By Dongyun Kwon
Yarra Ranges councillors discussed the plan to apply for three Federal Government grants, that have lately been made available for local governments, at the latest meeting on Tuesday 27 August.
The grants are Housing Support Program, Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, and Thriving Suburbs Program.
Streeton Ward councillor Andrew Fullagar said it is good to plan ahead to see if Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) can apply for these grants.
“Money is in short supply, so we need to grab all the opportunities we can with both hands as they come up,” he said.
Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said the council needs other sources of funding for its projects.
“It’s incredibly difficult for us to fund given that we have 55 townships in two and a half thousand square kilometres,” she said.
“Whenever we’re looking for a substantial refurbishment on the build or development of new facilities, we need other sources of funding.”
The Housing Support Program provides funding to local, state and territory governments for enabling infrastructure and community amenity projects with the primary aim of increasing housing supply and achieving the commitments of the National Housing Accord 2022.
The projects must commence before 31 January 2025.
Earlier in August, YRC already made a submission for the Housing Support Program to upgrade roads in areas aligned with the Yarra Ranges Housing Strategy 2024.
Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program seeks to support transformative investment in urban precincts based on the principles of unifying urban places, growing economies and serving communities focusing on a partnership approach bringing together governments, businesses and communities.
Further work is required for YRC to determine a suitable application under the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program.
It will be presented to the council once ready.
Thriving Suburbs Program aims at constructing or upgrading community infrastructure that fills an identified and immediate gap or unmet need for community infrastructure.
Two submissions have been proposed under the Thriving Suburbs Program; Don Road Community Pavilion and Reserve upgrade in Healesville and Lillydale Lake Masterplan Delivery.
“Don Road clearly is very close to my heart and is our number one strategic priority in terms of pavilions which are facilities for multiple uses,” Cr McAllister said.
“I definitely have my fingers crossed that we’re successful in funding for that one.”
Both submissions are aligned with the grant criteria and YRC’s contribution can be met through a combination of Asset Renewal Fund, Asset Investment Fund and Public Open Space Funds over the delivery timeframe of the projects.
Mayor Sophie Todorov said she spoke to the prep froggies of Mount Evelyn Christian School, who love play spaces at Lilydale Lake, on the day.
“They asked me questions about Lilydale Lake and the play spaces there,” she said.
“So, I’m sure their faces will be priceless with excitement and happiness if we are successful with these applications.”
