By Ewen McRae
Moorabool council is eligible to apply for funding from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund for the first time.
The fund, which helps councils in high growth areas to fund community facilities, was previously only available to Victoria’s 10 interface councils, including Melton.
But the state government recently announced an additional $25 million in funding, resulting in the program being expanded to include six peri-urban councils, including Moorabool.
The new funding will bring forward new and upgraded facilities including libraries, local parks, playgrounds, community centres and sporting facilities.
Moorabool mayor David Edwards said the council would immediately begin looking at what projects could be eligible for support from the fund and make applications.
“The guidelines state we can apply for a number of shovel-ready projects, or just one project, as long as they are community-based projects,” Cr Edwards said.
“This can include projects such as community centres, libraries, sports pavilions and streetscape upgrades.
“We as a council need to have a look at what shovel-ready projects we have ready to go that can start within six months of funding being announced – which will be in August – and completed within 12 months of construction commencing, as per the state government guidelines.”
The fund has already invested more than $29 million into the Melton council area for 29 different projects.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said it was important for councils to make full use of state government investment to keep up with demand for infrastructure in fast-growing regions such as Melton and Moorabool.
“Improving local facilities is vital for communities in new suburbs to help them feel engaged and connected to where they live,” Mr McGhie said.
“I encourage councils to apply, so our rapidly growing local communities get the facilities they need and deserve.”
