Outgoing mayor Kris Bolam has used his final statement to reinforce that Frankston has taken a bold leap into the 21st century, highlighting record investment, governance reforms and city shaping projects as he ends a record 1,116 days in the role.
Frankston Arts Centre visitors will now arrive through a rebuilt $2.1 million forecourt designed to improve safety, accessibility and the overall theatre experience, with new Bunurong-inspired landscaping, upgraded lighting and clearer access forming part of broader investment in the city centre.
Frankston’s newly rebranded Christmas Festival drew huge crowds on Saturday, with strong police presence, positive behaviour and no reported incidents. Council says the name change reflects a stronger focus on community connection.
Frankston’s sister cities trip has delivered millions in proposed investment and new international agreements. Outcomes include a 20 million dollar factory proposal, job creation, education partnerships and strengthened global ties across Japan, China, Fiji and the United States.
Frankston City Council has unveiled new measures to support first-home buyers and speed up major developments, becoming the first municipality in Victoria to offer a local first-home buyer subsidy. The reforms include a $1,000 payment for eligible buyers and a 16-week fast-track planning pathway designed to boost supply, increase investor certainty and help residents stay in the market.
Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam has been awarded the MAV Mayor Emeritus title, with former Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Graham Pittock praising his leadership and regional partnership efforts.
Frankston City Council is expanding its outreach services to better support residents facing homelessness and hardship — with new funding for street chaplaincy, an extended social work clinic, and extra grants for frontline community groups.
Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh’s attack on Frankston Council has backfired, with mayor Kris Bolam labelling the comments a deflection. The row has exposed Marsh to claims of hypocrisy over his own travel while highlighting Frankston’s progress under Bolam’s leadership.
A late-August Canberra trip is set to highlight both a leadership divide and souring relations between Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire. Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam refused to vote on his own travel, while Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh debated and approved his — a stark contrast that comes amid a breakdown in the councils’ regional partnership.
Frankston Council is urging election candidates to support funding for emergency relief, infrastructure upgrades, and a $11.7M active transport network to better connect the city.
