Vasey RSL Care is pleased to announce that planning approval has been granted by the Department of Transport and Planning for its landmark Frankston South Integrated Living Development – marking a significant milestone in delivering high-quality, connected housing for veterans and the wider community.
The innovative development will bring together a diverse range of housing and care options within one cohesive community, including retirement living apartments and villas, assisted living apartments, a residential aged care home, and ex-service accommodation comprising apartments, units and townhouses.
In total, the project will deliver 494 homes, including 80 aged care rooms, 52 assisted living apartments, and 362 retirement and affordable homes. The integrated model is designed to support residents through every stage of life, enabling them to transition seamlessly as their needs change – without leaving the community they know and trust.
While the veteran housing is specifically for veterans and their families, of all ages, the retirement living, assisted living and aged care is designed for people aged 65 and over, creating a vibrant and contemporary living environment that allows locals to change their lifestyle while remaining connected to their neighbourhood.
Residents will benefit from landscaped grounds, walking tracks, social spaces, and health-focused amenities that promote an active, independent, and connected lifestyle.
A central piazza will form the heart of the community, featuring a café, restaurant, mini grocery store, allied health services, fitness and exercise facilities, a movie theatre, and flexible multipurpose spaces – encouraging social connection and everyday convenience.
This development represents a major step forward in addressing housing demand across the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region, which has one of the highest veteran populations in Australia. The area continues to attract residents seeking a high quality of life, with access to local amenities, strong community connections, and renowned coastal surroundings.
Importantly, the development aligns with Vasey RSL Care's mission to expand affordable housing for the ex-service community at a time when the need has never been greater. Veterans are almost three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population – an issue made even more concerning amid Australia's current housing shortage and cost of living pressures. Despite this, veterans have only recently begun to be recognised within the government's broader housing response, highlighting the significant work still required.
Encouragingly, the Housing Australia Future Fund Round 3 has identified veterans as a priority cohort, providing hope for targeted support. Vasey RSL Care has submitted an Expression of Interest for funding under this round to accelerate the delivery of the affordable housing component of the Frankston South redevelopment. If successful, this will enable much-needed homes to be delivered sooner for veterans and others experiencing housing vulnerability.
While planning approval now provides the certainty to proceed, timely support through HAFF will be critical to bringing forward the delivery of 105 affordable homes within the project. Without this support, delivery timelines for this component are likely to extend, delaying access to much-needed housing for veterans and others experiencing housing vulnerability.
Vasey RSL Care Board Chair, Mike O'Meara OAM said the announcement highlights both the opportunity and urgency to better support veterans in housing need.
"Veterans are significantly overrepresented in homelessness statistics, and in the context of a national housing and cost of living crisis, that is deeply concerning," Mr O'Meara said.
"For too long, veterans have not been adequately recognised in housing policy responses, so it is encouraging to see them identified as a priority cohort under the Housing Australia Future Fund.
"Our Expression of Interest is about fast-tracking the delivery of affordable homes within this development so that we can support our most vulnerable veterans sooner. We stand ready to partner with government on this crucial project and look forward to the opportunity to deliver meaningful outcomes for those who have served our nation."
"This is an incredibly important milestone for Vasey RSL Care and for the Frankston community," Vasey RSL Care Chief Executive Officer Janna Voloshin said.
"This is a great development because it brings together a range of living options in one thoughtfully designed community. It means people can choose the style of living that suits them best, while still enjoying the connection, support and sense of belonging that comes from being part of a vibrant, integrated community," Ms Voloshin added.
Importantly, planning approval is only one part of the journey. To ensure the affordable housing component can be delivered in a timely way, partnership with government through HAFF will be essential.
With planning approval now secured, Vasey RSL Care will move into the next phase of refining designs, with construction expected to commence in 2027.
