- Minister for Local Government
The Victorian Government is boosting funding for new and improved community facilities across Victoria's fastest growing suburbs - creating jobs and supporting local businesses as we rebuild from the coronavirus crisis.
Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek today announced a major expansion of the Growing Suburbs Fund, with an extra $25 million to bring forward delivery of new facilities and upgrades that improve communities and their access to vital services.
The Fund will also be extended for the first time, to include six peri-urban councils experiencing strong population growth, ensuring projects are being delivered where they are needed most.
The councils that will now have access to the Fund are Baw Baw, Golden Plains, Macedon Ranges, Moorabool, Bass Coast and Surf Coast. Previously the Fund was only available to Melbourne's 10 interface councils.
The expansion of the Fund will drive jobs and investment in more communities across outer Melbourne and inner regional areas hit hard by restrictions put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives.
It complements the Victorian $2.7 billion Building Works Package, which includes over $278 million in shovel-ready infrastructure projects across the state to be delivered through councils.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has facilitated $665.7 million in local facilities, created more than 6,750 jobs created and supported 193 projects.
The Minister also announced $3.8 million to improve the quality of their Information Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure for Victoria's 38 rural councils many of which have limited resources for remote working.
Each rural council will receive $100,000 to enhance and improve ICT facilities to engage, consult and support their local communities.
Councils are encouraged to apply for the Growing Suburbs Fund at: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek
"These funds will help meet the needs of our growing state, supporting local councils to deliver the facilities and services people need."
"I encourage councils to apply, so their rapidly growing local communities get the facilities they need and deserve."
"Better technology in our rural councils will reduce the digital divide, help ensure they are accountable to their communities and can operate safely."
