Plan Melbourne projects to benefit from Victoria’s $9.3 million community fund

Community, health, sport, arts and education hubs in Melbourne’s growth areas will benefit from $9.3 million injection as part of the Victorian Government’s Plan Melbourne.

Announcing the first 14 projects to receive funding under the new Community Infrastructure Fund, an initiative of Plan Melbourne to provide funding for multi-functional facilities, Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy stated “the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to investing in areas of high population growth. This funding will directly benefit local community groups, not-for-profits organisations and most importantly the residents who live in these communities.

“It is vital that we continue to invest in our growing communities to enable access to local services and facilities. A number of much needed services will be delivered in the one location, making it easier and cheaper for families to access them.

“This is a direct result of state and local government partnering with the private and not-for-profit sectors to deliver fantastic outcomes for our neighbourhoods.

“Integrated facilities can deliver enormous benefits in terms of safety, accessibility and more active neighbourhoods. It also encourages the skills development of our children, leading to success at school and better employment outcomes.”.

The first round of projects amount to funding of $3.15 million and include:

• $1 million towards kindergartens, child health, family support and sports buildings in Melton;

• $1 million towards a new scouts and community building and a remodelled sports pavilion in Doreen;

• $872,000 towards an arts theatre, sports stadium, public space and services in Officer;

• $60,000 towards plans for a global learning centre and renewed arts and cultural facilities in Sunbury;

• $60,000 towards plans for a new learning centre and an Aboriginal service and community hub in Wyndham;

• $50,000 towards plans for a school, health and recreation precinct in Fishermans Bend; and

• $45,000 towards planning for a thriving jobs and residential centre in the Preston-Northland Activity Centre.

Grants are available to local government for projects that include planning and delivery of multi-purpose community facilities, improved pedestrian connections, public open spaces and precinct master planning.

Initial priority will be given to areas experiencing significant growth identified in Plan Melbourne, including projects in Melbourne’s outer urban growth corridors, and significant urban renewal locations.

Priority will also be given to Metropolitan Activity Centres in Dandenong, Footscray, Fountain Gate/Narre Warren, Epping, Sunshine, Ringwood, Broadmeadows, Box Hill and Frankston.

Other project proposals will be considered in areas identified in Plan Melbourne such as Health and Education Precincts, National Employment Clusters and Urban Renewal sites including transit oriented development and Activity Centres, if significant forecast population growth is evident.

For further information on the Community Infrastructure Fund go to www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/community-infrastructure-fund