New parks, more kindergarten space and safer streets are on the way for Whittlesea thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek has today announced that five projects in Whittlesea are among 32 successful projects which will receive funding from the latest ground of the Growing Suburbs Fund.

The Fund is delivering $50 million towards community facilities, enhanced services and greater opportunities in Melbourne’s 10 rapidly growing interface councils.

The five Whittlesea City Council projects receiving a share of $6.8 million are:

• Quarry Hills Regional Parkland – $2.5 million to enable the first phase of a major new public park, including walking trails, playgrounds and ropes course.
• Whittlesea Public Gardens – $2 million towards a major upgrade and rejuvenation of the gardens, including an accessible play space for all ages.
• Whittlesea Community Skate Park – $375,000 to update and revitalise the park facilities and BMX track.
• Lalor Streetscape Upgrade – $1.5 million to deliver the last stage of the upgrade to improve safety, seating and public space.
• McLeans Road Kindergarten – $500,000 towards expansion of the facility to increase its capacity and extend services for local families.

This investment takes the total Growing Suburbs Fund commitment to Whittlesea City Council to $31 million for 24 projects over the last five years.

Across greater Melbourne, the Fund has now supported 193 projects, invested $250 million and leveraged a combined investment of $665 million, creating more than 6750 jobs.

A list of all 32 successful projects for 2019-20 and more information on the Growing Suburbs Fund is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek

“The Andrews Labor Government is responding to the needs of growing communities by delivering high-quality facilities in partnership with interface Councils.”

“We’re supporting local councils to deliver the facilities and services people need as their population increases.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundoora, Colin Brooks

“Once again the Growing Suburbs Fund will play an important role in delivering projects like the McLeans Road Kinder upgrade and improved public parks and gardens. These will be great new spaces and facilities for our community to access and enjoy.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Mill Park, Lily D’Ambrosio

“It is great to see these new facilities will give families many ways to get out and enjoy our beautiful local parkland.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Thomastown, Bronwyn Halfpenny

“With the Andrews Labor Government delivering projects like these that improve the liveability of our already fantastic neighbourhoods and increasing opportunities for our fast-growing communities, I’m proud to be a part of a team that’s delivering such great developments and better public spaces to bring our vibrant, multicultural community together”.

Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green

“Thanks to the Growing Suburbs Fund, we’ve seen a huge investment for our growing population here in the north. The continued investment shows how the Andrews Labor Government is working with councils and communities to deliver better parks and playgrounds to encourage physical activities at all ages.”