By Laura Michell
Whittlesea and Hume councils are seeking more than $13.5 million from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund to help pay for the construction of community facilities.
Whittlesea council has asked the government for $5.4 million for five projects, including the construction of a pavilion for new soccer grounds at Harvest Home Road in Epping.
The council also hopes the government will provide funding for the design and construction of streetscape improvements in the Thomastown Shopping Precinct, stage two of the Norris Bank Reserve redevelopment in Bundoora, the construction of Edgars Creek Community Activity Centre in Epping North, and the refurbishment of the Whittlesea Aquatic Centre in the Whittlesea township.
Whittlesea mayor Kris Pavlidis said the Growing Suburbs Fund helped the council to provide essential infrastructure.
“As one if the fastest growing municipalities in the state, our residents are crying out for infrastructure and facilities,” she said.
“The City of Whittlesea is trying to catch up on the provision of infrastructure and facilities that our residents expect and deserve.”
Hume council is seeking $8 million to help fund eight projects, including the construction of the Cloverton South Community Hub at Kalkallo and the Mt Aitken District Recreation Reserve in Craigieburn, which will include new softball fields and a pavilion.
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 and these upgrades will help to ensure that they have adequate facilities to support and promote active lifestyle,” Cr Porter said.
