By Liam McNally
Melton would soon welcome new and updated play spaces and community centres thanks to a $5.65 million investment as part of the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund program.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne visited Blackwood Drive Recreational Reserve in Melton South on Tuesday, September 27 to announce the allocation from the $50 million fund dedicated towards infrastructure in fast-growing outer suburbs.
“This will really help kick the city of Melton along,” she said.
“We’re supporting our fastest growing suburbs to thrive by investing in the community infrastructure that is needed.”
“Over the last eight years we’ve been building a legacy by upgrading parks, playgrounds and libraries for Victoria’s growing communities.”
Blackwood Drive Recreational Reserve would receive a share of the funding for a redevelopment, along with two more play spaces and three community centres.
Another project receiving a share of the funds would be the Weir Views community centre, with a $1.5 million investment from the state government set to help it provide early childhood, family, community and health services to the Weir Views community.
Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the funding allocation would contribute to future-proofing play spaces and community centres.
“The Growing Suburbs Fund has delivered better community infrastructure for our rapidly growing urban fringes for nearly a decade and I look forward to working with the Victorian State Government on making sure no community is left behind for years to come,” he said.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said the funding would upgrade sporting facilities, park facilities, play spaces and community centres.
“This is infrastructure that growing communities need, this is what this fund is all about,” he said.
Statewide, Councils supported by the Growing Suburbs Fund represent more than 31 per cent of Victoria’s population.
Since the fund’s creation in 2015, Melton has been successful in receiving more than $47.5 million and delivering 42 projects.
