Statement from Mayor Kris Bolam: A new chapter for our city centre
Published on 15 April 2025
Following Friday’s Gazettal of Planning Scheme Amendment C160fran by the Minister for Planning, I’m excited to share that the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Structure Plan has now been implemented into the Frankston Planning Scheme, representing a landmark moment in the revitalisation of our city centre.
It means that our planning controls can now support the ongoing growth and transformation of our CBD and surrounding area, while protecting the things we love about our city. Decisions about land use, the location of businesses and housing, how people move around, and our city’s look and feel can now be made with the confidence and certainty that our City has needed for more than a decade.
Achievements like this don’t happen overnight.
Our journey has been extensive, with almost four years of rigorous and detailed strategic work that has included two stages of community engagement, public exhibition, as well as a review by an independent Planning Panel appointed by the Victorian Government.
Such is the strength of the FMAC Structure Plan that even before its authorisation, developers were lodging applications in line with the building form and heights set out in its precinct guidelines. On top of this, our decisions to reject inappropriate developments have been upheld by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which already refers to the plan in making determinations.
The result is more locally-based planning decisions, greater clarity for investors, and a robust roadmap for our City’s growth and transformation in the years to come – advantages that other municipalities can only dream of right now.
Looking ahead, Frankston is now ready for the growth we know is coming. Over the next 15 years, Frankston City’s population is expected to increase by 20,000 people, creating a need for 9000 new homes.
With the implementation of the FMAC Structure Plan into our planning scheme, more diverse housing options, including higher density living, social housing and short-term accommodation are now within reach.
Right now though, let’s enjoy this moment.
Today we’re seeing unprecedented investment in healthcare, transport, and education in our City.
Exciting new development applications are already coming in. Since the FMAC Structure Plan was formalised on Friday, Council has received a planning application for a $91 million major development. Meanwhile real estate agents are reporting more and more families wanting to move to our city.
Big name brands like Moon Dog are investing in our CBD while vibrant local businesses like Commonfolk expand, and city’s arts and tourism calendar reaches further into the metropolitan catchment, bringing more visitors and further boosting our economy.
Today, we celebrate progress — and the start of an exciting new chapter for our city.
I’d like to acknowledge the skill and commitment of Council’s council planning staff, the contribution of Councillors past and present, and the support of State MP Paul Edbrooke, whom together have put us in this enviable position. And I would like to thank the Minister for Planning, Sonia Kilkenny, for giving us this planning certainty moving forward.
Most of all though, I would to thank you, our amazing community, for providing the critical input needed to enable the FMAC Structure Plan to succeed. Thanks to you, we can now build a Frankston City that future generations will be proud of.