A new community centre, upgrades to a local business strip and an extended walking and cycling trail are on the way for Cardinia, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale today announced on behalf of Local Government Minister Shaun Leane that Cardinia Shire Council will receive $2.5 million towards three projects from the latest round of the Growing Suburbs Fund.

$1.3 million will go towards a new community centre for recreation groups and other community groups in Garfield North, $1 million will revitalise Main Street, Pakenham through new footpaths, more outdoor dining opportunities and improved pedestrian access and $200,000 is for the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail Connection, which will extend the trail and connect it to the Yarra Ranges.

Ms Crugnale made the announcement while officially breaking ground on the new Cardinia Youth Hub in Pakenham, a project also supported by the Growing Suburbs Fund.

As part of the $6.3 million project, the Cardinia Shire Council will relocate and expand the existing My Place Youth Facility so that it can continue to meet demand for youth services. It will also be renamed Cardinia Youth Hub, a name selected by local youths.

Since it was set up in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has invested $375 million in 299 projects around Melbourne’s fastest-growing interface and peri-urban, leveraging a total of over $1.07 billion in local infrastructure and creating more than 10,200 jobs. In Cardinia Shire alone, to date the Growing Suburbs Fund has committed $32.1 million for 20 different projects, including a new community hub at Koo Wee Rup Bowling Club, a family centre in Officer and the Cardinia Cultural Centre redevelopment.

For more information on the Growing Suburbs Fund and other local government grants programs, visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

To find out more about the projects helping communities and businesses thrive in your local area, visit www.delivering.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“Every Growing Suburbs Fund project we support helps deliver vital community facilities, creates jobs and makes a real difference for people living in fast growing communities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale

“The expansion of the Cardinia Youth Hub means Cardinia Shire Council can continue to meet the current and future health and wellbeing needs of young people in the area.”

“We know Cardinia is a great place to live, and since 2015 the Growing Suburbs Fund has made it an even better one – projects like the Cardinia Youth Hub and the revitalisation of Main Street offer amazing opportunities for our community.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“I’m delighted we have continued our support for our thriving community through projects like the Garfield North Community Centre – projects like these keep people connected and benefit the whole community.”