The Federal Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program is delivering $190 million of funding across New South Wales and Victoria to improve the liveability of suburban communities.
More than $61 million is set to be distributed to 15 different projects in and around Sydney, while 26 projects across Melbourne will receive a share of $129 million.
The Thriving Suburbs Program is designed to build better cities and more liveable suburbs, targeting projects – such as sporting and cultural hubs, libraries and parks – that increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility.
Projects getting funding in greater Sydney include new and revitalised multi-purpose community centres, an upgraded wharf, a theatre redevelopment, upgraded inclusive sports facilities, a town centre revitalisation and improvements to local play and green spaces.
The Lidcombe Town Centre upgrade is just one of the projects set to come to life thanks to the program, with Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, and Federal Member for Reid Sally Sitou, on site on 4 December to announce the funding.
This project, which is receiving just over $4 million in federal funding, will upgrade the John Street precinct to meet current and future needs of the Cumberland community.
Other New South Wales projects receiving funding in this round include:
- Almost $7 million for the Windsor River Users Hub to deliver a recreation facility for the local community that is also resilient to flooding
- Upgrades to 14 local play spaces across Central Coast Council
- Over $5 million for the Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club for recreational and high-performance facilities
These investments will connect communities, enrich quality of life at a local level, and enhance social inclusion.
Minister King said, “Our Thriving Suburbs Program is all about building better cities and more liveable suburbs, with the projects getting funding across New South Wales set to increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility.
“Fifteen local projects across the state are now set to become a reality thanks to funding from this program, which will unlock a range of benefits for communities.”
Member for Reid, Sally Sitou, said that projects to uplift cities and suburbs are needed now more than ever.
“I am pleased to see the Federal Government is providing this funding for New South Wales,” Ms Sitou said.
“The Lidcombe Town Centre upgrade, one of fifteen projects we’ve announced for the state, is an incredible example of what this funding means for communities.
“This upgraded town centre is envisioned to be an outdoor living space for the community to connect, socialise and engage, ensuring everyone is welcome.”
Projects receiving funding in greater Melbourne include:
- $15 million for a new Community Services Hub in Cobblebank to expand access to education, employment, health and family violence prevention services
- $10 million for the Mernda Regional Sports Precinct Indoor Stadium to deliver new indoor netball and basketball facilities for local kids and families
- Almost $5 million to upgrade Dallas Brooks Reserve in Mornington to upgrade soccer pitches so more interschool competitions can take place
The St Kilda Pier (Landside) Foreshore Upgrade was one project which secured $2.6 million to extend the pier, foreshore and promenade to meet Jacka Boulevard.
Minister King said that councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade essential local assets.
“We established Thriving Suburbs to fix this problem – to support local organisations with the funding they need to build better cities and more liveable suburbs,” Minister King said.
“Whether sports clubs, urban precincts or community hubs, community facilities are the backbone of connected societies – and they’re becoming increasingly important.
“This important investment will make a real difference for thousands of Victorians by supporting community infrastructure that brings people together and increases local amenity.”
Member for Macnamara, Josh Burns, said that the announcement is a demonstration of how the government recognises the importance of elevating urban areas, because that is where most Australians live.
“I’m thrilled to see this funding flowing to a range of local priorities, like the long called-for St Kilda Pier, to take them off the drawing board and make them a reality,” Mr Burns said.
“This project will provide safer access for pedestrians, bike riders and maintenance vehicles to the busy foreshore area that is frequented by almost three million visitors per year – and is a demonstration of what this funding really means for our community.”
