Communities in Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs will be the big winners from the Andrews Labor Government’s $50 million 2015-16 Interface Growth Fund.
Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, today launched the fund which will assist Victoria’s 10 Interface Councils respond to rapid growth, by delivering important community infrastructure projects for local residents.
The Fund delivers on an election commitment to establish a dedicated fund to help outer-suburban communities build local infrastructure projects, such as family and community centres, town centres, parks and reserves, playgrounds and amenity facilities.
Councils eligible to apply for funding are some of the most rapidly growing in Melbourne and include Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.
Ms Hutchins said the fund would address the unprecedented growth all ten outer-suburban areas were facing, with work beginning on some projects in the current financial year.
The funding guidelines, which were developed in consultation with Interface Councils, will improve amenity, liveability and resilience of local communities, in addition to creating jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins
“The Interface Growth Fund will allow councils in Melbourne’s fastest growing regions to improve and invest in the services that matter most to their residents.”
“It could go to building family and community centres, town centres, playgrounds – anything that local families need.”
“The Andrews Labor Government understands the pressures Interface Councils face in keeping up with rapid growth, which is why we have committed an initial $50 million to the 2015-16 Interface Growth Fund.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020