By PETER DOUGLAS
TWO Victorian Government MPs led top-level talks with Yarra Ranges Shire last week to discuss the spend of a $50 million funding package.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins and Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury and Finance Daniel Mulino met with Mayor Maria McCarthy and chief executive officer Glenn Patterson.
The quartet gathered at the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre to discuss the new Interface Councils Infrastructure Fund, which is designed to support councils and communities on the edge of Melbourne.
Ms Hutchins told the Mail that the initiative is designed to lessen the gap between metropolitan Melbourne and the outer east.
“This will ensure councils with unique challenges don’t miss out on establishing much-needed infrastructure,” she said.
“The Monbulk Living and Learning Centre is a perfect example of what this government is hoping to achieve.
“There are no specifics set down yet but clearly infrastructure such as this should be priority.”
The Interface Fund, which is the first of its kind, will provide support for the 10 interface council areas, which includes Yarra Ranges, Cardinia, Casey and Mornington Peninsula councils.
These areas all have elements of metropolitan, regional and rural communities.
Mr Mulino expressed his excitement over the fund.
“We’re extremely happy to get this in the budget,” he said.
“The Interface Fund will invest in project that will make significant difference in the day-to-day lives of local residents.
“Hopefully we can get the money flowing by the end of the year.”
During discussions, Mr Patterson said he was pleased the Government had followed through with promises from the previous government.
He acknowledged it was important to find funding streams to facilitate shire growth.
“This initial investment will enable urgently needed local government community infrastructure projects including community hubs, cultural or recreation facilities, to be rebuilt, expanded or upgraded,” he said.
Applications will be called for in the coming months.
