Applications have opened today for the Victorian Government $20 million Living Local Fund – set up to help Councils invest in local infrastructure projects to improve livability.
Minister for Suburban Development, Melissa Horne and Minister for Regional Development, Harriet Shing visited Clarke Street Park in West Footscray for the funding announcement.
“Our Living Local Fund is all about supporting communities to continue to thrive, providing them with the facilities and infrastructure they need,” said Minister Horne.
“This program is a great opportunity for us to work closely with community, councils and local businesses to create more jobs, improve connections and support local economies.”
The Living Local Fund is part of the Government’s Our Suburbs and Our Regions: Living Local Initiative.
Local councils and community organisations can apply for two types of grants:
• Grants between $20,000 to $200,000 will be available for infrastructure projects including new playgrounds and community gardens, splash pads, art installations and community halls upgrades;
• Grants between $2,000 to $20,000 will also be available for local councils and community organisations to undertake minor refurbishments, and buy new equipment such as kitchen appliances, laptops and audiovisual equipment.
The Fund is designed to support a wide range of locally led projects and equipment purchases for community organisations to improve livability, said Minister Shing.
“I’m delighted to support our regional communities at a time of significant growth and opportunity, thanks to our Living Local Fund.”
Projects in areas most impacted by the pandemic and those that align with the Government’s 20-Minute neighbourhood principle will be given priority, the Ministers said.
The 20-Minute Neighbourhood principle aims to create local hubs where people can access services like health facilities, parks and shops within a 20-minute walk from home.
The Living Local Fund grant applications will close on Sunday 14 August 2022.
For more information visit djpr.vic.gov.au/living-local.
