FRANKSTON Council has given the final tick of approval to its 2021/2022 budget.
The final budget includes multi-million dollar works at Jubilee Park, Monterey Reserve, and Pat Rollo Reserve. Other projects included as part of $65 million in capital works spending are the playground implementation program, the sporting grounds playing surface renewal program, a public park on Evelyn Street, the Ballam Park Athletic Precinct track redevelopment, local area traffic management in the Seaford precinct, and the sculpture and public artwork development program.
The mayor, Cr Kris Bolam, said that council had made some adjustments to its budget after the conclusion of a consultation period.
“After careful consideration of all submissions, the adopted budget includes amendments with funding for the Frankston Music Community Network ($28,000), a contribution to the Peninsula Link access footpath ($25,000) and funding to PGA Australia towards the Golf Learning Hub, subject to agreed deliverables and milestones demonstrating tangible progress of the project to council’s satisfaction ($60,000),” he said.
“Frankston City is one of the highest infrastructure spending councils in the region. We have an ambitious program including the almost $35 million Jubilee Park Stadium upgrade.”
Council will also commit another $200,000 in additional ratepayer funding to plant more trees, aiming for a target of 20,000 a year.
Ratepayers will spend $200,000 to establish the Frankston Business and Industry Chamber, formerly known at the Frankston Business Chamber.
Frankston ratepayers will be hit with a 1.5 per cent rate rise. Council projects a healthy surplus of just over $19 million.
Cr Bolam said that the budget would help Frankston recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Council will spend another $3.86 million on COVID-19 support measures in the coming financial year.
The $3.86 million “relief and recovery package” includes $500,000 for Community Support Frankston. The charity provides emergency food, grocery vouchers, and help with utility bills to residents in need.
Local resident Aafreen accessed the charity for assistance following a period of hardship. He said “we weren’t eligible for any other help when I lost my job and our father passed away. My mother, brother and I would have been lost without Community Support Frankston.”
The budget contains $100,000 each for community recovery grants and mental health support programs, as well as $150,000 for Meals on Wheels support. Cash has also been made available for more grants to help businesses set up outdoor dining.
Council has also accounted for $400,000 of “rate relief” through $200 hardship waivers for rates.
The $1.1 million voucher program touted by council earlier this year will also proceed. “Frankston Arts Centre and PARC are much-loved and utilised council-owned facilities. The rewards program gives ratepayers the opportunity to experience them for the first time or for regular patrons to continue to enjoy them at a reduced price. The option of a discount on an at-call hard waste collection will also assist households who wish to utilise the service,” Cr Bolam said. “Full details, including how to redeem your reward will be available in your 2021–2022 Annual Rate and Valuation Notice expected to hit letterboxes in the second half of August this year.
“While we’re all in this together, Frankston City is a diverse community with diverse needs, which is why council has ensured its relief and recovery package has something for those in need ranging from economic stimulus grants, support for mental health and the most vulnerable, student grants, Meals on Wheels and much more.”