Funding boost for growing suburbs

Sen and her daughter Khloe at the future site of the community centre in Donnybrook. (Supplied)

Whittlesea council will receive $3.5 million in state government funding to help build local infrastructure.

The funding, delivered through the government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, will help council deliver more than $15 million in initiatives.

The projects include a new multipurpose community centre in Donnybrook’s Olivine estate, updated walking and cycling access at Huskisson Recreation Reserve in Lalor, and the Community Energy Transition Program, which will provide solar and battery storage systems to community groups and sporting clubs.

The funding will also contribute to streetscape improvements at the Gorge Road shopping precinct in South Morang, ceiling and ventilation upgrades at Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre, and a community-driven project to regenerate the natural vegetation at Worchester Park in Bundoora.

Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said that the much-welcomed funding boost from the Victorian government will enable council to build essential infrastructure and provide the key programs and services that our fast-growing communities need.

“We thank the Victorian government for their generous investment into the City of Whittlesea through the Growing Suburbs Fund,” Ms Wilson said.

“The projects brought to life through this program will improve access to critical services, like kindergarten and maternal and child health, and will make a big difference to the day-to-day lives of our city’s residents.”