Tara Murray
Melton council has welcomed Infrastructure Victoria’s latest research which calls for a new library and aquatic centre in the municipality.
As reported last week, Infrastructure Victoria’s ‘Social infrastructure in Melbourne’s growth areas’ study has found Melton is one of seven growth areas where government’s need to boost spending to stop residents being left behind.
According to the authority’s report, Melton will need both a new library and new aquatic and recreation centre in the next five years, ideally located in growth areas to the east of Melton.
Melton Mayor Kathy Majdlik said continued and greater funding partnerships with the state government would ensure the council can deliver infrastructure that meets the needs of everyone in the community.
“We know that more libraries and aquatic facilities are needed in our city and these are projects we hope the state government will invest in,” she said.
“As our population booms, it’s important that we ensure all residents can easily access our learning and digital services, and that they have recreation facilities that meet their social and health needs.
“As a council, we have advocated for increased funding of recreational and sport infrastructure across the municipality.
“We’re committed to further provision of aquatic facilities and are working on a business case and funding strategy for an aquatic centre in Plumpton.
“State government funding for aquatic infrastructure will enable these much-needed facilities to be developed and meet community demand.”
Cr Majdlik said the municipality’s population is set to reach almost half a million people in the next 30 years. She said they were asking the state government to urgently partner with the council on key major projects.
“Local jobs creation and access to employment are particularly important for future livability,” she said.
“We’re grateful that the state government has made a commitment to the Melton hospital… But there’s still more work that needs to be done.
“By investing in these and other key projects, the state government will help attract commercial investment and jobs growth that will allow residents to work close to home and spend more time with their families.”
Other key projects the council are advocating for include the electrification of the Melton line, greater bus connections, and upgrades to the Western and Melton highways and allied health, mental health, family violence support, employment, and learning services.
