A national lobby group is pressing federal election candidates to commit to projects to help families in outer growth areas.
The “Bring the basics within reach” campaign highlights four critical projects in the north, including a $114 million road project to link 45,000 people in the outer north to jobs in Epping.
The National Growth Areas Alliance, which represents Australia’s 25 fastest-growing municipalities, has put out an election brochure seeking commitment for projects to create jobs and support families.
Spokeswoman and Wyndham councillor Heather Marcus said the four Whittlesea projects were critical to residents’ well-being.
“Communities in outer suburban growth areas deserve the basics within reach – skills and jobs and community facilities,” she said. “All the projects on the list are important and will improve the quality of life for communities in these areas.”
The list includes the $5.5 million Doreen South early learning and family centre that is being built with council and state government money, but the Alliance is seeking a $2 million federal government contribution.
The group’s brochure said the multi-purpose centre would make maternal and child health care “accessible [and] provide a safe and confidential venue for family and parenting support services and other providers to support vulnerable families’’.
The Alliance said council was contributing $4.5 million to the $9 million Woodland Waters recreation reserve and sports pavilion in Mernda, and the Alliance was seeking the rest of the money from the federal government. The group also wants $2 million in federal funds to match the council’s contribution towards redeveloping the Whittlesea township and “beautification of the town to encourage increased business and tourist activity’’.
