Residents in the City of Whittlesea will gain another $1.48 million in funding from the Andrews Labor Government to build and improve community projects as population in the area grows.

The funding is part of the $50-million Growing Suburbs Fund, designed to provide crucial facilities to Melbourne’s fast growing outer suburbs. More of these projects will be announced over the next week.

This is in stark contrast to the Liberals’ thought bubble population plan to move Melburnians to the regions. We are putting our fast growing outer suburbs first providing them with the projects and facilities they need.

Thirty-four community projects were funded across our growing outer suburbs as part of last year’s GSF, which included family and community centres, town centres, parks and reserves and playgrounds based on the needs identified by Councils.

Other projects announced today as part of the 2016 GSF in Whittlesea are:

• $1,005,000 for urban streetscape upgrades in Bundoora and Lalor
• $310,000 for a refurbishment of the Janefield Community Centre
• $167,000 for a playground renewal program in Mill Park and Thomastown

These projects are in addition to the $2.95 million for the Mosaic Recreation Reserve and Community Soccer Facility already announced for the council.

In 2015 the City of Whittlesea received $6,009,750 toward the delivery of five projects; the Epping Community Services Hub, the Barry Road Community Activity Centre, the Lalor Tennis Pavilion, the Mill Park Lakes Community Pavilion and a playground improvement program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

 “The Growing Suburbs Fund is all about making Melbourne’s urban-fringe councils more liveable, inviting places with all the infrastructure they need.”

“These projects are a great example of the partnership between the Victorian and local governments working to deliver for our communities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundoora, Colin Brooks

“This is another great announcement from the Andrews Labor Government for the people of Bundoora and all of Whittlesea.”