Ros SPENCE (Yuroke) (19:09:14) — (14 570) My adjournment matter is to the Minister for Local Government, and the action I seek is for the minister to provide me with an update as to what opportunities may exist to help provide facilities for newly developed communities in the Yuroke electorate. The Yuroke electorate includes a number of new housing estates and covers one of the fastest growing areas in our state. Master plans for many local developments include future plans for facilities such as sporting reserves, and I know that many local communities are keen to see these new facilities take shape. These are facilities such as the new AFL and tennis facilities and pavilion at the Merrifield West recreation reserve development and the development of the Mount Aitken district recreation reserve, including softball fields and pavilion. This government has a fantastic record of working with the Hume City Council to deliver improved infrastructure in my community, and I look forward to hearing from the minister about opportunities to continue this work into the future.

Response:

I would like to thank the Member for Yuroke for her question regarding the opportunities that may exist to help provide facilities for the newly developing communities in the Yuroke electorate.

The Victorian Government is making a significant investment of $200 million through the Growing Suburbs Fund towards meeting the critical infrastructure needs of communities in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing interface local government areas. This fund has brought forward many community infrastructure priorities, delivering projects that improve the amenity, liveability and resilience of interface communities, whilst supporting connections, enhancing services and providing local jobs.

The Growing Suburbs fund is designed to support Melbourne’s ten interface councils, encompassing Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.

I can confirm that Hume City Council, in which the Yuroke electorate is situated, has received a total of $13.8 million under the Growing Suburbs Fund to date.

In addition to the support provided under the Growing Suburbs Fund, I am aware that several other programs have also provided funding for sporting infrastructure, such as the Better Indoor Stadiums Fund and Female Friendly Facilities Fund which are administered by Sport and Recreation Victoria.

The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting interface councils by delivering community infrastructure that matters. This funding makes a big difference for councils and their communities. I look forward to continuing to work with the Hume City Council through the Growing Suburbs Fund to ensure that the Yuroke electorate receives community infrastructure to support its community’s needs.

Hon Marlene Kairouz MP
Minister for Local Government