Submission to Council’s Draft Financial Plan 2021 – 2031

Committee For Greater Frankston has submitted a formal response to Frankston City Council’s Draft Financial Plan 2021–2031.

Included in the submission is a renewed call to wind back the 25% additional rate charge on
commercial and industrial properties, the differential rate. In April 2020 we called upon Council to drop this premium in an attempt to lessen the burden that was already upon local business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even before COVID, Frankston’s economic prospects were challenged with less than one job for every three residents, and youth unemployment at 14 per cent, rising to 25 per cent in some areas.

It is the responsibility of the council to ensure that discussion and debate about the draft financial plan especially  focuses on how to best reinvigorate the municipality’s economy and employment. It is imperative that councillors look through a strong ‘pro-employment lens’ when considering the financial plan.

Vacancy rates have doubled in the CBD with one in three offices empty and one in 4 shopfronts; tenants cannot afford to bear the weight of constant lockdowns and excessive rates bills. 

We look forward to hearing the outcome of all of the submissions made to Council at their meeting on October 11, 2021.