A $3 million State Government fund will help boost local shopping strips during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund will provide grants of up to $100,000 to stimulate business activity, support local economies and improve public amenity and accessibility.
The Yarra Ranges and Knox are among 31 local government areas across Melbourne that will benefit from works.
Works include streetscape improvements, upgrades to public parks and open spaces, maintenance, increased lighting, pop-up park and public art installations and enhanced footpaths and bike paths. Mitchell Shire is also part of the program.
Monbulk MP James Merlino encouraged local people to get involved.
“Shopping strips are vital for the strength and cohesion of local communities and this is a great initiative to ensure they receive the support they need during these challenging times,” he said.
“There’s no better source of knowledge about local issues than the people who live it every day – if you’ve got an idea to make your suburb an even better place, we want to hear about it.”
The State Government will work with local government, business and the community sector to deliver the initiatives.
Lilydale will be among suburbs that will have a further $3 million invested in revitalisation projects. Other suburbs include Melton, Tarneit, Reservoir, Boronia and Noble Park.
This additional funding will support community projects such as minor infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, community activities and local business activation.
More information about the Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund is available at
www.suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-activity-centre-renewal-fund.
Applications for the fund will close on 21 August.
