By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THE Cardinia Shire community will benefit from $50 million allocated in the Victorian Budget to improving Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
The ‘Interface Fund’ will be distributed to 10 councils, identified as being areas of the highest population growth in the coming decades.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins announced the funding at the Toomuc Community Centre on Tuesday.
She met with Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino and shire councillors to discuss the benefits of the fund.
“Councils and communities can use the $50 million Fund for a multi-purpose facility, a community centre, a playground – spaces that local families need,” she said.
Ms Hutchins said the fund would ensure equal access to community facilities among residents of the inner and outer suburbs.
“The Andrews Labor Government understands the unique needs of Interface Councils, and our $50 million Interface Fund aims to ensure the needs of communities like Cardinia be met,” she said.
Mr Mulino said the fund would be crucial in supporting the growth of the area.
“The Andrews Labor Government recognises the rapid growth of Cardinia Shire and the $50 million Interface Fund will ensure the council and community keeps up,” he said.
“The Fund will provide Cardinia Shire with a significant opportunity to invest in the projects that make a difference to residents, as well as promoting local employment opportunities.
“This assistance will help Cardinia Shire meet the needs of our community now, and into the future,” he said.
Applications for individual projects will open in the coming months.
