New initiative aims to speed up major projects and support first-home buyers
Frankston City Council has announced a shift in how it plans to manage growth and affordability, unveiling two initiatives aimed at making it easier to build homes and easier to buy them. The moves come as the city prepares for long-term population increases and a tightening local market.
The package, set to roll out from early 2026, combines a fast-tracked planning pathway for major developments with a one-off subsidy for first-home buyers. Council leaders say the approach is designed to keep local residents in the area while providing clearer rules for investors.
Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the dual pressure of supply shortages and rising purchase costs has forced councils to take a more active role in local housing policy.
Before outlining the programs, he highlighted the broader challenge:
“Housing affordability and supply are among the defining challenges of our time. Frankston City is taking a leadership position, both by supporting first-home buyers and by providing a clear, competitive and fast-tracked approvals pathway for investors.”
He said the new assessment pathway is intended to remove uncertainty for large-scale builders and unlock projects that might otherwise be delayed.
“The Priority Fasttrack Program sends a clear message: Frankston City is open for business. We’re giving investors confidence and bringing new development to market faster — one of only a handful of councils statewide offering this level of certainty.”
Targeting first-home buyers
Under the changes, eligible first-home buyers purchasing in Frankston City will have access to a $1,000 payment from 1 July 2026. The subsidy can be used alongside existing state and federal support schemes.
Mayor Bolam said the contribution recognises the gap between saving and settling, particularly during a period of higher living costs.
“At the same time, we’re backing local residents with Victoria’s first local government First Home Buyer Subsidy. We don’t want our own residents priced out of the housing market, and at a time of mortgage stress and cost-of-living pressures, every little bit helps.”
“We want every first time buyer to be able to achieve the dream of housing affordability. It shouldn’t be a dream, it should be a reality.”
Local real estate director Ash Marton said first-home buyers remain a strong presence in the market, especially those wanting to stay connected to their support networks.
“We are seeing strong demand from first-home buyers who want to stay close to family, work and the coastline lifestyle that makes this area so special. The $1,000 rebate may be a modest contribution, but if it helps more young people take that first step into the market, it represents a positive move and reinforces that Frankston is a city investing in its future community.”
Fast-tracking development
On the supply side, the Priority Fasttrack Program will offer a guaranteed 16-week planning decision from 31 January 2026 for eligible major proposals. Developers will also receive structured advice before lodgement and support after the permit is issued.
Urban DC director Danny Ciarma, whose firm recently delivered the Horizon development in Frankston, said predictability in planning timeframes can determine whether projects progress.
“Certainty and speed in planning are critical. Frankston City Council’s new Priority Development Program will give developers confidence to invest, plan and deliver. Frankston City is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting growth destinations in Victoria.”
A wider growth strategy
Frankston’s population is forecast to surpass 150,000 by mid-century, with Council targeting more than 33,000 additional homes by 2051. Existing measures include a differential rate on long-term vacant land and the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre Structure Plan, which guides higher-density development in the CBD.
Council says further details on both new initiatives will be released ahead of their 2026 start dates.
