The Albanese Government is making Melbourne an even better place to live, today announcing over $129 million for 26 projects in the city and surrounding suburbs.

The Thriving Suburbs Program is designed to build better cities and more liveable suburbs, targeting projects – such as sporting and cultural hubs, libraries and parks – that increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility.

With no competitive, urban community infrastructure program under the former Government, we know Councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade their essential local assets.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Thriving Suburbs – to help fund the backlog of community infrastructure projects putting a strain on local governments. 

Projects receiving funding in greater Melbourne include new and revitalised multi-purpose community centres, an upgraded pier, a town centre revitalisation, upgraded inclusive sports facilities, and improvements to local play and green spaces.

The investment of $5,775,000 for the Don Road Community and Sports Pavillion will keep community members connected, enrich quality of life at a local level, and enhance social inclusion.

Thriving Suburbs is an open and competitive program, with funding awarded on a merit basis, supported by a two-stage assessment process.

This is yet another demonstration of the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering a suburban funding program focused on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration.

For more information, including a full list of successful projects in the state, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/thriving-suburbs-program.

Quote attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Our Thriving Suburbs Program is all about building better cities and more liveable suburbs, with the projects getting funding across Victoria set to increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility.

“Today’s announcement is a demonstration of how our Government recognises the importance of elevating urban areas, because that is where most Australians live.

“Whether sports clubs, urban precincts or community hubs, community facilities are the backbone of connected societies – and they’re becoming increasingly important.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Lisa Darmanin:

“This project will deliver a new, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose community and sports pavilion, complete with modern amenities to support multiple sporting clubs, ovals, courts, and exercise stations. It will enhance liveability and recreation options for our growing community, providing a vital hub for health, wellbeing, and social connection.

“Projects that uplift our cities and suburbs are more important than ever, so I’m proud to see the Australian Government providing this crucial funding for our community.

“I’m thrilled to see this funding finally flowing to local priorities, like the long-awaited Don Road Community and Sports Pavilion. It’s been a vision for years, and it’s exciting to see it move from the drawing board to reality.

“The Thriving Suburbs Program is making transformative local projects like this a reality, and I look forward to the significant benefits it will bring to our community—encouraging active lifestyles and fostering stronger community connections.”

Quotes attributable to Yarra Ranges Mayor Councillor Jim Child:

"We are delighted to receive more than $7.28 million from the Federal Government's Thriving Suburbs funds for some much-needed community assets in Yarra Ranges. These projects are so important to ensure that we are bringing the community together meaning we can continue to provide for that all important social connection across our municipality.

“It's safe to say that the residents of Healesville and surrounds are delighted and eager to start planning for the Don Road Community and Sports Pavilion. 

“Likewise, we were delighted to receive an award last week for the Lilydale Lake from the Green Flag Award for 2024-2025 and these funds will mean we can enhance that even more now for this very popular community asset.”

ENDS

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