Tara Murray
A respite facility, park upgrades and a new playground are among nine projects across Whittlesea and Hume to receive funding from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
The government will spend $25 million on 28 projects across the state under the fund which supports investment in critical infrastructure in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing interface councils.
Five projects totalling $2.4 million have been funded in Whittlesea.
They are a new social support respite facility in Mernda for older residents, an outdoor learning area at Mill Park Library, safety and streetscape improvements at the Rochdale Square shopping precinct in Lalor, a program to improve energy efficiency in the City of Whittlesea, and a new playground and landscaping at Carrington Boulevard Children’s Centre in Thomastown.
Whittlesea council panel of administrators chair Lydia Wilson welcomed the funding boost.
“As one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Victoria with a booming population, the funding is a welcome addition to our plans to ensure residents can access services and facilities that will make a real difference in their day-to-day lives,” Ms Wilson said.
“These council projects will support local jobs and provide opportunities for residents to learn and engage with their community.”
The social support facility, which will be built at Mernda Villages Community Activity Centre, will provide much-needed day respite for older residents, many who have had to travel more than an hour to access facilities in other parts of Whittlesea.
Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio, Thomastown MP Brownyn Halfpenny and Yan Yean MP Danielle Green, who announced the funding, said the broad range of projects would benefit residents of all ages.
In Hume, four projects have been funded.
They are the DS Aitken Reserve skate park upgrade, Melba Avenue Streetscape upgrade, and upgrades to Coopers Hill Drive Reserve and Kirwan Park.
Hume council corporate services director Daryl Whitfort welcomed the funding which will allow the council to boost open spaces and outdoor facilities,
“This is fantastic news for all residents, particularly for the growing number of young families in our city’s growing suburbs,” he said.
“These projects will provide our community with better spaces to connect, play and thrive outdoors.
“These projects will also create local jobs at a time when unemployment numbers in Victoria are high.”
