Frankston Council has signed off on a $72.9 million capital works program for the next year, with plans ranging from major sporting redevelopments to new playgrounds and road upgrades.
The spending comes as Frankston braces for big changes, with the population expected to grow by around 20,000 people by 2036. Locals are already feeling the squeeze, with house prices up nearly 40 per cent in recent years, and Council says keeping infrastructure up to date is critical.
A new home for sport
The biggest chunk of funding will go to the Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium, which is set for a major $60 million overhaul. Council has put aside $20 million this year towards the rebuild, which is also backed by state and federal funding. Once finished, the venue is expected to become one of the biggest indoor sporting hubs in the south-east.
Small but important neighbourhood upgrades
It’s not just the big projects. Parks and playgrounds across the city will see nearly $4 million worth of upgrades. That includes new works at Lipton Reserve, Athol Reserve in Langwarrin and Ferndale Reserve in Frankston, along with lighting and access improvements at Jubilee Park.
Shade sails are also on the way, with $210,000 set aside to double shade coverage in council-managed spaces over the next four years.
Roads, footpaths and shopping strips
About $8 million will be spent on roads and footpaths, including a new shared user path along Tower Hill Road in Frankston South and improvements to McCormicks Road in Carrum Downs.
Local shopping strips will also get attention. Railway Parade in Seaford and Mahogany Avenue in Frankston North are both lined up for upgrades aimed at making them safer and more welcoming.
Spending carefully
Council says it has managed to free up $1.7 million in savings from day-to-day operations to help fund the works, without cutting services. Councillors are also quick to point out that Frankston is one of the few councils in Victoria without an infrastructure backlog — meaning the city isn’t playing catch-up on neglected projects.
What locals can expect
For residents, the new works should mean better facilities close to home — whether it’s smoother roads, upgraded parks, or more modern sports venues.
But with bigger population growth on the horizon, the challenge for Council will be keeping pace with demand while continuing to spread projects fairly across suburbs from Seaford to Langwarrin.
Read: $72.9 M investment in capital works for a growing Frankston City
