Federal Govt boost CBD transformation with $50m Nepean Highway funding

Published on 21 March 2025

Frankston City’s ongoing transformation has taken a massive step forward, thanks to a major Federal Government investment in a rejuvenated Nepean Highway.

Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement on the weekend of $50 million towards improvements along Nepean Highway in Frankston, saying “this is a major win for Frankston City and sets the scene for a vibrant and prosperous future for our city centre”.

“Businesses will thrive, developers will invest, new residents and visitors will flock to Frankston’s city centre following these crucial improvements,” said Mayor Bolam.

Council has worked with the Department of Transport and Planning over a number of years and has consulted community on the future of Nepean Highway, with a Nepean Boulevard Master Plan adopted earlier this year and an advocacy campaign led by Council, the Frankston Business Collective and Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula.

Mayor Bolam said the funding announced by the Federal Government could enable Council to deliver a range of signature works identified in the Nepean Boulevard Master Plan, but also work towards other key elements of Frankston City’s broader transformation, including improved traffic flow and more active transport connections.

“The funding is the catalyst our city needs and deserves and will drive the broader revitalisation of our CBD set out in the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Structure Plan.”

The FMAC Plan is in final stages of authorisation by the State Government and will guide development and land use in the CBD for the next 20 years, support Frankston City’s growing population, and help to meet the Victorian Government’ housing targets.

“We’ve worked hard to put Frankston City in a unique position where all three levels of government share a united vision for the future of our community. I’d like to thank the Federal Government and local Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea for investing in our community and

putting Frankston City first, and also the support of State Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke in securing this once-in-a-generation opportunity for our City.”

“I now look forward to working with the Federal Government, Department of Transport and Planning, key stakeholders and local community to ensure these funds deliver the future our city so richly deserves.”

Key elements of Council's vision for a transformed Nepean Boulevard include economic revitalisation of the highway, increased pedestrian use and activation for visitors and locals, and greater connections between the city and the bay.

Projects include creation of a new northern gateway and Kananook Creek Park, activation of the historic Comfort Station, expanded pathways and landscaping to support outdoor dining and retail, and shared user paths connecting to other parts of the city. The Overton Road intersection is also a priority project.

More details on the Nepean Boulevard Precinct Revitalisation and Master Plan are available online at:

https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/Frankston-City-First/Nepean-Boulevard-Precinct-Revitalisation