Victoria’s booming outer suburbs and growing regional communities will get the parks, playgrounds, community centres and libraries they need, with the Victorian Budget providing $75.4 million to build much needed community facilities and spaces.
Spaces and services in growing communities often fail to keep up. That’s why the Andrews Labor Government will invest:
- $50 million to build community facilities in Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs including community centres, parks and playgrounds. The Growing Suburbs Fund, previously known as the Interface Growth Fund, will build on the 34 projects already underway
- $22.2 million to upgrade and improve libraries. Councils and regional library services will receive funding for upgrades and new books under the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program (LLIP) and the Premiers’ Reading Challenge
- $3.2 million over four years to create a Local Government Finance and Accounting Support Team, to help councils in rural and regional areas in need of specialist finance and accounting support
The Labor Government’s local government reform agenda includes making councils more accountable and responsive to the needs of local families, businesses and ratepayers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“These communities are becoming more and more popular to live in. They shouldn’t be a victim of their own success.”
“Local residents, regardless of where they choose to make their home, should have access to the community spaces and services they need.”
“We are building and upgrading parks, playgrounds and libraries so Victoria’s growing communities don’t get left behind.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020