Wednesday, 2 September 2020

A top of the range sports pavilion, a skatepark upgrade and an eco-friendly energy project are coming to the Yarra Ranges thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane, Member for Monbulk James Merlino and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing have announced the Growing Suburbs Fund will invest $2.5 million towards the Kimberley Recreation Reserve, the Upwey Skatepark and a new waste-to-energy project.

This investment will help Yarra Ranges Shire Council to enhance their community facilities and explore innovative ways to support the community into the future.

This includes $1.85 million support for redevelopment and expansion of the sports pavilion at Kimberley Recreation Reserve in Chirnside Park, including female-friendly changing rooms for local football, netball and cricket clubs as well as new community space.

$150,000 will go towards redevelopment of the Upwey Skatepark, aimed at creating a more challenging and expansive space for all ability levels.

In addition, Yarra Ranges Shire Council will also receive $500,000 for a new waste-to-energy project at the Coldstream Transfer Station that aims to produce more than 870 tonnes of sustainable fuel a year, reduce bushfire risk through disposal of potential woody fuel and improve air quality.

Through support for a wide variety of different projects like these, the Growing Suburbs Fund will continue its strong record of job creation and investment in communities – an important contribution to recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Growing Suburbs Fund investment 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 invested $275 million in funding 221 community projects. This has created more than 7470 jobs and leveraged more than $755 million in investment.

A full list of the successful projects is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants/growing-suburbs-fund.

Quotes attributable to Member for Monbulk James Merlino

“The Upwey skatepark is already a popular facility and this upgrade will ensure that skaters of all abilities will be able to have a go.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“It’s great that the Growing Suburbs Fund can support such varied and important projects – a top-quality pavilion will be great for sports in Chirnside Park.”

“The investment in waste-to-energy is also very significant. By converting woody waste into sustainable fuel we’ll reduce the risk of bushfires and improve air quality for our community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“The Growing Suburbs Fund has built a legacy of investment in our fastest-growing communities – creating jobs and delivering the facilities communities need to thrive. Investments like these are crucial as we recover from the impact of coronavirus, not just in Yarra Ranges but across greater Melbourne.”