On 3 September 2020, the Minister for Local Government Hon Shaun Leane MP announced 28 projects will receive a share of $25 million from the newly expanded Growing Suburbs Fund.
The investment will help deliver $90.3 million worth of new infrastructure with the investment expected to create more than 700 jobs – kickstarting the economy and supporting local tradespeople, businesses and suppliers.
Since 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) has invested $275 million in critical infrastructure for Victoria's fastest-growing councils. This includes:
- Funding 221 community infrastructure projects
- Creating more than 7,500 jobs
- Leveraging more than $755 million in investment.
Expansion
A new $25 million six-month extension to the Fund was announced by the Victorian Government on 3 June 2020.
The fund was expanded to cover six peri-urban councils that face similar population growth and infrastructure challenges.
The ten eligible interface councils are: Cardinia, Casey, Hume Council, Melton, Mitchell Council, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.
The six eligible peri-urban councils are: Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Macedon Ranges, Moorabool, Golden Plains and Surf Coast Shire.
Together, the interface and peri urban councils are home to 30.4 per cent of Victoria’s population, or 2.7 million people.
Guidelines for Applicants
The expanded fund has prioritised “shovel-ready” projects that will have immediate economic and social impact.
Guidelines for the 2020-21 Growing Suburbs Fund can be found here.
There are several different types of projects that are eligible for the GSF. They include:
- Community centres, including health centres and libraries
- Multi-use sports pavilions and facilities
- Parks and playgrounds
- Streetscape upgrades
2020-21 Funding Round - Successful Projects
Bass Coast Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| Cowes Cultural and Community Centre | $2,500,000 | $19,000,000 |
Baw Baw Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| Longwarry Early Learning Centre | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
Cardinia Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| Princes Highway Trail | $989,824 | $1,979,648 |
Casey City Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| Strong Drive Children's Centre Redevelopment |
$1,000,000
|
$1,334,000 |
| Orana Community Place, Early Years Facility |
$353,000 | $520,000 |
| Olive Road Sporting Complex - Community Pavilion Redevelopment | $1,000,000 | $2,043,484 |
Golden Plains Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Cost |
|---|
| Golden Plains Youth Hub | $271,032 | $561,752 |
Hume City Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| DS Aitken Reserve Skate Park Upgrade |
$210,000 |
$420,000 |
| Melba Avenue Streetscape Upgrade |
$105,000 |
$210,000
|
| Coopers Hill Drive Reserve Upgrade |
$142,500 |
$285,000 |
| Kirwan Park Upgrade | $117,500 | $235,000 |
Melton City Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| Diggers Rest Community Pavilion |
$2,500,000
|
$8,250,000 |
Mitchell Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| Wallan Community Hub |
$850,000 |
$1,204,000 |
|
Kilmore Family and Children's Centre Expansion |
$1,108,644
|
$3,360,000
|
Moorabool Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Cost |
|---|
| Darley Park Community and Sports Centre | $2,500,000 | $3,750,000 |
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
|
Flinders Civic Hall Redevelopment
|
$2,250,000 |
$4,500,000 |
Nillumbik Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
|
Eltham Leisure Centre Solar Panels and Associated Infrastructure |
$ 270,000 |
$ 540,000 |
| Hurstbridge Community Multi Use Facility Upgrade | $705,000 | $1,704,233 |
Surf Coast Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Cost |
|---|
| Torquay Wayfinding Project | $175,000 | $350,000 |
Whittlesea City Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| Mernda Social Support Services Facility |
$1,240,000
|
$2,480,000
|
| Mill Park Library Public Surrounds Upgrade |
$450,000 |
$900,000 |
| Rochdale Square Neighbourhood Centre Revitalisation |
$362,500 |
$725,000 |
| Carrington Children's Centre outdoor learning and playspace upgrade |
$150,000
|
$300,000
|
| Community Energy Efficiency Program |
$250,000
| $500,000
|
Wyndham City Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
| Tarneit North Masterplan Implementation Project |
$2,500,000
|
$26,413,228 |
Yarra Ranges Shire Council
| Project Name | GSF Funding Amount | Total Project Value |
|---|
|
Biomass to Energy Plant - Coldstream Transfer Station |
$500,000
|
$1,000,000
|
| Upwey Skate Park |
$150,000
| $300,000
|
| Kimberley Recreation Reserve Community Sporting Pavilion Redevelopment |
$1,850,000
|
$4,720,000 |
