Applications have opened for the Victoria Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane today visited Moorabool Shire Council with Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle and Member for Melton, Steve McGhie to announce the opening of the Fund.
“I am incredibly excited to see how this year’s projects will make a difference to Victoria’s fastest-growing communities,” said Minister Leane.
“Every Growing Suburbs Fund investment we make helps to employ local people, get tradies working and the economy moving.”
He said the funding round would make $50 million available for more childcare and health centres, playgrounds, libraries, and paths and streetscape upgrades in growing communities.
“2020 was a challenging year, but we know that councils will be at the centre of Victoria’s recovery, creating jobs and building stronger communities. The Growing Suburbs Fund is one of the best ways that the government can support councils in that vital role,” said Mr Leane.
The funding was announced as part of the Victorian Budget 2020/21 to help deliver a range of council infrastructure projects.
“More than 2.7 million Victorians live in these interface and peri urban council areas, representing 30% of the state’s population. This is forecast to grow to almost 4 million by 2031,” the minister said.
Projects made possible through the fund include the $19 million Cowes Cultural and Community Centre in Bass Coast Shire, the $8 million Hills Hub community centre in Cardinia Shire and the $6 million Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre in Wyndham.
Since it was established in 2015, the fund has facilitated $755 million worth of projects and created more than 7,500 jobs. More than 125 projects are now complete and open to the public.
For more information on the Growing Suburbs Fund, including the 2020-21 guidelines, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants/growing-suburbs-fund.
