By Laura Michell
New community facilities will be built in Craigieburn and Kalkallo, with Hume council receiving $4.6 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund.
The annual state government grants aim to invest $50 million yearly in new infrastructure for Melbourne’s growth suburbs, including Hume. This year’s funding for the Yuroke electorate includes $2.66 million for the Cloverton South Community Hub in Kalkallo, featuring a kindergarten, playgroup, maternal and child health services, a youth space and adult learning. The council will contribute $3.11 million to the project.
The council also received $1.5 million for Craigieburn’s first softball centre at Mt Aitken, featuring two softball fields with lighting and a pavilion, and $450,000 for an upgrade to the Hume Tennis and Community Centre playspace in Craigieburn.
It also sought $1.85 million for a recreation reserve at Merrifield West in Mickleham, which will include AFL and tennis facilities. The project has yet to receive funding.
Yuroke MP Ros Spence said the projects would improve local communities.
“These projects will make a real difference because they go to the heart of building what families need in our community,” she said.
“We’re investing in new community facilities because our area is growing and local projects like these will benefit many families for years to come.”
Hume mayor Geoff Porter said the projects would help make Hume a better place to live, work and visit.
“Our local community groups and sporting clubs do a fantastic job at representing our city,” Cr Porter said.
“These upgrades will help to ensure that they have adequate facilities to support and promote active lifestyle.”
