Communities in Melbourne will benefit from improved suburban activity centres and shopping strips through works backed by the Victorian Government that will create jobs and boost local businesses.

Minister for Suburban Development Shaun Leane today announced a $6 million investment to support local communities in Metropolitan Partnership regions, covering more than 30 council areas.

This includes $3 million for the Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund to provide grants of up to $100,000 to stimulate business activity, support local economies and improve public amenity and accessibility during the coronavirus pandemic.

The fund will involve partnerships with local government, businesses and the community sector and is open to 31 councils in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.

Eligible projects include pop-up parks, public art installations and enhanced walking and bike paths. Councils are encouraged to put forward projects that are ready to launch.

A second $3 million allocation will be invested in much-needed revitalisation work in six suburban activity centres: Melton, Tarneit, Reservoir, Lilydale, Boronia and Noble Park.

The grants will be used to leverage co-investment in improving the local areas through on-ground works including upgrades to parks and other public spaces, increased lighting, public art installations and new footpaths and bike paths.

The funding is part of the Victorian Government’s Building Works package providing $2.7 billion towards shovel-ready projects – big and small – to get thousands of people back to work.

Applications for the Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund close on 21 August 2020. For more information visit suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-activity-centre-renewal-fund.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Shaun Leane

“Shopping strips are the heart and soul of our suburbs and these grants will provide critical support for local communities and businesses across Melbourne.”

“We encourage people to get in contact with their councils and tell them about the projects and initiatives that they want to see supported – it’s important that everyone gets a say in how we live as a community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Small Business Jaala Pulford

“Many people love to work where they live and that’s why we support initiatives like this – backing the community, businesses and jobs.”

“Improving local infrastructure gets shovels in the ground now, provides tremendous ongoing benefits in improved amenity and encourages people to spend time and money in the local community.”