Stop work order issued at beach

A STOP work order has been issued to a property owner who has allegedly been conducting illegal construction work on Frankston Beach.

Over the last week, observers have spotted vegetation removal and construction work taking place behind 636 Nepean Highway. On Monday, Frankston Council confirmed that it had contacted the landowner to demand a stop to works on Crown land.

Frankston Council CEO Phil Cantillon said “since becoming aware of the activities two weeks ago, council has been working closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, while conducting multiple site visits and issuing formal notices to the landowner, demanding works cease immediately.”

“Following those directions, council today issued a planning enforcement letter and building order to stop work to the landowner. Council has no record of what vegetation has been removed or what is being constructed, however it is now apparent a significant area of vegetation has been cleared and a seawall (and potential retaining walls) are being erected,” Cantillon said. “Works in sensitive coastal environments must be informed by rigorous studies to ensure they do not negatively impact coastal processes, marine ecosystems, or public safety.

“All works and structures undertaken on coastal and marine public (Crown) land require consent from the state government, as well as planning and building permits where required. If the stop work order is breached, council will be forced to consider further action which may include prosecution.”

Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke has been spotlighting the issue on social media. He said he had been contacted more than 50 times “regarding large scale vegetation removal and earthworks on part of Frankston Beach, allegedly with no permissions or permits.”

“Early investigations have found approximately 700m2 of native foreshore vegetation removed since the start of 2025, extensive earthworks enroaching on crown land and Frankston Beach, and piles driven into our beach with vibratory hammers in preparation for more unknown, unplanned or engineered works,” Edbrooke said. “I want you to know that this issue is being dealt with (including over the weekend) and I’m working closely with Frankston City Council and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to protect our beach and foreshore.”