Residents in Hume will be the beneficiary of the Andrews Labor Government’s new $50 million Interface Councils Infrastructure Fund, to support councils and communities on the edge of Melbourne.

Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, today visited the City of Hume with Member for Yuroke, Ros Spence, Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull, and Member for Broadmeadows, Frank McGuire, to discuss how the fund could benefit the community.

Local residents will benefit from the Fund, which can be used towards multipurpose facilities, community centres, playgrounds or other spaces needed by the community.

Ms Hutchins said the Fund, secured in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget, fulfilled the Labor Government’s promise to establish a dedicated fund to support communities in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

The Interface Fund – the first of its kind – will provide support to the ten Interface Council areas, which will host the highest proportion of Victoria’s population growth over the coming decades.

The 10 Interface Councils are: Cardinia Shire Council, City of Casey, Hume City Council, Melton City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, City of Whittlesea, Wyndham City Council and Yarra Ranges Council.

Applications will be called for in the coming months.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins

“The Andrews Labor Government knows that Hume is facing huge growth and massive change. Our $50 million Interface Fund will help ensure that the needs of local residents are being met.”

“Councils and communities can use the $50 million Fund for a multi-purpose facility, a community centre, a playground – spaces that local families need.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Yuroke, Ros Spence

“The Andrews Labor Government’s Interface Fund will help fund the projects that will improve the liveability and accessibility of our community, both now and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull

“The Labor Government is providing the support Hume needs to invest in projects that will make a significant difference in the day-to-day lives of local residents.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Broadmeadows, Frank McGuire

“Only Labor recognises the needs of the Interface region and only Labor has established a dedicated fund for communities like Hume.”