Yarra Ranges Council welcomes the announcement of the State Government's Growing Suburbs Funding for 2022, which will provide climate-resilient buildings and improved recreation facilities.
In late-January, State Member for Monbulk, James Merlino MP, announced $2.28m in funding for the region.
$1.5 million will fund upgrades to eight buildings to make them environmentally sustainable, energy-resilient and thermally functional, including the Powelltown Reserve Pavilion, Warburton-Millgrove Sporting Complex, Yarra Centre Pool and Stadium, among others.
Meanwhile, Glenvalley Reserve Playspace in Seville and Carmen Reserve Playspace in Lilydale will each receive $129,000 for upgrade works, and the Wesburn Park Pump Track project received $470,000.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, thanked the State Government for their support.
"The Growing Suburbs Fund has helped us turn some incredible ideas into realities in recent years," he said.
"The amazing and expansive Queens Park Playspace in Healesville, the recently-upgraded Upwey Skate Park and Monbulk Skate and Scooter Park, the Lillydale Lake Playspace and Water Play Park are all projects that the Growing Suburbs Fund have supported us to deliver.
"This year's funding has fewer big-ticket items, but will make a world of difference for the communities these projects service.
"More than ever, we know that environmental sustainability, energy resilience and readiness for disaster is crucial for community facilities. This funding will help provide upgraded spaces where community members can gather, and help reduce ongoing running costs for sporting clubs and organisations."
Cr Child said the Wesburn Park project would be a key part of an upcoming Draft Master Plan, which will soon open for community feedback.
"In February 2020, we gathered feedback from the community about how they use Wesburn Park and what they'd like to see in the future," he said.
"We received significant feedback about sport, about the dog park and about facilities that could be upgraded or brought to the park.
"The community told us they'd like to see more inclusive sport for horse riders, for football, cricket and soccer clubs and connections for bike riders, all of which will be reflected in the Draft Plan released this month for the next stage of community engagement.
"The Wesburn Park Pump Track will feature in this plan. The pump track will be a sealed, competition-grade pump riding track for bike riders of all ages and skill levels, with sensory lighting, lap-timing and a screen for messaging, so the track can be used for spectator events.
"We're looking forward to putting our plans back out to the community later this month, for more feedback about this and many other parts of the park's future.
"I encourage everyone in the community to stay tuned at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to see the draft plan when it launches, and share your thoughts, no matter how big or small."
All Growing Suburbs Funding provided will be matched dollar-for-dollar to complete each project.
