Frankston City Council has ramped up its investment in safety and community support across the city centre, with the 2025/26 Stronger Together Annual Budget backing a suite of initiatives aimed at tackling crime, rough sleeping, mental health challenges and anti-social behaviour.
The budget, endorsed unanimously at Council’s 23 June meeting, allocates more than $215,000 to expand programs including Rapid Response patrols, Community Connectors outreach, and new partnerships targeting graffiti prevention and local engagement.
Daily patrols and stronger CCTV coverage
Council’s Rapid Response teams have become a daily feature in Frankston’s CBD, conducting an average of three weekday patrols under the Community Local Law 2020. Officers monitor issues ranging from public drinking and smoking in smoke-free areas to graffiti, footpath obstructions and rough sleeping. Over the past year, the teams have carried out 532 investigations, issuing warnings and infringements primarily for alcohol and smoking offences.
Council is also collaborating with Victoria Police to expand access to its CCTV network — now one of the largest local government-operated systems in Australia. New cameras were recently installed at Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve, Ashleigh Avenue, Karingal Drive, Mahogany Shopping Strip and Railway Parade. Since 2018, Council’s CCTV coverage has grown by 20 per cent.
A feasibility study is underway to map out a further $1.5 million in CCTV infrastructure funded by the Australian Government, including exploring smart technology and mobile CCTV.
As part of the 2025/26 budget, nearly $160,000 has been allocated to expand Rapid Response patrols beyond the city centre.
Community Connectors and frontline social work
Launched in late 2024 as part of the Young Street Action Plan, the Community Connectors initiative — jointly funded by Council and Metro Trains and delivered by South East Community Links — has placed trained outreach workers on the streets to help with mental health, housing, drug and alcohol issues and family violence. In the last three months alone, more than 450 people have received support through the program, around half for homelessness-related concerns.
The latest budget adds an extra $40,000 to extend Community Connectors beyond Young Street and the Frankston Station precinct.
Meanwhile, the Library Social Worker Clinic, launched in September 2024 at Playne Street Library in partnership with Monash University, has already supported 123 people on issues such as tenancy, Centrelink payments, family violence and grief. The initiative also helps reduce occupational violence risks and supports other library activities.
Councillor Brad Hill said rising demand underscores the importance of embedding social work into everyday council services.
“The demand is real, and it’s growing,” Cr Hill said. “That’s why we’re investing in frontline services like the Library Social Worker Clinic and Community Connectors, because these initiatives make a lasting difference — not just for individuals, but for the wellbeing of our whole community.”
Additional safety measures and police support
The new budget also sets aside funding for:
- A graffiti prevention program, including bounties and anti-graffiti kits ($10,000)
- Support for Frankston Neighbourhood Watch ($10,000)
- Two new bicycles for Victoria Police cycle patrols ($5,000)
- $120,000 for new hardware and software allowing Victoria Police to access Council’s CCTV on mobile devices, conditional on increased police foot patrols in the city centre.
Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy said the combined approach of enforcement, outreach and partnership was key to restoring confidence in the city centre.
“Transforming our city centre isn’t just about construction and development,” Cr Conroy said. “It’s also about creating a place where people feel safe, supported and connected.”
Residents can find full details of the Stronger Together Annual Budget at frankston.vic.gov.au.
