Interim planning controls

Published on 06 July 2023

Statement from Frankston City Council Mayor Nathan Conroy 

For some years now, the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) has been recognised by the Victorian Government as a crucial city centre dedicated to providing a wide range of jobs, activities, and housing for the growing population. 

This is emphasised through the State Government classification as a Metropolitan Activity Centre – an Activity Centre of the highest order and an area that is slated for significant growth and change. Frankston is one of nine Metropolitan Activity Centres in Victoria.

We fully support the Victorian Government’s agenda for new housing growth within the inner and middle suburbs, such as could be accommodated at Frankston, as announced yesterday. In line with Premier Andrews’ statement, we don’t want to block housing development at a local level. We have hospitals, schools, universities, TAFEs and kindergartens all here at Frankston.

Over the past two years, Frankston City Council has worked extensively and collaboratively with the Victorian Government to develop the FMAC Structure Plan.

Our adopted plan aligns with the government's vision, elevating Frankston City as a prominent business and lifestyle hub, the capital of the south east. It offers developers, businesses, and the community a clear and assured framework for investing in Frankston.

The FMAC Structure Plan provides clear guidance on land use, building design, transport outcomes, housing and accommodation. It unlocks new development, facilitates redevelopment, creating valuable employment opportunities, all while protecting our natural assets.

This clarity is crucial in the current economic climate, marked by rising interest rates, mounting living costs and the severe shortage of housing stock within a national housing crisis.

Our plan will significantly increase housing supply, aligning with the priorities of both the Victorian and Australian Governments, capitalising on the remarkable interest shown by the private sector in Frankston and its future.

We eagerly await a thorough understanding of the rationale behind the Victorian Government’s introduction of the interim planning controls, announced by Minister Kilkenny over part of the FMAC Structure Plan area, and what implications they may have for the future authorisation of the FMAC Structure Plan, Planning Scheme Amendment C160fran.

We urge the prompt progression of Planning Scheme Amendment C160fran to ensure the best possible outcomes for our community. 

The momentum is here now, let’s get on with it!