Whittlesea council has received another $5.1 million from the state government to help build six community projects.
The money, which was announced last week, is from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
It follows the allocation of $2.95 million from the fund to the council on November 21 for a soccer facility at Mosaic Drive.
The additional $5.1 million is for the construction of a recreation reserve and community soccer centre at Painted Hills reserve in Doreen; upgrades to streetscapes on May Road in Lalor and Dennison Mall in Bundoora; refurbishment of the Janefield Community Centre in Bundoora; Whittlesea township link and Oakbank Boulevard playground; the roll-out of solar photovoltaic systems to community facilities; and the renewal of playgrounds at Statesman Crescent in Mill Park and Hampstead Court Park in Thomastown.
The council also received $650,000 from the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund for the Painted Hills Recreation Reserve.
The council will contribute a significant amount to each project.
Mayor Ricky Kirkham said the council was delighted to partner with the state government to build critical community projects.
“The funding capacity of growth councils is limited. Partnership with the Victorian Government to co-fund these essential community facilities is critical,” he said.
Construction work will begin on all the projects by the end of 2017.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green, who visited Painted Hills Recreation Reserve to announce the funding, said the funding was providing the community with the facilities and local infrastructure they needed.
“Sporting facilities, playgrounds and community spaces are very much needed in Melbourne’s growing north. I am delighted that we are bringing our community together by providing much-needed facilities and promoting active living through local sport and local playgrounds,” she said.
Sports Minister John Eren said facilities such as the Painted Hills Recreation Reserve were important for families.
“Victorian communities deserve the best grassroots sports facilities. We know it’s a great investment because it means happier and healthier families,” he said.
