A new $150 million round of funding for outer suburbs will soon open for submissions, with a primary focus on areas including Mitchell Shire and Whittlesea.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny, and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny visited Edgars Creek Secondary College in Wollert last month to announce a new Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) funding round.
Through the scheme, developers’ taxes contribute to funding for projects such as roads and public transport services, school upgrades, health and community facilities, sport and recreational facilities, open spaces, and other necessary infrastructure in areas like Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea, and Wyndham.
The new $150 million GAIC round will focus primarily on transport such as buses, services, stations, interchanges, intersections, roads, bike paths, and walking paths.
Successful projects and final funding amounts will be confirmed and announced next year.
Ms Allan said the funding had previously supported much needed educational projects such as Edgars Creek Secondary College.
“Outer-suburban developer contributions helped deliver this wonderful local school,” she said.
“That was a system the Labor Government proudly introduced, and that’s something that all communities in the inner suburbs deserve too.”
Ms Halfpenny echoed Ms Allan’s sentiments.
“This is such a terrific local school, and Wollert could benefit again from a share of even more local funding,” she said.
Submissions will open later this year.
Pilot system announced
The State Government also announced that it will implement a pilot developer contribution system in the first 10 Activity Centres across Melbourne, which includes Epping.
The first 10 activity centres—Broadmeadows, Camberwell, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie, North Essendon, Preston, and Ringwood—each feature an 800-metre walkable catchment area surrounding their commercial core, designed to support balanced, community-appropriate growth.
The developer contribution system in the centres will begin on January 1, 2027, allowing time for the industry to prepare and consult with the government before fees are finalised.
While the City of Whittlesea has not yet been consulted on the developer contribution pilot, City of Whittlesea Chief Executive Craig Lloyd said council was looking forward to working with the State Government to ensure the timely delivery of crucial new infrastructure.
For more information about the existing 10 Activity Centres, visit www.engage.vic.gov.au/activitycentres.
