Frankston City Council has emerged as one of Victoria’s most effective local governments after achieving five wins at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council — a result that highlights the city’s growing influence in shaping statewide policy.
While some councils, like Mornington Peninsula Shire, have seen relationships with key stakeholders become more distant and continue to struggle to cut through at a state level with any sort of relevance, Frankston’s record of advocacy success has become increasingly difficult to ignore. Backed by consistent engagement and a clear strategic direction, the city is building a reputation for results-driven leadership across Victoria’s local government sector.
A Strong Voice on Issues That Matter
The motions adopted by MAV delegates reflected priorities raised directly by the Frankston community — from affordable and key worker housing to transparency in government decision-making and protections for frontline workers.
Among the successful proposals were calls for:
- Clearer rules around lobbying and mandatory registers for councillor interactions.
- Formal engagement between the Office of the Governor of Victoria and local government.
- Unlocking surplus government-owned land to deliver affordable and key worker housing.
- Extending emergency worker protections to aquatic and rescue staff.
- Continuing state funding for councils enforcing tobacco laws beyond 2026.
The sixth motion — to reduce or waive stamp duty for first-home buyers — was not supported. Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the issue would remain a local focus, hinting at a new “Victorian-first initiative” to support Frankston’s first-home buyers.
Reform Through Persistence, Not Publicity
Cr Bolam said the Council’s success was the result of persistence and substance over spectacle.
“Frankston continues to punch above its weight because we focus on practical outcomes,” he said.
“It’s about working with the system, not shouting from the sidelines.”
Observers have noted that Frankston’s disciplined approach to advocacy — grounded in policy and collaboration — contrasts with the fragmented or personality-driven lobbying often seen elsewhere in the region.
The timing of Frankston’s motion calling for greater transparency around lobbying comes amid renewed scrutiny of informal political influence across local government. Earlier this year, it was rumoured that the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor and representatives from the Committee for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula had pressured Frankston’s Mayor to join a Canberra delegation — a move said to have soured relations between the two councils and prompted fresh discussion around how lobbying is managed at a local level.
Collaboration Over Competition
Councillor Nathan Butler, who represented Frankston at the MAV meeting, said the event reinforced the importance of cooperation among councils.
“Seventy-six municipalities came together with one goal — improving outcomes for their communities,” he said.
“Frankston’s success wasn’t achieved in isolation. It reflects the partnerships and mutual respect we’ve built across the MAV network.”
That collaborative approach marks a shift from the competitive lobbying style often seen across the bayside and peninsula corridor — where councils and committees sometimes duplicate advocacy efforts rather than combining their influence.
Recognition for Community Safety Advocates
Peninsula Leisure CEO Kath Thom welcomed Frankston’s successful motion to extend emergency worker protections to aquatic staff — ensuring lifeguards and rescue workers are recognised alongside police, paramedics and firefighters.
“Our aquatic teams at PARC and the Pines Forest Aquatic Centre play a vital role in keeping the community safe,” she said.
“It’s encouraging to see their work formally recognised.”
A Reputation Built on Results
With a seat on the MAV Board and several major policy wins already this year, Frankston City Council’s influence continues to grow — not through slogans, bully-boy tactic but through steady, results-based advocacy and cohesive leadership.
Cr Bolam said the outcomes at both the MAV and national levels show that Frankston is now a credible voice in reform conversations that matter.
“When Frankston speaks, it’s increasingly with credibility and purpose,” he said.
