New green spaces and parks are on the way for Chirnside Park and Coldstream thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane has announced Yarra Ranges will receive $2.78 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund, which helps Melbourne’s rapidly developing interface and peri-urban councils deliver high-quality facilities for their communities.

Chirnside Park will benefit from a $2.25 million investment in a new urban park at Belsay Reserve, delivering a new playground and a range of other recreation facilities and space for events alongside protection and enhancement for wetlands and woods in the area.

A further $539,000 will transform the old Coldstream Station site with a new BMX ‘pump track’, walking paths, an open lawn and picnic facilities.

First launched in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has invested more than $24.7 million to help make twenty-four projects possible across Yarra Ranges Shire, including the Mount Evelyn Community Sports Pavilion and the Yarra Valley Trail.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has facilitated $913.2 million in local infrastructure, created more than 8,880 jobs and supported 253 projects across Melbourne’s fastest-growing areas.

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

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“Every Growing Suburbs Fund project we support helps deliver vital facilities, creates jobs and makes a real difference for our fastest-growing communities.”

“The new urban park in Chirnside Park and the Coldstream Station area will be fantastic places for everyone in the community to enjoy.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“I’m delighted the Victorian Government has continued its support for our thriving community through projects like the new Chirnside Park Urban Park.”

“We know Yarra Ranges is a great place to live, and since 2015 the Growing Suburbs Fund has made it an even better one – these new investments will be great for families, children and everyone in our community.”