Families in Hillside will soon be able to enjoy more local open space facilities thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane has announced Melton City Council will receive $352,000 towards the Banchory Green Reserve upgrade from the Growing Suburbs Fund, which helps Melbourne’s rapidly developing interface and peri-urban councils deliver high-quality facilities for their communities.

The funding will support essential improvements towards the layout, footpath network and grass surface of the space. Once completed, the improvements at Banchory Green Reserve will also include upgrades to play space equipment and an increase in tree canopy.

In addition, Melton City Council will receive a $3.38 million grant towards the Mt Atkinson East Community Hub and the Mt Atkinson Active open space precinct from the Growing Suburbs Fund. When complete, the Hub will offer a range of facilities for the new community, including a Children’s Centre with three and four-year kindergarten, maternal child health services and flexible space for classes and activities

First launched in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has now invested more than $35 million towards thirty-one projects in Melton.

Since its establishment in 2015 the Growing Suburbs Fund has facilitated $913.2 million in local infrastructure, created more than 8,880 jobs and supported 253 projects across Melbourne’s fastest-growing areas.

For more information on the Growing Suburbs Fund and other local government grants programs, visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“Every Growing Suburbs Fund project we support helps deliver vital facilities, creates jobs and makes a real difference for our fastest-growing communities.”

Quotes attributable to Natalie Hutchins MP, State Member for Sydenham

“I’m delighted the Victorian Government has continued its support for our thriving community through projects like the Banchory Green Reserve upgrade”.

“We know Melton is a great place to live, and since 2015 the Growing Suburbs Fund has made it an even better one – these new investments will be great for families, children and everyone in our community.”