FRANKSTON City Council officers, in conjunction with Victoria Police and support agencies, have undertaken an operation to reclaim the lower level car park at the Frankston Arts Centre after it was occupied by a number of members of the public.
During July, a number of people that have residential addresses moved into the lower level of the car park, and partook in threatening and anti-social behaviour.
The News believes that some patrons were accosted by the people prompting the council to remove vehicles they had stored in the lower level and close that level of the car park off.
The closure caused further issues for Frankston Arts Centre patrons with the reduction in parking requiring some patrons to park elsewhere to visit the centre.
“The safety of our staff, Frankston Arts Centre patrons and the wider community is our highest priority,” said Frankston City Council CEO Tennille Bradley.
“Frankston City Council, including our Executive Leadership Team, is aware of the safety incidents and concerning behaviours within the lower level of the Frankston Arts Centre car park.
“In response, Council implemented appropriate measures to protect staff, patrons and visitors while ensuring support is available to people experiencing homelessness who may be impacted by the closure.
“As a precautionary measure, the area was temporarily closed while council worked with Victoria Police, Frankston Zero and specialist outreach service providers to respond to the situation.
“Council recognises that people experiencing homelessness are members of our community and that rough sleeping, in itself, does not pose a safety risk.
“The temporary closure related to a series of specific safety incidents and behaviours in the area, rather than because people may have been experiencing homelessness.”
On Thursday 30 July council staff, assisted by Victoria Police, informed four people on the lower level of the car park that they were required to vacate the area.
“The lower level of the car park has now been reopened and continues to be closely monitored. Additional security and patrol arrangements have also been implemented, and council will continue to review conditions within the car park,” said Bradley.
“The Frankston Arts Centre received a small number of enquiries regarding the temporary closure of the lower level car park. While formal complaints have been limited, council has acted proactively in response to the identified safety risks.”
A statement from City of Frankston said council’s response is guided by the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities alongside council’s Responding to Rough Sleeping Protocol, balancing the dignity and rights of people experiencing homelessness with their responsibility to provide safe and accessible public spaces for everyone.
First published in the Mornington News – 11 August 2026
