Melton council has received more than $4 million in state government funding to upgrade community facilities.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins announced on Saturday that five projects had been given a funding boost as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund.
The funding includes:
•$2.5 million for the expansion of the Caroline Springs Leisure Centre;
•$1 million for the second stage of the Burnside Multipurpose Community Centre;
•$500,000 towards the construction of a new scout adventure activity centre at the Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve;
•$190,000 for the Melton Botanic Trail that will connect the Melton Botanic Gardens to the Toolern Creek Trail; and
•$194,000 for upgrades to Kenswick Drive Reserve, including seating, shelter, playgrounds, trees and landscaping.
A state government spokesman said most of the Melton projects funded this year were in the town’s eastern corridor. The Melton township received more than $6.3 million last year.
Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey said the funding would go a long way in supporting the fast-growing municipality.
“Council works hard to provide the kinds of services and spaces that a growing community requires,” she said. “We can’t do this on our own and we’re really grateful to the state government.”
Even happier – and more emotional – was Caroline Springs Scout group leader Claire Mouser, who has been waiting more than six years for a dedicated scout facility.
Ms Mouser said the group was currently meeting in an old and small facility in Brimbank, with members travelling up to 15 kilometres out of the area for scouting activities.
“It’s been a six-year battle to find a facility in Caroline Springs,” Ms Mouser said.
“A lot of our kids are disadvantaged and special needs kids … they need somewhere to fit in. We’re just thrilled and glad of council’s support, as well as the state government’s support.”
Construction on the $1.75 million facility is expected to start next year after Scouts Victoria announced $1 million in funding for the building. Melton council will contribute $250,000.
