastructure.
Council adopted the budget with total rates capped at the State Government’s 2.75 per cent rate cap. It also includes a $900,000 Local Support Package and an $83.6 million Capital Works Program.
Mayor Sue Baker said the budget responded to community concerns about rising costs.
“We heard clearly from our community that cost-of-living pressures are still very real for many households.”
“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.”
Council says most residential waste charges will fall by about three to four per cent in 2026/2027 compared with 2025/2026.
The FOGO charge will now form part of the standard waste service charge.
Mayor Baker said ratepayers who already have a FOGO service would see their waste charge drop by about $23 as the city moves from a three-bin to a four-bin service.
“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.”
“These savings are possible because of careful planning and procurement, improved recycling systems, and a community that understands how to sort waste correctly.”
Local Support Package Continued
Council says community feedback helped shape the continuation of its Local Support Package for a second year.
The $900,000 package supports Australia’s Most Accessible Beach, the Can Swim program, and one-off support for neighbourhood and community houses.
Council also allocated:
- $124,740 to expand the Rapid Response program across Frankston City
- $200,000 for the Community Connectors program around Frankston Station, Young Street and the city centre
- $163,256 for community grants
- $90,000 for local business and economic development partnerships
Council says the programs aim to support safety, connection, wellbeing and local economic activity.
$83.6 Million Capital Works Program
The budget includes an $83.6 million Capital Works Program for major projects and local upgrades.
Key projects include:
- $30 million for Frankston Stadium in Seaford
- $2.16 million for the Frankston Regional Arts Trail
- $2 million for inclusive play and pump-track facilities at Banyan Reserve in Carrum Downs
- $2 million for renewal works at Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre
Council will also spend $2.45 million on Towerhill Road and shared path upgrades, $1.77 million on Monterey Reserve in Frankston North, and $1 million on continued works along Nepean Boulevard.
Smaller neighbourhood works will include path upgrades, open-space improvements and play space renewals.
Council Points To State And Federal Partnerships
Mayor Baker said council would continue seeking state and federal funding partnerships to help deliver infrastructure and services.
“We know councils can’t do everything alone.”
“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.”
Council says it took a cautious approach to the budget in a challenging financial environment for local government.
It says efficiency measures, service reviews and its Fit for the Future program helped redirect resources toward community priorities while maintaining essential services.
Budget Debate Drew Procedural Concerns
The media release follows a budget meeting where Cr Nathan Butler said the Mayor did not give him the opportunity to move an alternate motion.
STPL News previously reported that Cr Butler’s proposed motion sought further work before final budget adoption. It included consideration of a principal place of residence rates discount, a 30 per cent Meals on Wheels discount, a two-week community survey, and a report on savings and efficiencies to fund the proposal.
Cr Kris Bolam also moved a motion of dissent against Mayor Sue Baker after arguing the Mayor should have recognised Cr Butler first. Councillors voted the motion down.
Council’s 13 May media release does not address the procedural dispute. It says the adopted budget reflects community feedback and focuses on cost-of-living relief, local services and responsible investment.
