Melbourne suburbs get $25M infrastructure boost

The Victorian Government will enhance and develop community centres and other infrastructure in Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs to provide for 700 jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

28 projects will be given a portion of $25 million from the recently developed Growing Suburbs Fund.

The investment will aid in delivery of $90.3 million worth of new infrastructure and is expected to generate more than 700 employment opportunities for local tradespeople, businesses and suppliers.

Projects include $2.5 million for a new Community Pavilion in Diggers Rest, $2.25 million for the Flinders Civic Hall redevelopment and close to $1 million for the Princes Highway Trail in Cardinia Shire.

The investment will also improve and develop children’s centres in Hampton Park, Thomastown and Kilmore, skate parks in Craigieburn and Upwey, and a range of other local projects that will be required as these communities grow.

Urban fringe councils were entitled to apply for the fund for the first time, with five grants awarded including $2.5 million for the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre, $2.5 million for the Darley Park Community and Sports Centre and $500,000 for the Longwarry Early Learning Centre.

Since its creation in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has facilitated $755 million worth of local infrastructure works, creating 7500 jobs.

Local Government and Suburban Development Minister Shaun Leane said the move will deliver the local infrastructure these communities need and generate work for local tradies.

“Councils will be at the forefront of recovery and we’re using the Growing Suburbs Fund to support that work – creating jobs and building stronger communities,” he said.

“Each of these projects will help make sure that rapidly-growing local communities get the facilities they deserve.”