By JARROD MCALEESE
A NEW State Government initiative to fund local infrastructure for Melbourne’s outer suburbs will see the City of Casey receive $2.52 million worth of funding, but council wants more.
City of Casey Mayor Mick Morland said the continued progression of the Casey area might have warranted a more generous allocation from the fund.
“Council is disappointed that Casey, as the largest growth council in Victoria and with a backlog of vital community infrastructure, has received such a small share of the over $40 million funding announced,” he said.
Cr Morland, however, said he was pleased with the grants and was supportive of the newly formed Interface Growth Fund.
“Council is pleased that the State Government has recognised the infrastructure shortfall and challenges facing growth area councils by creating the Interface Growth Fund,” Cr Morland said.
A total of $1.4 million is set to be provided for the $3.023 million redevelopment of the Bridgewater Family and Community Centre in Berwick.
“The redevelopment will deliver a state-of-the-art family and community centre to help meet the high demand in the Berwick area,” Cr Morland said.
Casey Fields is also set to benefit, with $1.12 million planned to be invested in a $2.245 million development of the cycling precinct.
Despite the assistance from the State Government, Casey Council will be providing the majority of the balance, $2.75 million, for the projects.
The projects will commence within the current financial year.
