The Andrews Labor Government is supporting a new round of infrastructure projects to support the needs of communities and councils across Melbourne's fastest growing suburbs.
Minister for Suburban Development Ros Spence today visited the almost-complete Mickleham South Community Centre to announce the opening of the latest round of the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Due to open in the coming months, the Mickleham South Community Centre is a project delivered by Hume City Council with a $2 million investment from the 2020/21 round of the Labor Government's Growing Suburbs Fund.
This round of the Growing Suburbs Fund is focused on supporting critical community infrastructure needs in the fastest growing suburbs within Melbourne's 10 interface councils Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.
These interface councils are located on the fringes of metropolitan Melbourne and comprise more than 23 per cent of Victoria's population. For the past two decades, population growth in these areas has exceeded the state's average and this trend is expected to continue.
Projects that have a direct benefit to local communities will be prioritised under the new round and can include multi-purpose facilities, early education and learning facilities, sport and recreation facilities or projects that increase the amenity of open spaces.
The Fund also provides an opportunity for the State and local governments to partner with First Nations organisations to collaborate on projects that connect people to Country and to culture.
Since 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has invested $425 million into vital local infrastructure projects in Victoria's fastest growing suburbs.
To find out more about the 2023/24 round of the Growing Suburbs Fund, visit suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants. Applications close Friday 20 October.
As stated by Minister for Suburban Development Ros Spence
"This new round of the Growing Suburbs Fund will help fast-track the delivery of important community infrastructure that will support our fastest growing suburbs to live, work, connect and thrive."
"Projects like the new Mickleham South Community Centre is a fantastic example of how the fund is creating an important legacy in some of Melbourne's fastest growing areas."
As stated by Hume City Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Sherry
"The Growing Suburbs Fund has greatly benefited the Hume community with the Government injecting millions to support the construction of community centres, parks and sporting grounds."
