Introduction
Frankston City Council is the local government authority responsible for providing municipal services, public infrastructure and community programs across Frankston City in Victoria, Australia.
The municipality is located in Melbourne’s outer southern region and includes coastal, residential, commercial and industrial communities. The Council website states that it provides essential services to approximately 141,845 residents.
Its responsibilities include:
- Waste and recycling
- Local roads and drainage
- Parks and natural reserves
- Planning and building services
- Libraries and cultural facilities
- Maternal and child health
- Community development
- Sport and recreation
- Local business development
- Public health and safety
- Environmental protection
- Major infrastructure projects
Frankston City Council is not a charitable foundation, private company or commercial enterprise foundation. It is a public local government body operating under Victorian legislation.
The Council has no private shareholders or conventional corporate ownership. Its authority comes from the Victorian local government system, while elected councillors represent residents and make decisions about services, policies, budgets and infrastructure.
History and Background
Development of Frankston’s local government
Frankston was formerly governed as Frankston Shire. It received city status in 1966, when the local population was recorded as 42,085.
The current Frankston City local government area was established in 1994 as part of wider changes to municipal boundaries and local government structures in Victoria.
Since then, Frankston has developed into a major metropolitan centre with significant residential growth, healthcare services, education facilities, retail areas, industrial precincts and coastal attractions.
The Victorian Government has designated Frankston as a Metropolitan Activity Centre. The city functions as an important employment, commercial, education, healthcare and transport centre for Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and the northern Mornington Peninsula.
Community Vision 2040
Frankston City’s long-term strategic direction is guided by its Community Vision 2040.
The vision was originally developed through a representative community panel in 2020 and reviewed by another panel in 2024. The engagement process included residents from different ages, cultures, income levels, suburbs, identities and abilities. Council reported receiving input from 1,361 participants during the latest review.
The Community Vision describes Frankston City as a safe, inclusive and caring place with a vibrant coastal identity, responsible environmental management, accessible infrastructure and a connected community.
Mission and Purpose
Core purpose
Frankston City Council’s purpose is to represent the local community and deliver services, facilities and infrastructure that improve quality of life.
Its role extends beyond basic municipal administration. Council also supports health, social inclusion, business development, arts, environmental sustainability and long-term urban planning.
Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029
The Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029 was endorsed on 23 June 2025. It serves as Council’s strategic blueprint for delivering services, investing in local priorities and creating a healthier, more inclusive and sustainable municipality.
The plan combines the traditional Council Plan with the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. It was developed with input from more than 1,300 community members and a representative Community Panel.
Its four strategic outcomes are:
- Healthy and inclusive communities
- A protected and resilient natural environment
- Connected places and a thriving economy
- Effective Council performance and leadership
Health and community wellbeing
Council seeks to improve community wellbeing through maternal and child health, immunisation, community care, recreation, libraries, cultural programs and services for children, young people and older residents.
The 2026–2027 Budget continues support for maternal and child health, early-childhood services, community care, volunteering, social inclusion and accessible arts and recreation.
Environmental responsibility
Frankston City Council is responsible for managing natural reserves, coastal areas, trees, biodiversity, waste, drainage and climate-related programs.
Its current environmental priorities include:
- Protecting Indigenous vegetation
- Maintaining urban tree cover
- Reducing waste sent to landfill
- Supporting circular-economy practices
- Protecting waterways
- Strengthening climate resilience
- Encouraging environmental volunteering
- Improving community understanding of sustainability
Governance and Structure
Public local government structure
Frankston City Council is governed under Victoria’s Local Government Act 2020 and related planning and reporting regulations.
It is accountable to residents through council elections, public meetings, annual reports, audited financial statements, strategic plans and community consultation.
The Council is not privately owned. Public infrastructure, funds and assets are managed for municipal purposes rather than for distribution to shareholders.
Electoral wards
Frankston City is divided into nine electoral wards. Each ward elects one councillor for a four-year term.
The wards are:
- Ballam Ward
- Centenary Park Ward
- Derinya Ward
- Elisabeth Murdoch Ward
- Kananook Ward
- Lyrebird Ward
- Pines Ward
- Wilton Ward
- Yamala Ward
Mayor and Deputy Mayor
At the Council meeting held on 10 December 2025, councillors elected Cr Sue Baker as Mayor for 2025–2026 and Cr Cherie Wanat as Deputy Mayor.
Their appointments created Frankston City Council’s first all-female councillor leadership team.
The Mayor represents the Council at civic events, leads council meetings and acts as an important public spokesperson. The Deputy Mayor supports the Mayor and may perform mayoral responsibilities when required.
Current councillors
The current councillors and their wards are:
- Cr Sue Baker – Pines Ward
- Cr Cherie Wanat – Elisabeth Murdoch Ward
- Cr Steffie Conroy – Lyrebird Ward
- Cr Emily Green – Kananook Ward
- Cr David Asker – Wilton Ward
- Cr Brad Hill – Derinya Ward
- Cr Michael O’Reilly – Centenary Park Ward
- Cr Nathan Butler – Yamala Ward
- Cr Kris Bolam – Ballam Ward
Chief Executive Officer
Tennille Bradley became Chief Executive Officer in January 2026. She is the first female CEO in Frankston City Council’s history.
The CEO is responsible for Council’s daily administration, employees, implementation of council decisions, service delivery and organisational performance.
Accountability and transparency
Council publishes:
- Annual budgets
- Annual reports
- Financial plans
- Asset plans
- Council meeting agendas and minutes
- Councillor interest returns
- Performance reports
- Policies and strategies
- Public consultation outcomes
The Annual Report 2024–2025 includes audited financial statements, service-performance results and information about progress against Council Plan priorities.
Funding and Grants
Main sources of Council funding
Frankston City Council’s basic funding comes from several public revenue sources.
These include:
- Property rates and charges
- Waste-service charges
- User fees
- Planning and permit fees
- Government operating grants
- Government capital grants
- Fines and statutory fees
- Developer contributions
- Facility income
- Other municipal revenue
The adopted 2026–2027 Budget forecasts approximately $256.5 million in total income, including $159.7 million from rates and charges, $19.1 million in operating grants and $26.6 million in capital grants. Total expenditure is budgeted at approximately $233.4 million.
Capital investment
Council’s 2026–2027 Budget includes an $83.6 million Capital Works Program.
Major funded projects include:
- $30 million for Frankston Stadium in Seaford
- $2.46 million for Towerhill Road and path reconstruction
- $2.17 million for the Frankston Regional Arts Trail
- $2 million for Banyan Reserve play space and pump track
- $2 million for Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre renewals
- $1.78 million for Monterey Reserve improvements
- $1 million for the Nepean Boulevard Signature Project
Local Support Package
The 2026–2027 Budget includes a $900,000 Local Support Package to help residents, families, community organisations and businesses facing cost-of-living pressures.
The package supports accessible beach services, subsidised swimming, neighbourhood houses, community safety, local businesses and additional community grants.
Annual Community Grants
Frankston City Council offers one-off grants to eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that address local needs.
The 2026 Annual Community Grants opened in July and provide:
- Up to $7,500 for healthy, active and resilient communities
- Up to $7,500 for engaged, connected and inclusive communities
- Up to $7,500 for safe, respectful and equal communities
- Up to $5,000 for Sister and Friendship City activities
Eligible projects may address physical health, nutritious food, mental wellbeing, social connection, climate resilience, violence prevention, equality or community inclusion.
Community Service Partnership Grants
Community Service Partnership Grants provide three-year support to selected nonprofit organisations delivering specialised and continuing services.
The current funding period covers 2025–2028, with the next expression-of-interest process expected in late 2027.
Urgent Grants
Urgent Grants provide up to $1,000 for nonprofit groups responding to unforeseen or time-critical circumstances.
Funding can be used where an unexpected event affects service delivery or creates an immediate community need.
Environmental Sustainability Grants
Council provides environmental grants for community groups and eligible landowners.
Community-group projects may receive funding for activities such as:
- Tree planting
- Bush regeneration
- Composting
- Waste reduction
- Renewable-energy education
- Water-efficient gardening
- Bicycle maintenance
- Clothing exchanges
- Climate-action workshops
The environmental grant program also supports landowners restoring Indigenous vegetation and improving biodiversity corridors.
Artist Project Grants
Artist Project Grants provide one-off support to local artists, creatives and small organisations.
The program funds six projects that contribute to Frankston City’s culture, community identity and creative development. Supported work must be created or presented within Frankston City.
Small Business Grants
The Frankston City Small Business Grants Program supports business growth, relocation, innovation and employment.
For 2025–2026, 22 local businesses received a record total of $200,000. The grants are expected to generate more than 40 jobs across sectors including hospitality, health, manufacturing, education and professional services.
Since the program began in 2012, Council reports that it has supported more than 126 businesses, helped create 760 direct jobs and contributed over $470 million to the local economy.
Research grants and basic research funding
Frankston City Council is not a conventional scientific foundation and does not generally offer unrestricted basic research funding.
Council may commission studies, feasibility assessments, community research, environmental monitoring, planning analysis and policy evaluations. It may also partner with universities or research organisations where the work contributes to local government responsibilities.
Research funding is more likely to relate to:
- Urban planning
- Public health
- Transport
- Housing
- Biodiversity
- Climate resilience
- Waste management
- Economic development
- Community wellbeing
Universities and individual researchers should not assume that Council operates a permanent open research-grants program. Opportunities are more commonly offered through public procurement, partnerships, tenders or specific grant categories.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Community services
Council delivers or supports programs for children, families, older adults, young people and people experiencing disadvantage.
Key services include:
- Maternal and child health
- Immunisation
- Kindergarten registration
- Playgroups
- Community care
- Youth services
- Positive ageing programs
- Community centres
- Volunteering support
- Social-inclusion initiatives
Libraries, arts and culture
Frankston City Council manages significant cultural and learning facilities, including Frankston City Libraries and Frankston Arts Centre.
Programs include:
- Early-literacy activities
- Digital-literacy support
- Creative workshops
- Exhibitions
- Theatre performances
- Community festivals
- Artist development
- Public art
- Cultural events
The 2026–2027 Budget allocates more than $14 million in expenditure to arts and cultural services.
Sport and recreation
Council manages sporting grounds, reserves, leisure facilities, walking paths, playgrounds and community recreation programs.
Its current initiatives include the redevelopment of Frankston Stadium, renewals at Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre and new recreation infrastructure at Banyan Reserve.
Business and economic development
Council supports the local economy through:
- Small Business Grants
- Business mentoring
- Investment attraction
- Tourism promotion
- Networking events
- Retail-precinct development
- Business directories
- Employment initiatives
- Advocacy for major infrastructure
Environmental programs
Environmental initiatives include:
- Urban-tree planting
- Biodiversity restoration
- Waste education
- Circular-economy planning
- Coastal management
- Climate-change action
- Gardens for Wildlife
- National Tree Day
- Sustainable landowner grants
- Waterway and drainage planning
Community safety
Council works with community organisations, Victoria Police and government agencies to improve public safety.
Programs include local-laws patrols, the Rapid Response service, Community Connectors, public-space improvements and initiatives addressing family violence, gambling harm and discrimination.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Small Business Grants impact
Council’s Small Business Grants have supported enterprises in hospitality, manufacturing, health, education and creative industries.
The 2025–2026 program awarded $200,000 to 22 businesses, supporting expansion, relocation, new products and employment creation.
Parks and recreation investment
In 2026, Council announced a $1.83 million co-funded program to upgrade six local parks.
Council contributed $915,000, matched by the Victorian Government. The improvements focus on paths, accessibility, safety, amenity and urban greening.
Community grants impact
Community funding supports grassroots organisations delivering health, inclusion, education, cultural and social-support activities.
Council’s multi-year partnership grants help organisations maintain specialised services, while urgent and annual grants provide flexible assistance for emerging community needs.
Environmental outcomes
Environmental grants have helped landowners expand areas of high conservation value, protect Indigenous ground cover and plant native species.
Council highlighted one project where habitat improvements supported additional local Hakea plantings, providing food for yellow-tailed black cockatoos.
Capital works delivery
Council’s capital program funds roads, buildings, parks, drainage, sporting facilities and public spaces.
For 2024–2025, its Transparency Hub reported an annual program covering approximately 280 projects with a forecast capital expenditure of about $66.4 million.
Sustainability recognition
Frankston City received Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria’s 2025 Tidy City of the Year Sustainability Award.
The recognition reflects environmental and community initiatives undertaken across the municipality, although Council’s longer-term environmental impact will continue to depend on waste reduction, biodiversity protection and delivery of climate commitments.
Conclusion
Frankston City Council is the public authority responsible for local services, community facilities, infrastructure and strategic planning across Frankston City.
Its history developed from the former Frankston Shire, which received city status in 1966, to the establishment of the current local government area in 1994.
Council is governed by nine elected councillors and led administratively by Chief Executive Officer Tennille Bradley. Mayor Sue Baker and Deputy Mayor Cherie Wanat currently form the elected leadership team.
Frankston City Council is not a foundation, privately owned enterprise or commercial grantmaking organisation. Its funding comes mainly from rates, fees, government grants, contributions and municipal revenue.
Its major grant programs include:
- Annual Community Grants
- Community Service Partnership Grants
- Urgent Grants
- Environmental Sustainability Grants
- Artist Project Grants
- Child and Youth Inclusion Subsidies
- Small Business Grants
Council does not generally offer unrestricted basic research funding. However, research organisations may participate through commissioned studies, procurement opportunities and partnerships relating to local planning, health, climate, transport or community development.
For an intern, Frankston City Council provides practical insight into:
- Local government governance
- Community-grant administration
- Public budgeting
- Urban and strategic planning
- Community engagement
- Environmental management
- Economic development
- Public health
- Infrastructure delivery
- Arts and cultural programming
- Procurement and tenders
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Public accountability
Frankston City Council’s future impact will depend on its ability to maintain essential services, manage rapid growth, strengthen environmental resilience and deliver major infrastructure while remaining financially sustainable and responsive to community needs.
For more information, visit here.
