Frankston Council Raises Voter Approval Thresholds for Local Projects

Frankston’s revised ballot measure process now requires referendums for any city spending proposal above $8 million that involves new revenue sources. The change applies to all 140,000 residents and covers items such as road upgrades, park expansions, and library renovations funded by local rates or fees.

The council passed the updated rules in June after reviewing public submissions on transparency. The move follows similar steps taken by several other municipalities that have set signature thresholds or spending caps for direct voter votes. Frankston’s version sets an 8 percent petition requirement for citizen-initiated measures, compared with 5 percent thresholds used in some peer jurisdictions.

How Frankston Compares to Other Cities

Under the new framework, a proposed $12 million waterfront walkway would need either council referral or a successful petition before appearing on the ballot. Residents near the Kananook Creek precinct would receive mailed notices 60 days before any vote, a step not required in every comparable city. Local advocates note that the higher spending threshold limits ballot access relative to places that allow votes on projects starting at $5 million.

The 2026 municipal budget lists $320 million in total outlays, with $47 million tagged for capital works that could trigger the referendum clause if new revenue is sought. Policy analysts say this figure places Frankston in the middle range among cities that tie referendum triggers to project size rather than petition volume alone.

The first measures under the revised process are expected to reach the November ballot. City staff will publish a voter guide 30 days before the election that lists each proposal’s cost, funding source, and projected rate impact. Residents can review the guide online or at Frankston City Hall.