Towerhill Road Schools Precinct Scores $1.8m Shared Path Upgrade
Published on 25 February 2025
Students at two schools in Frankston South will soon be able to get to and from school more safely following the announcement that a proposed shared user path (SUP) on Towerhill Road will receive funding from the Federal Government.
The project, put forward by Frankston City Council under its Bike Riding Strategy 2024-2039, will upgrade approximately 1km of existing footpath between Overport Road and Frankston Flinders Road, a stretch that includes Frankston High School, Overport Primary School, Frankston South Community and Recreation Centre, and several sports clubs and community facilities.
Council welcomes this news prior to the 2025 federal election, with connecting our City via shared user paths a key advocacy priority.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King made the announcement alongside Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea, Frankston City Council Mayor Kris Bolam and Derinya Ward Councillor Brad Hill, with the Federal Government awarding $923,000 towards the project under its Active Transport Fund.
Council will match this contribution with funding from the Victorian Government’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program managed in partnership by Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
Towerhill Road has a high volume of vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian traffic, with more than 2000 students attending the schools each day and average annual daily traffic of more than 6000 vehicles.
The project will see the existing footpath upgraded to a wider shared user pathway, enabling vulnerable road users to travel along Towerhill Road separated from vehicle traffic, and reducing conflict between cyclists and pedestrians.
The shared path will also address a missing link in Frankston South's pathway network, reducing the need for private vehicle journeys, and promoting active travel among students and the local community.
Traffic calming treatments and raised crossings will also regulate vehicle speeds along Towerhill Road.
Mayor Bolam said active transport was a key priority in Council’s Frankston City First advocacy plan, and resonated strongly both with the community and at all levels of government.
“We know from our engagement that active, safe transport options and better local connections are important to our community, and to making our city an even better place to live,” he said.
“I’d like to thank the Federal Government for recognising the merits of the Towerhill Road shared user path project, which will transform daily journeys for thousands of students and residents.”
Councillor Hill said the project would deliver broad community benefits, not just to students but everyone in the surrounding streets.
“This is a project that ticks so many boxes. It means safer travel, not just for cyclists, but for families, for mums with prams, and people with walkers and mobility scooters,” he said
“It also links the sporting precinct, the community centre and the schools to the broader network on Frankston Flinders Road, enabling more people to leave the car at home, and enjoy more active and healthy transport options.”
Design works on the shared user path will commence in the coming months. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and take up to nine months to complete.
Proactively applying for grant funding is one form of Council’s advocacy to deliver infrastructure and services to our diverse and growing community.
Ahead of the 2025 federal election, Council is seeking a funding commitment from candidates towards an $11.7 million package of shared user paths that will enable more people to actively travel to school, work, recreation, and retail opportunities.
Projects include:
- Connecting Baxter Trail to the Peninsula Link Trail along Robinsons Road, creating a safer journey for students at Bayside Christian College and enabling greater visitor journeys.
- Constructing a new path along Frankston-Dandenong Road from Boundary Road to Thompsons Road, completing the bicycle and walking connection to Dandenong and Cranbourne.
- Upgrading and extending the Eel Race Road path from Station Street to Patterson River Secondary College, providing a safer journey for students and families while connecting Frankston and Kingston.
- Constructing a new path along Fletcher Road from Beach Street to Baxter Trail, connecting existing pathways from the foreshore to enable a greater journey across the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston and Carrum.
- Connecting Baxter Park Recreation Reserve to the Peninsula Link Trail along Baxter-Tooradin Road, creating a greater visitor experience by enabling visitors to stop and enjoy local attractions.
Frankston City boasts nearly 1,000 kilometres of paths, with walking being one of the most popular forms of physical activity for residents.
To learn more about Council’s advocacy for active transport, visit: https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/Advocacy-and-Partnerships
(Left – right) Derinya Ward Councillor Brad Hill, Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea MP, Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King MP, and Frankston City Council Mayor Kris Bolam.