Funding for local community a priority for Council

Published on 22 January 2025

At a Special Council Meeting for Frankston City Council held on 20 January 2025, delivering for the community was a clear message sent by Councillors, with over $546,000 in grants to community groups approved and over $15 million sought during the upcoming federal election.

The meeting was held outside the regular meeting schedule to discuss a number of urgent matters, including ‘call-in’ procedure for planning applications, awarding of the Community Service Partnership Grants Program, and adoption of advocacy priorities for the 2025 federal election.

In an effort to improve governance procedures for planning applications, Council resolved to update its Councillor call-in protocol noting the change from multi-Councillor wards to single Councillor wards.

Councillor Cherie Wanat said the refinements to the Protocol provide in-built safeguards while making the Protocol more robust by increasing the number of Councillors required to effectuate a call-in.

“Ensuring good governance in the decision-making process for planning permit approvals provides an important assurance to the community and to developers.”

Councils new-look Community Service Partnership (Triennial) Grants program for 2025-2028 will see 47 local service providers and clubs receive a total funding pool of $546,535.88 annually over a three-year period.

The program delivers funding within the following categories:

Specialist Community Services ($248,124.88) – Dedicated to organisations delivering unique, specialised, continuous and significant service to the community.
Seniors Groups ($24,426) – Supporting grassroots groups that foster social inclusion and community connections for seniors.
Community Centre Recipients ($261,985) – Investing in local community-operated hubs that enhance community well-being by providing spaces for gatherings, programs, and services that meet the diverse needs of the community.
Traditional Fundraising Events ($12,000) – Supporting longstanding small-scale community events that bring people together and raise funds for local charities.

Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy said the community service partnership grants are an important way for Council to make sure organisations across the city who are committed to supporting our diverse community receive funding.

“Council recognises the cost-of-living crisis is still very much an issue for many people, and we are now exploring a comprehensive relief package to further support those in need in our community. I am looking forward to working together to determine how Council can best address this issue for our community. “

Changes to the grants program have been warmly welcomed by community groups, with many such as seniors clubs receiving more funding than they have historically to enable greater service to the community. Additional changes to the program includes new governance clauses to ensure the political bipartisanship of recipient organisations and clubs.

Finally, in addition to Council funding in the local community, a new set of priority initiatives for Council-led advocacy to federal election candidates has been endorsed.

Council is advocating for:

Nepean Highway Precinct Revitalisation - Delivery of signature projects identified in the Nepean Highway Master Plan to enhance local infrastructure and liveability in Frankston’s growing city centre.
Bruce Park Pavilion Redevelopment - Seeking a $3 million Federal contribution to deliver a fit-for-purpose, inclusive multi-sport facility for tennis, AFL and cricket.
Support for vulnerable community members - Seeking a $500,000 increase in funding for emergency relief providers like Community Support Frankston to address the needs of vulnerable residents, and seeking $350,000 in funding to provide support services professionals at Frankston Station.
Enhancing Connected Neighbourhoods - Seeking Federal contribution towards an $11.7 million package of initiatives strengthening connections within Frankston and its neighbouring municipalities through active transport initiatives, including walking and cycling pathways that integrate key suburbs with Frankston’s city centre.

Mayor Kris Bolam noted community feedback received through the recent Community Vision Refresh and development of the new 2025-2029 Council Plan had been used in the identification of advocacy priorities.

“Council has an important role to play in engaging with Members of Parliament and political candidates in an effort to influence decision-making and secure funding contributions that benefit our local community now and into the future.”

“Each of the projects we have identified for Council-led advocacy directly reflect what our community has asked for and aim to achieve positive outcomes for our residents, workers, students and visitors.”

“I look forward to sharing more information about each of these projects in the coming weeks and months.”

To view the recording of the Council Meeting, visit: www.frankston.vic.gov.au