Thursday, June 4, 2020

The Victorian Government is boosting funding for new and improved community facilities – creating jobs and supporting local businesses as we rebuild from the coronavirus crisis.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today announced that the Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund has been expanded to include Baw Baw Shire Council, to support the local area’s growing needs.

The $25 million expansion of the Fund will bring forward delivery of new local facilities and upgrades including libraries, parks, playground, community centres and sporting facilities.

The expanded fund now includes six peri-urban councils experiencing strong population growth, ensuring projects are being delivered where they are needed most.

The councils that will now have access to the Fund are Baw Baw, Golden Plains, Macedon Ranges, Moorabool, Bass Coast and Surf Coast. Previously the Fund was only available to Melbourne’s 10 interface councils.

The expansion of the Fund will drive jobs and investment in more communities across outer Melbourne and inner regional areas hit hard by restrictions put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives.

It complements the Victorian $2.7 billion Building Works Package, which includes over $278 million in shovel-ready infrastructure projects across the state to be delivered through councils.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has facilitated $665.7 million in local facilities, created more than 6,750 jobs created and supported 193 projects.

Applications for the expanded Growing Suburbs Fund will open on 9 June and eligible councils are encouraged to apply at localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“Improving our local facilities is vital for our growing community, ensuring services are appropriately equipped and in the right place.”

“I encourage Baw Baw Shire Council to apply, so their rapidly growing local communities get the facilities they need and deserve.”

“Expanding the Growing Suburbs Fund to Baw Baw Shire Council is a great example of how we are delivering for all Victorians.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek

“These funds will help meet the needs of our growing state, supporting local councils to deliver the facilities and services people need.”