Several infrastructure projects across Melbourne’s north received a boost under the State Government’s Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution, GAIC, Fund, which will help build essential upgrades such as roads and public transport.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny announced the $400 million package at Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre last week,
The total package includes a total of 37 projects funded through the GAIC – 10 from the Growth Areas Public Transport Fund and 27 from the Building New Communities Fund.
The GAIC helps fund essential infrastructure to develop liveable communities in Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs in the seven major growth area councils of Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea, and Wyndham.
Under the Building New Communities Fund, City of Whittlesea Council welcomed a $10 million State Government boost for an intersection upgrade to support the Regional Sports Precinct in Mernda.
In March council approved the concept design for the precinct’s indoor stadium and outdoor netball facilities, which will be built on land at Everton Drive.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the funding was a welcome contribution.
“In order to deliver a project to the scale of the Regional Sports Precinct, council relies on partnerships with other levels of government,” she said.
“While we have received an election commitment of $20 million from the Victorian Government, we are delighted to receive confirmation of a further $10 million funding which will support the construction of internal roads and transport infrastructure and includes an intersection upgrade at Everton Drive in Mernda to enable easy access to the new sports precinct.”
Chief executive Craig Lloyd said the funds would allow council to keep planning and delivering the Regional Sports Precinct.
“This project will be the largest single investment in social infrastructure delivered by the City of Whittlesea with its benefits expected to be far reaching,” he said.
“We know sports courts, in particular, are much needed in the northern part of our municipality, and we look forward to our community being able to play netball and basketball in their own local area.”
Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said the precinct was a crucial part of the community.
“All parents want to see their kids active and building friendships. Having a state-of-the-art centre where sports and swimming clubs can train and play, right here in Mernda, is something we are all looking forward to,” she said.
Ground works on site are expected to begin mid-2024 for the council project.
In neighbouring areas, Donnybrook and Kalkallo residents will benefit from several transport projects, including a new pedestrian and bike bridge on Toyon Road across Merri Creek at Kalkallo and a new bus service from Kalkallo to Olivine via Donnybrook Station on route 524.
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said the new service would provide more options for locals to get around.
“Our growing community will welcome these additional bus services, making it even easier to access Donnybrook station,” she said.
“This new service builds upon the existing 525 route bus and 501 shuttle bus from Donnybrook station to Craigieburn station, providing more public transport options for Kalkallo residents.”
Other funding dedicated to Kalkallo also included $1.8 million boost to support land acquisition and construction of a Type C VICSES facility.
