By Laura Michell
Whittlesea and Hume councils have asked the state government for close to $15 million to help fund 14 community infrastructure projects.
The councils have applied for the money from the government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
The $50 million fund is open to Melbourne’s 10 interface councils and is designed to help with the cost of building essential infrastructure.
Whittlesea council has applied for $8.125 million to help with seven projects.
The council is hoping to secure $2 million to revitalise the Whittlesea Public Gardens, $2.5 million to develop the Quarry Hills Regional Parkland and $1.5 million for stages two and three of the Lalor streetscape improvement program.
It is also seeking $500,000 to upgrade McLeans Road Kindergarten in Bundoora, $5000 for an adventure park at Mernda Village, $375,000 for Whittlesea community skate park and $750,000 for a community energy efficiency program.
Mayor Lawrie Cox said the council would match any funding received from the government.
“The Growing Suburbs Fund helps council provide essential infrastructure and facilities that our residents expect and deserve,” he said.
“These projects will make a big difference in the day-to-day lives of our communities which are growing rapidly.”
Hume council has applied for $6.727 million for seven projects including $2 million for the Kalkallo North Community Centre.
The council is also hoping to secure $1.5 million to redevelop Donnybrook’s John Laffan Reserve pavilion, $1.495 million for the Cloverton Recreation Reserve Pavilion in Kalkallo, $500,000 for a playspace at Greenvale Recreation Reserve, $254,000 to redevelop Craigieburn’s Selwyn Neighbourhoood House, $750,000 to redevelop the Gladstone Park Reserve pavilion and $228,600 to redevelop Goonawarra Neighbourhood House.
