Federal funding for community infrastructure

A close-up of a person's feet, walking forward, on an asphalt footpath. The background is blurred out.

More than $2 million in community projects will be delivered by Council in coming months, thanks to the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Projects across Yarra Ranges are being funded by the Federal Government and delivered in coming months, providing jobs and new community infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funded projects include:

  • Footpath construction in Billanook Way in Chirnside Park, Don Road in Badger Creek, Coolaroo Court, Marlee Drive, Nambour Drive, Elms Road, Royal Avenue and Russell Avenue in Mooroolbark, York Road in Mount Evelyn, Hull Road in Lilydale, Lade Avenue, Lucas Street and Regina Street in Kilsyth, McNicol Road in Tecoma and Station Street in Coldstream.
  • Streetscape, footpath widening and parking works along the Warburton Highway in Wandin North
  • Installation of a solar panel system and battery to offset preschool energy bills at preschools in Bimbadeen Drive, Mooroolbark, Meadowgate Drive, Chirnside Park and Landscape Drive in Mooroolbark.
  • Construction of a shelter, pull-in area and bus stop in Lusatia Park Road in Hoddles Creek
  • Construction of a Men’s Shed in Upwey (accompanied by State Government funding)

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Fiona McAllister welcomed the funding, which would help improve public spaces throughout the region.

“We work to maintain, improve and expand our footpath network each year, providing better and more accessible ways for residents to access their community,” Cr McAllister said.

“With COVID-19 Stage 4 restrictions easing, our local contractors have been desperately waiting for works to recommence. These projects are shovel ready and have allowed our local contractors to get back to work delivering much-needed improvements across our municipality.

“Having support from other levels of Government means we can fast-track projects and deliver more for our community in a shorter timeframe.

“We’re thrilled to receive this funding support from the Federal Government and look forward to getting these projects underway.

“When these projects are completed, community members across Yarra Ranges will find it easier to get around, preschools will offset their energy bills with solar power and the Upwey Men’s Shed will be one step closer to reality.”

Tony Smith MP, Federal Member for Casey welcomed the announcement of works on shovel ready local projects funded by the Federal Government.

“An initial allocation of $2.1 million will be used to deliver important projects in our towns and suburbs, from Badger Creek to Upwey” said Tony Smith.

“Small scale shovel ready projects will be undertaken by local contractors, providing jobs and economic opportunities during difficult economic times”.

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LCRI) Program was created by the Federal Government to support Councils in delivering priority infrastructure projects, create jobs and bolster the local economy through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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