MORE council safety officers will soon patrol Frankston’s CBD. In the last year, Frankston Council’s rapid response officers carried out 532 investigations. They issued warnings and infringements for public drinking and smoking in designated smoke-free areas. At the moment officers undertake an average of three patrols per weekday. Frankston Council has confirmed it is planning to expand the program.
Frankston deputy mayor Steffie Conroy said “transforming our city centre isn’t just about construction and development. It’s also about creating a place where people feel safe, supported, and connected.” “From daily patrols and joint police operations to expand CCTV, we’re tackling the complex issues our city faces head on. These initiatives are not only improving safety and amenity – they’re restoring confidence, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring support reaches those who need it most,” she said.
A statement from Frankston Council read that its officers are “monitoring issues including smoking, alcohol consumption, and anti-social behaviour. They also address rough sleeping, graffiti, footpath obstructions, and conduct audits of spray paint sales and unsightly buildings.”
Council’s recently approved annual budget also set aside money for numerous safety measures – nearly $160,000 will be spent to expand rapid response patrols outside of the city centre. The budget also featured $40,000 for the Community Connectors program to extend it beyond the Young Street and Frankston Station precinct, $10,000 for a graffiti prevention program including a bounty and anti-graffiti kits, $10,000 for the Frankston Neighbourhood Watch program, $5000 by buy two new bicycles for the CBD Victoria Police cycle program, and $120,000 to install new technology for Victoria Police to access CCTV vision from their mobile devices. $1.5 million will be spent on a CCTV mapping feasibility study, and $5000 will be spent on a “Trader Assistance Directory” to provide information on localised support and enforcement services.
First published in the Frankston Times – 8 July 2025