The Victorian Government will upgrade and expand pavilions, playgrounds, community centres and other infrastructure in Melbourne‘s fastest growing suburbs – delivering the facilities that locals need and supporting jobs and business through the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today announced 28 projects will receive a share of $25 million from the newly expanded Growing Suburbs Fund.
The investment will help deliver $90.3 million worth of new infrastructure with the investment expected to create more than 700 jobs – kickstarting our economy and supporting local tradespeople, businesses and suppliers.
The projects include $2.5 million for a new Community Pavilion in Diggers Rest, $2.25 million for the Flinders Civic Hall redevelopment and nearly $1 million for the Princes Highway Trail in Cardinia Shire.
The investment will also improve and expand childrens centres in Hampton Park, Thomastown and Kilmore, skate parks in Craigieburn and Upwey, and a range of other local projects that will be needed as these communities grow.
Urban fringe councils were eligible 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.
The investment complements the Victorian Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package, which includes over $278 million in shovel-ready infrastructure projects across the state to be delivered through local councils.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has facilitated $755 million worth of local infrastructure works, creating 7,500 jobs.
For the full list of successful projects, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government and Suburban Development Shaun Leane
“This will deliver the local infrastructure these communities need, and create work for local tradies and businesses as we rebuild from coronavirus.”
“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.”
“Each of these projects will help make sure that rapidly-growing local communities get the facilities they deserve.”