By Olivia Condous
Melton council is calling on the state government for money to fund community projects and facilities, including three new kindergartens.
The council is seeking $6.5 million in grants to fund six projects through the government’s 2022-23 Growing Suburbs Fund, which is designed to provide money for outcomes that will benefit the community.
Projects applied for by council include new children and community centres in Aintree, Plumpton and Weir Views, with each including a 3 and 4-year-old funded kindergarten. The two latter centres will also include maternal, child health, family and early childhood services.
Funding is also being sought for a Parks Development Program, which includes improvements to the Barwon Street Reserve, the Blackwood Drive Recreation Reserve and the Hillside Recreation Reserve Park.
All three reserves would receive upgrades to play areas and equipment, as well as improved footpaths and shade.
Council also plans to create the Melton Town Centre Kids Zone, a play space for local children, families and carers to spend time.
The final project in need of funding is the upgrade of the Melton Animal Pound, which would gain a livestock yard, larger cattery area and acoustic sound treatment for staffing areas.
The council has previously been successful in obtaining $41.8 million in funding over eight rounds of grants.
Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the council made funding for community centres and kindergartens the top priority when applying for this round of grants.
“We know children are better prepared for school when they have the opportunity to go to kinder,” Cr Kesic said.
“We know our community wants access to health and human services near to where they live.
“They also want quality open spaces that they can enjoy with their family and friends,” he said.
The outcomes of the funding application will be announced by the state government later this year.
