Funds for growing Hume

Hume council has received more than $4 million from the state government to help build new sports pavilions, netball courts and an oval.

The funding is part of the government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, which aims to improve the infrastructure, services and liveability in interface councils.

The government will contribute $2.015 million towards the construction of a $3.015 million pavilion at Roxburgh Park’s Arena Recreation Reserve.

The 123-square metre pavilion will include a social room, kitchen, toilets, store room, office, four change rooms, two umpires’ rooms and two trainers’ rooms.

The council had planned to build the pavilion after 2020, but brought the project forward after securing the funding.

Yuroke MP Ros Spence, who announced the funding last week, said the recreation reserve and adjoining pavilion would address the shortfall of soccer facilities in Roxburgh Park, Greenvale and Craigieburn.

The government is also spending $2.06 million on the McMahon Reserve redevelopment in Sunbury.

The funding will go towards the $4.120 million redevelopment which includes a second oval and pavilion, new playground, netball courts and fitness stations.

Mayor Geoff Porter said the Growing Suburbs Fund was critical to delivering important community infrastructure in Hume.

“The total of $4,075,000 in funding is fantastic news for Hume, particularly for local community groups and sporting clubs which form the very backbone of our city,” he said.

“These funded projects ensure a more liveable Hume and reflect how vital the fund is for a community that continues to grow.”

Ms Spence said the funding ensured new residents had access to facilities that made a difference in the day-to-day lives of communities sooner rather than later.

“Our growing communities need these first-rate sporting facilities and we’re getting it done,” she said.

“With the local community set to grow by 10 per cent in the next five years, it is essential that we have the infrastructure in place to help them play and thrive.”