Frankston City First flags funding priorities ahead of election

Published on 14 March 2025

Frankston City Council launched its federal election advocacy campaign today, calling on candidates, stakeholders and the community to get behind a suite of priority projects needing investment from a future federal government.

Launched by Frankston City Council Mayor Kris Bolam, Councillors and key community groups at a roundtable event at Frankston Arts Centre, the Frankston City First campaign outlines four key initiatives, spanning community infrastructure, active transport, CBD revitalisation and support for the vulnerable, which are designed to meet both the needs of today while planning for the future.

Labor candidate for Dunkley Jodie Belyea MP and Liberal candidate for Dunkley Nathan Conroy joined stakeholders including the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, Frankston Business Collective, Bicycle Network Victoria, Vicinity Bayside and local business owners.  

The four initiatives, identified through community engagement and feedback and endorsed unanimously by Council at its 20 January Council meeting, have received broad support from community groups, peak organisations, businesses and residents.

The priorities are:

• Nepean Boulevard Precinct  Revitalisation:  Council is seeking $10 million (or greater) in Federal funding to deliver signature projects as part of the Nepean Boulevard Precinct Revitalisation, designed to enhance local infrastructure and liveability in Frankston’s growing city centre.  
• Enhancing Connected Neighbourhoods: Council is calling for a $11.7 Federal contribution towards a package of initiatives strengthening connections within Frankton and its neighbouring municipalities through active transport initiatives, including walking and cycling pathways.  
• Support for Vulnerable Community Members: Council is seeking ongoing funding of $500,000 per annum for emergency relief providers like Community Support Frankston, and of $1.05 million over three years to support mental health and social support outreach in Frankston’s CBD as part of the Community Connectors initiative
• Bruce Park Pavilion Redevelopment: Council is calling for a $3.3 million Federal contribution towards the redevelopment of Bruce Park Pavilion, which will include fit-for-purpose, inclusive multi-sport facility for tennis, AFL and cricket.

Mayor Bolam said Council plays a vital role in advocating on behalf of local residents to both State and Federal governments.

“As the voice of our community, we are calling on the Federal Government to join us in investing in these transformative initiatives that will shape the next chapter for Frankston."

“The 2025 federal election is our opportunity to make these projects a reality. I urge all residents to express their support for the priorities that will improve our community, now and for generations to come."

Josh Sinclair, CEO of the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, spoke at the event in support of the Nepean Boulevard Revitalisation project, which he said was central to the region’s future prosperity.

“The benefits would be significant. Driving economic growth, encouraging opportunities for

diverse private sector investment, stimulating job creation, and growing a skilled local workforce. It will showcase Frankston as a destination, not just a gateway.”

Alison McCormack, CEO of Bicycle Network, said Council’s plan for more connected communities through active transport would deliver enormous health, social and economic benefits.

“A functional, well designed shared user path network isn’t just about more physical activity – it’s about safely connecting people to shops, sports grounds, schools. It’s about accessibility, participation and social connection.”

Special guest Donald Betts, former Kansas Senator and now Frankston City local, delivered the keynote speech, sharing his experience as an elected representative in driving changing, building relationships and influencing decision-makers.

“Ultimately, all politics are local, and these are local projects that involve collaborating and sharing to achieve great things. It will now be the job of elected officials to make it happen.”

Council’s Frankston City First campaign will position the four projects front and centre during the candidate campaign period in the weeks ahead, and ultimately during the all-important state and federal funding priority process.

Community members can support the campaign by sharing project information with friends, families and online, talking to candidates about their importance, and participating in community led initiatives such as the Frankston Business Collective’s petition on the Nepean Boulevard Revitalisation.

For more information about the projects, and the election commitments and budgeted funds from Victorian and Federal Governments towards them, visit Frankston City First - Frankston City Council.

From left: Councillors Nathan Butler and Sue Baker, Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula CEO Josh Sinclair, former Kansas Senator and now Frankston City local Donald Betts, Liberal candidate for Dunkley Nathan Conroy, Labor candidate and Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea MP, Mayor Kris Bolam, CEO of Bicycle Network Alison McCormack, Frankston City Council CEO Phil Cantillon and Councillor Brad Hill.