The Andrews Labor Government is providing new and upgraded community hubs, playgrounds, childcare centres and streetscapes throughout our suburbs and regions to build better communities and create hundreds of jobs.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 will provide $77.4 million to community projects and programs – investing in the projects that matter to local residents while supporting Victoria’s continuing recovery from the pandemic.
The pandemic shifted the ways in which we live and work, with access to high-quality community spaces more important than ever.
A $50 million investment in the successful Growing Suburbs Fund will deliver a wide range of council infrastructure projects to ensure residents in Victoria's interface and peri-urban communities have the spaces they need, close to home.
This new investment will create an estimated 600 local jobs, delivering as many as 35 community improvement projects, like the new the Golden Plains Youth Hub in Bannockburn opened in April and the new Dianella Community Centre in Tarneit West opened in November.
The Budget provides $24.7 million to address local challenges and support pandemic recovery in the areas that need it most – including $9.7 million to continue supporting our successful Suburban Revitalisation Programs in Boronia, Broadmeadows, Frankston, Lilydale, Melton, Noble Park, Reservoir and Tarneit.
The $15 million Living Local Fund will focus on upgrading community activity centres to improve the places where people work, shop and spend time with their family and friends.
Grants will be provided for projects to improve suburban shopping strips and public spaces, upgrade safety and accessibility and provide new playgrounds, splash parks, community gardens and public art.
The Living Local Fund will also include grants for equipment and technology upgrades and activities for community organisations to promote neighbourhood connections.
Public libraries are for communities to have access to universal information for life-long learning, and they’ll now be able to buy more books and deliver more community services and programs with $2.3 million in the Budget for the Public Libraries Funding Program.
The recently released Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy will be supported with $350,000 to strengthen engagement between Aboriginal organisations and local councils and support pathways to self‑determination for Aboriginal Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government and Suburban Development Shaun Leane
“The pandemic changed so many of the ways we live and work, and for many, that has meant a much deeper connection with their local communities.”
“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, we’re investing in the projects that local communities want, as well as the Victorian workers we need to deliver them.”
“By working with local communities, we strengthen the liveability of our suburbs, support local businesses and drive jobs growth closer to where people live.”
Reviewed 03 May 2022