Constituency Question: Growing Suburbs Fund
Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — (12 747) My constituency question is to the Minister for Local Government. What are the time lines for the next funding round of the Growing Suburbs Fund, and how can the Yuroke community benefit from this program? As the minister is no doubt aware, the Growing Suburbs Fund has already delivered a number of terrific programs in the Yuroke electorate. This is a vital source of funding to assist my growing community to get the services and facilities it needs. One of the local projects that I am particularly proud of is Livvi’s Place, an inclusive play space at Craigieburn Anzac Park that gives children of all ages and abilities the chance to play side by side. I thank the minister for the projects that have been funded in the Hume local government area and look forward to her advice on this issue.
Response:
| I would like to thank the Member for Yuroke, Ms Ros Spence for her question and for her strong advocacy for the Growing Suburbs Fund and its benefits for her constituents.
The Growing Suburbs Fund is positioned to respond quickly to the pressures experienced by interface communities by bringing forward local infrastructure projects that will make a big difference in the day-to-day lives of outer suburban families. I am pleased to advise that applications for eligible 2017-2019 projects will be received through a single application round which opened on 23 June 2017 and closed on 10 August 2017. My department will now undertake a robust assessment process which will include consulting widely across government before announcements are made in November 2017. The residents of Yuroke will benefit by bringing forward critical infrastructure priorities that will see improvements to amenity, liveability and the resilience of their community, and which will make a big difference in the day to day lives of residents. I look forward to working closely with local members and local governments to deliver these outstanding community facilities. HON NATALIE HUTCHINS MP Minister for Local Government |