Frankston City Council has announced a $72.9 million capital works program for 2025–26, describing the investment as a cornerstone of the city’s long-term growth and resilience strategy.
The ambitious program, adopted at the start of August, covers upgrades across sporting facilities, childcare and early years infrastructure, shopping precincts, roads, footpaths, drainage, parks, and the arts. It follows a year in which Council delivered 85% of projects on schedule and achieved a 92% delivery rate against its capital works budget.
Councillor Brad Hill said the city’s infrastructure plan was designed to keep pace with rapid population growth, expected to increase by 20,000 residents by 2036.
“Frankston is growing fast,” Cr Hill said. “Unlike many other councils, Frankston City has no infrastructure backlog, and we intend to keep it that way.”
The 2025–26 capital works highlights include:
- $20M towards the Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium upgrade — part of a $60M multi-year project.
- Nearly $8M in road and footpath improvements, including Tower Hill Road Shared User Path and McCormicks Road, Carrum Downs.
- $3.91M for open space and play spaces at Lipton, Heritage, Athol and Ferndale Reserves.
- $2.13M for the Frankston Arts Trail, jointly funded with the Australian Government.
- $8.13M for early years facilities, including Langwarrin Community Centre and Seaford Child, Youth and Family Centre.
- Upgrades to shopping precincts in Seaford and Frankston North totalling $450,000.
- Ongoing revitalisation of the Nepean Boulevard Precinct, including new lighting and public art installations.
A further $1.35M has been allocated to the reconstruction of Ballam Park East Oval, while a series of feasibility studies have been commissioned to explore future upgrades to local clubs, car parking, and community buildings.
Council also confirmed a projected increase in capital works funding to $87.2M in 2026–27.
Cr Cherie Wanat said Council had adapted its infrastructure strategy in response to inflation and reduced external grants by prioritising smaller, high-impact community projects.
“A standout example is the Langwarrin Community Centre and Early Years Project, which moved from a full rebuild to a cost-effective renewal and expansion,” Cr Wanat said.
Council also allocated funds for a dedicated Project Officer to support the Federal Government’s $50 million investment in Nepean Highway works — subject to negotiations with state and federal departments.
While some projects have been deferred, Council maintains it is managing finances responsibly, with a focus on avoiding unsustainable debt and attracting responsible development.
“We’re laying the foundations now for the Frankston City of the future,” Cr Hill said.
“It’s Frankston City’s time to shine.”
