The City of Casey will be submitting almost $16 million in funding applications through the 2018/19 Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) to accelerate the delivery of critical community infrastructure projects.
The Victorian Government has committed $50 million through the 2018/19 GSF, of which Council is hoping to secure the maximum amount possible, $10 million.
The GSF is accessible to the ten Interface Councils to enable them to fast-track the delivery of critical infrastructure needed to keep up with rapidly growing populations.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said the GSF is a much-needed funding source for growth areas like Casey to assist us in keeping up with our growing infrastructure demands.
“As our population increases on average by 13,000 people every year, we are faced with a significant challenge in trying to keep pace with the infrastructure that our communities deserve and need”, said the Mayor.
“Since the introduction of rate capping, keeping up the infrastructure and service needs of our growing community has gotten progressively harder. We now rely heavily on funding streams such as the GSF to assist us in keeping up with demand.”
Council has applied for grants towards the following eight priority projects:
- Tooradin Township - South Gippsland Highway Streetscape Renewal - Estimated project cost: $884,000, GSF request: $442,000, Council contribution: $442,000
- Hallam Recreation Reserve Hall – Renewal and Refurbishment- Estimated project cost: $838,800, GSF request: $419,400, Council contribution: $419,400
- Endeavour Hills Community Precinct – Stage 2 Terraced Landscaping and Skate Park- Estimated project cost: $3.36m, GSF request: $1.68m, Council contribution: $1.68m
- Frog Hollow Reserve – New Regional Rugby Union Pavilion- Estimated project cost: $3.62m, GSF request: $1.81m, Council contribution: $1.71m (Council has also received $100,000 toward the project from Sport and Recreation Victoria)
- Casey Fields Regional Community Soccer Precinct – Stage 1 Community Facilities- Estimated project cost: $17.99m, GSF request: $6.49m, Council contribution $6.49m (Council is also awaiting the outcome of a $5m contribution from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contributions Fund)
- Cranbourne West Community Hub and Town Square- Estimated project cost: $7.34m, GSF request: $1.83m, Council contribution: $1.83m ($3.68m of developer contribution funds have also been allocated towards this project)
- Selandra Estate – District Soccer/Cricket Recreation Reserve Development- Estimated project cost: $9.01m, GSF request: $1.57m, Council contribution: $1.57m ($5.86m of developer contribution funds have also been allocated towards this project)
- Kilora Estate – District AFL/ Cricket/ Netball Recreation Reserve Development- Estimated project cost: $7.28m, GSF request: $1.65m, Council contribution: $1.65m ($3.96m of developer contribution funds have also been allocated towards this project)
“Council will be applying for the maximum amount possible, further demonstrating the importance of funding streams like the GSF and the critical need for further government investment in our municipality,” said the Mayor.
“In last years fund we were pleased to receive funding for seven out of our eight applications. We hope that we are again successful in this year’s pool so that we can get on with delivering these important projects for our community”.
The GSF will fund new, expanded or upgraded and renewal infrastructure projects that must commence construction within 12 months of the grant being announced and be completed within three years from the start of construction.