More homes mean more opportunities and better communities – that’s why the Allan Labor Government will open a new, $150 million round of funding for outer-suburbs delivered through contributions from property developers.

Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny, and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny visited Edgars Creek Secondary College in Wollert – a new local school delivered through the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund – to announce a new GAIC round will open for submissions this year.

Through this scheme, developers contribute to funding for important projects in Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham – like roads and public transport services, school upgrades, health and community facilities, sport and rec facilities, open space, and much more.

The new $150 million GAIC round will focus primarily on transport, like buses, services, stations, interchanges, intersections, roads, bike paths and walking paths. Successful projects and final funding amounts will be confirmed and announced next year. Projects previously funded through GAIC include:

• $20.8 million to double bus bays and increase car parking at Berwick Railway Station

• $9 million to upgrade Merinda Park Railway Station

• $8.92 million for bus services from Donnybrook to Craigieburn, connecting locals to schools and services.

• $6.4 million for a new school in Melton, which won ‘Best Secondary School Project’ in 2020.

• $1.1 million for the construction of a new ambulance station in Pakenham

These projects are delivered for residents in the seven Local Government Areas where the contributions are collected. This kind of scheme does not exist elsewhere in the state in any consistent way – and many other growing communities like inner-suburbs close to public transport have been missing out.

That’s why the Labor Government will create a better, fairer system for property developers to contribute to funding for local infrastructure and services in the areas where they build more homes. See more at premier.vic.gov.au/all-suburbs-that-build-more-homes-deserve-more-funding.