Lilydale residents can look forward to improved streetscapes and public artworks due to a new investment from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Suburban Development Shaun Leane made the announcement while opening the Lilydale Community Gardens with Member for Eastern Victoria and Chair of the Lilydale Suburban Revitalisation Board Harriet Shing and representatives of the Yarra Ranges Shire Council.

Part of the Government’s Suburban Revitalisation Program, the $1.6 million redevelopment will take in upgrades to Castella Street, including seating, bike parking and the heritage rail station. There is also funding to plan a community space for meetings, performances and exhibitions.

The Lilydale Community Gardens, the first of the projects delivered through the Lilydale Suburban Revitalisation Program, has transformed Main Street for the community to socialise, grow native plants and learn about sustainable gardening.

The project received $55,000 from the Labor Government’s Suburban Revitalisation Program, with Yarra Ranges Council contributing $30,000.

The Suburban Revitalisation Program empowers local stakeholders to plan and deliver infrastructure and community development initiatives that improve the liveability of local areas.

Building on the success of Suburban Revitalisation Boards in Broadmeadows and Frankston, recent projects are focused on six suburban areas supported by Suburban Revitalisation Boards in Lilydale, Melton, Boronia, Noble Park, Tarneit and Reservoir.

Other areas that have also received significant support during the past 12 months include Altona, Thomastown, Lalor and Springvale.

Project funding of $21.25 million over two years has been provided to the eight boards through the Building Works Fund and the Victorian Budget 2020-21.

The Government is encouraging suburban revitalisation as a way of strengthening Melbourne’s liveability and driving economic opportunity and jobs growth where people live. For more information about Suburban Revitalisation go to suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Shaun Leane:

“We are backing our suburbs and investing in projects like the new community garden in Lilydale to make much-loved areas even better places to live, stimulate business activity and jobs growth and bring people together.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“The Lilydale Revitalisation Board is about local communities and advocates working together for positive and inclusive projects, and it’s already championing local initiatives that will improve community spaces and amenities and amplify the diversity and potential of the area.”