Cut price PARC sessions, trips to Frankston Arts Centre, hard waste collection
Rates are still going up but a sweetener that hasn’t been seen since the 1990s is being added to the annual bill.
South East
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Frankston ratepayers will be offered cut price work outs, trips to the theatre or help cleaning up around the house.
The council has decided to add rewards vouchers to rates notices expected to be received by locals next month.
The details are still being finalised but it is understood that the vouchers will include three offers including a discounted visit to Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) Frankston Arts Centre vouchers, or a discount on an at-call hard waste collection.
“It’s been a hard 18 months and we think our ratepayers deserve a reward,” Mayor Kris Bolam said.
“Frankston Arts Centre and PARC are much-loved and used 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 use the service.”
The council already provides one free hard waste collection each year.
The rewards scheme was adopted as part of the 2021 – 2025 Council Plan and Budget.
Councillors voted in favour of a 1.5 per cent rate rise in line with the State Government cap as part of a budget that will deliver a $19 million surplus.
A further $3.86 million would be spent helping the community recover from the Covid pandemic.
The Relief and Recover package includes $500,000 to Community Support Frankston to provide critical aid for the city’s most vulnerable.
“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,” Cr Bolam said.
Frankston Council director of communities Dr Gillian Kay said $1.3 million would be spent on grants and programs to support economic recovery.
“This recognises and acknowledges the importance of supporting our hardworking businesses operators as well as attracting investment, growth and enhancing existing and future employment opportunities,” she said.
The budget also allocated $65 million in capital works including the $35 million upgrade of Jubilee Park Stadium, $2.7 million towards the Monterey Reserve Pavilion and $850,000 towards Pat Rollo Reserve Pavilion.
The council would invest $34.5 million in maintaining municipal infrastructure including roads ($9.3 million), footpaths and bicycle paths ($3.2 million), parks, open spaces and streetscapes ($10.8 million), recreation, leisure and community facilities ($6.8 million).
