The Federal Government is set to invest $79 million in 13 projects across Perth to improve the liveability of the city’s suburbs.
This funding comes through the Thriving Suburbs program, which the Federal Government established to help fund the backlog of community infrastructure projects putting a strain on local governments.
The Thriving Suburbs Program is designed to build better cities and more liveable suburbs, targeting projects that increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility – such as sporting and cultural hubs, libraries and parks.
Projects getting funding in Perth include a pedestrian and cycleway bridge in Kingsley, multiple community hubs, a streetscape revitalisation in Belmont, a sports pavilion in Huntingdale, an aquatic centre in Kwinana and rejuvenated public spaces.
The Cultural Heart Precinct – Library and Cultural Centre project in Booragoon was also successful and will receive $15 million to deliver a new six-star accredited library and cultural centre and revitalisation of the surrounding environment.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, and Federal Member for Tangney, Sam Lim, were at the Cultural Heart Precinct site to announce the funding.
These investments are expected to connect communities, enrich quality of life at a local level and enhance social inclusion.
Thriving Suburbs is an open and competitive program, with funding awarded on a merit basis, supported by a two-stage assessment process.
Minister King said that councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade essential local assets after being deprived of a competitive urban community infrastructure program.
“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 Western Australians by supporting community infrastructure that brings people together and increases local amenity.”
Mr Lim 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 Library and Cultural Centre in Booragoon, to take them off the drawing board and make them a reality,” Mr Lim said.
“The multi-use centre for Booragoon will allow the community to come together to share, celebrate, create, learn, and engage – being a great demonstration of why these projects matter.”
