The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to support Victoria’s fastest-growing communities with the infrastructure they need.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne was at Blackwood Drive Recreational Reserve in Melton South on Tuesday to announce the latest round of projects from the Labor Government’s $50 million Growing Suburbs Fund.
The fund supports councils build the community centres, town hubs, playgrounds, parks and reserves they need, with 47 successful projects across 15 local government areas to benefit from the investment.
The Government is investing $5.65 million towards six projects in Melton, with the suburb forecast to double in size as a local government area by 2051.
A key project will see the construction of Weir Views Community Centre – a new space accommodating people of all ages in a culturally and linguistically diverse area, supported by a $1.5 million investment from the Government.
The Centre will provide early childhood, family, community and health services to Weir Views and the surrounding community.
Over eight years the Government has invested $425 million in critical infrastructure projects in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing outer suburbs, supporting almost 350 projects and creating more than 11,300 jobs.
Councils supported by the Government represent more than 31 per cent of Victoria’s population. For more than two decades, their population growth has exceeded Victoria’s state average and that trend is expected to continue with around 900,000 additional residents forecast by 2036.
This latest round of funding will support communities across the state with new playgrounds, parks, community centres, pavilions and kindergartens.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
“We’re supporting our fastest growing suburbs to thrive by investing in the community infrastructure that is needed.”
“Over the last eight years we’ve been building a legacy by upgrading parks, playgrounds and libraries for Victoria’s growing communities.”
