From Corangamite to Cardinia, every community will benefit from new investments in local facilities as part of the Victorian Budget 2018/19.
The Andrews Labor Government will provide a $50 million boost to the Growing Suburbs Fund, to deliver more vital community infrastructure projects across Melbourne’s booming outer suburbs.
The funding will be used to build sports pavilions, family and community centres and other local projects in Melbourne’s ten interface councils – ensuring locals have the facilities and services they need, close to home.
The ten eligible councils are Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.
At the same time, the Labor Government is also helping our rural and regional councils to deliver their vital services over long distances.
The Budget includes $20 million to establish the Rural and Regional Council Transformation Program, with funds going towards projects that will help make our state’s regional and rural councils, and their services, more sustainable.
The Labor Government will also give Victorians the power to nominate and decide on their own local funding priorities through a brand-new community fund, Pick My Project.
The initiative will give every Victorian over the age of 16 the chance to submit and vote for community building projects in their local area, and is backed by $30 million in the Budget.
To get ready and register your interest, visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz
“We’re backing regional and rural communities and we’re delivering more for Melbourne’s growing suburbs.”
“Our Budget boost to the Growing Suburbs Fund will mean more of the projects that matter to families in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.”
“With smaller populations and bigger distances to travel, our regional and rural councils can struggle. This funding will help make sure even our most remote communities get the facilities and services they deserve.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio
“The power of community ideas can’t be underestimated – Pick My Project is about helping local residents come together to improve their neighbourhood.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020