CAPPED state government funding for dredging at Kananook Creek may impact future works, Frankston Council says.
The cost of dredging at the mouth of Kananook Creek has tripled in the last five years. In the 2021/2022 financial year council spent around $100,000 on works. In 2024/2025 it spent $250,000, and its budget for 2025/2026 is $350,000.
In 2023/2024 council received a $125,000 grant from the state government for Kananook Creek dredging. The state government reduced that figure in 2024/2025, allocating $110,000 for works.
A report on the matter was prepared by Frankston Council officers and presented to councillors at their meeting last week. Council unanimously voted to “write to Better Boating Victoria expressing its concerns with the capping of their funding contribution and seeking confirmation on timing of the commencement of the centralised dredging program.”
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said that Kananook Creek dredging “has been supported annually for four years running, totalling $443,000 including $110,000 in 2024/2025.”
“We recognise dredging is an important activity at Kananook Creek to keep thousands of boaters enjoying Port Phillip Bay,” he said.
The report by council officers identified multiple “issues” with the current management of the Kananook Creek sediment and dredging program, including “sand management investigations and an alternative dredging methodology trial, maintenance dredging works, dredging costs and Better Boating Victoria funding, and consultation with Better Boating Victoria regarding ongoing management of the sand and beach at Kananook Creek entrance into the future.”
“In July 2025, Better Boating Victoria advised that development of its Centralised Dredging Program is currently paused but remains a priority for future delivery, replacing the existing Dredging Grant Program once progressed. In the meantime, council is now exploring a proposal put forward by a community member which involves using a submerged automatic sand pump to manage sediment at the Kananook Creek mouth,” council officers wrote.
“Better Boating Victoria responded positively, recommending council undertake a feasibility study including cost analysis and early discussions with DEECA and Parks Victoria. They also indicated potential part funding support for detailed design and implementation through their Recreational Boating Dredging and Access Program. Council officers are currently in early stage discussions with DEECA and Parks Victoria on the viability of this proposal.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 16 September 2025