The Andrews Labor Government is investing in great community facilities across Victoria including libraries, local parks, playgrounds, community centres and sporting facilities. The latest rounds of the Growing Suburbs Fund and the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program are now open – delivering $54.5 million in funding to ensure residents have access to better facilities. It will boost tourism and livability as well.
The Growing Suburbs Fund is available to Melbourne’s 10 rapidly-developing interface councils, which include some of the fastest-growing suburbs in the country.
This funding will help bring forward the delivery of new facilities or necessary upgrades to improve livability and access to vital services in the outer suburbs.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Fund has supported 161 projects, representing a total investment of $520 million and creating over 5,000 jobs in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing urban fringe.
This year this fund guidelines have been updated to ensure gender equality is a consideration in the selection process, to support projects that build on the Labor Government’s work to improve gender diversity across all sectors.
The Government is also supporting councils to build, redevelop or refurbish libraries as part of the $4.5 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
The Program has committed $18 million in funding over the last four years to deliver high quality infrastructure to meet the changing needs of Victorian communities.
Libraries enrich, strengthen and connect communities by providing free public access to information, technology, and literacy support, as well as training and skills development.
The Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek said that they know that Melbourne’s outer suburbs are growing fast, that’s why we’re investing in local projects that local residents will benefit from for years to come. These funds will help meet the needs of the growing state, supporting local councils to deliver the facilities and services people need to thrive.
