Three Melton projects will get a $6.05 million funding injection from the first round of state interface growth fund grants.
The town centre renewal project, Pride of Melton, will receive $3.5 million to boost local employment and create a cultural and community events space.
A further $1.8 million will be spent on social recreation spaces at the McKenzie Street aged-care centre, while $750,000 will build a new playground at the Bridge Road Recreation Reserve.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said the funding would ensure interface councils were able to deliver critical infrastructure projects on time.
“Being someone who lives in the west – and my parents and my family still live in Melton – this has always been very high on my agenda,” she said.
“It will help to ensure that we have the vital infrastructure we need to cope with the huge growth and development right here in Melton.”
The first round of growth funding offers a combined investment of $102 million to be shared by Melbourne’s 10 interface municipalities.
“Our interface growth fund is helping to build community spaces that matter to locals, including playgrounds, community centres and parks,” Ms Hutchins said.
Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey said she was “delighted” by the announcements for Melton.
“We’re grateful for the commitment of the [state government] to improving infrastructure in Melton,” she said.
“Natalie Hutchins’ support of Melton over the years has been nothing [short of]stoic and we are very grateful for her hard work and advocacy for this community.
“These projects will help make our growing communities better places to be, while also growing the local economy and creating jobs,” Cr Ramsey said.
“The Pride of Melton project will breathe new life into the Melton town centre and ensure it’s the vibrant and attractive business and community hub local residents deserve.”
The $13.5 million Pride of Melton project includes upgrades to McKenzie and Palmerston streets and Wallace and Bakery Squares, a new town square, an amphitheatre and open space.
“A new aged-care facility will ensure that we can provide quality care for our elderly residents,” the mayor said.
“And the Bridge Road playground will give our children a sense of community.”
