Mayor Nathan Conroy’s statement: Recreational Boating Action Plan

Published on 24 February 2022

Frankston City Council is aware the State Government’s Recreational Boating Action Plan, which references the commencement of planning for a Frankston Safe Harbour, is of concern to our community.

We are in the process of setting up a Foreshore Advisory Committee, which will create a vital forum for residents and community groups to provide input.

This will also provide an opportunity for community groups which share an interest in and a passion for the foreshore to come together to gain a greater understanding of the State Government’s project and voice their concerns.

Council does not have a preferred location for a safe boat harbour or firm view on the project at this early stage and we look forward to receiving more information from Better Boating Victoria.

The Recreational Boating Action Plan was launched independently by Better Boating Victoria. Council has not been involved in setting any forward agenda for what Better Boating Victoria aims to achieve. However, we are supportive of working with them and the community to learn more about their plans.

Council has provided Better Boating Victoria with access to a range of existing information, most of which has been available on Council’s website since 2019.

We were pleased to note the plan recognises the importance of consultation and outlines that community engagement will take place: “Consultation and planning for upgrades will be undertaken on a site-specific basis to determine feasibility of delivering these improvements, which will be subject to an approvals process.”

In October 2019, Frankston City Councillors voted unanimously on an extensive resolution related to the matter – noting the challenge for Council to further develop and advance a project of this magnitude, community interest and importance for broader levels of government.

They also noted that detailed technical assessments on the boat harbour project were to be forwarded to the State and Federal Governments for consideration.