Buildings and playspaces across the Yarra Ranges will receive State government funding towards upgrades as part of the Growing Suburbs fund.
Coldstream Community Centre, as well as the playspaces at Carmen Reserve in Lilydale and Glenvalley Reserve in Seville East have been flagged as three of four projects getting an upgrade.
Yarra Ranges Shire Council will also receive $258,000 for the works improving the play areas to provide opportunities for a range of ages and abilities, new seating, paths and access to the Warburton Rail Trail.
On behalf of Local Government Minister Shaun Leane, Deputy Premier and Monbulk MP James Merlino announced the Yarra Ranges Shire Council will receive a total $2.28 million towards four projects as part of this years Growing Suburbs Fund, the Yarra Ranges considered one of Melbourne’s growing areas.
$1.5 million of the grant will go towards climate resilient buildings for the community, a $3 million project by Yarra Ranges council in conjunction with the State and Federal governments. Eight buildings including the ones mentioned prior will be upgraded to be environmentally sustainable, energy resilient and thermally functional.
This means the buildings will help the community during natural disasters and extreme weather events including heatwaves and floods.
The funding was announced at the opening of the upgraded Monbulk Skate and Scooter Park, which was the result of a $300,000 grant from the 2019-20 allocation of the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Popular among school children, previously the park was not large enough to cater to skaters of all skill levels. Increased from 250 metres squared to 900, it now has room for skaters from beginner to advanced levels. The Yarra Ranges council also contributed $300,000 top the project.
Mr Leane believes the Growing Suburbs Fund will support Yarra Ranges residents, whether it be giving them more opportunities to be outdoors or through climate resilient community buildings.
“Every Growing Suburbs Fund project we support helps deliver vital facilities, creates jobs and makes a real difference for our fastest-growing communities,” he said.
“It’s really important communities like Yarra Ranges have the infrastructure to support everyone that lives there.”
Mr Merlino said the Yarra Ranges is a great place to live, and he knows the Growing Suburbs Fund is only going to serve our reputation well.
“I’m delighted the Andrews Government has continued its support for our thriving community through projects like climate resilient buildings for our community,” he said.
“These new investments will be great for families, children and everyone in our community.”
Since being announced in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has invested $375 million in almost 300 projects, representing over $1.07 billion investment in local infrastructure. In the Yarra Ranges Shire alone, the Fund has now invested nearly $28.4 million towards 30 projects.For more information on the Growing Suburbs Fund and other local government grants programs, visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
To find out more about the projects helping communities and businesses thrive in your local area, visit www.delivering.vic.gov.au.
