Tackling Frankston’s high unemployment rate will be a priority for new mayor Colin Hampton.  The city was “well and truly on the move”, Cr Hampton said, but the number of jobless remained a concern for him and the council.

“With cranes in the sky transforming our city centre into a bustling hub of activity, Frankston City is getting closer to its goal of becoming the lifestyle capital of Victoria.  Together with these major redevelopments of our city, a key priority of mine and this council is tackling unemployment so we can create better and more prosperous outcomes for the residents of Frankston City.

“It is an unfortunate reality that Frankston City has one of the highest levels of unemployment in Victoria.  However, we are committed to advocating to both levels of government to deliver more jobs to our community.”

Cr Hampton has served a total of 14 years non-consecutively on the council since first being elected in 1987 and replaces Cr Brian Cunial in the top job.  Cr Lillian O’Connor will serve as his deputy for the next 12 months, replacing Cr Steve Toms.