By Ethan Benedicto
The motion to seek support from the State Government’s Growing Suburb Fund was passed unanimously during Casey Council’s Tuesday, 18 March meeting.
According to the agenda and corroborated by the manager of city and asset planning, Keri New during the meeting, it is a $5 million fund for which councils can make applications.
“It’s a competitive grants program and it helps growth areas… (and) support growing communities,” she said.
Three projects were highlighted, the Hallam Community Learning Centre (HCLC), Courtenay Ave and Hoystead Ave Reserve District Playground Redevelopment, and Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Renewal (DNLC).
“The combined value of these projects is $3 million and council would be seeking $1.5 million in funds through the program… and seek endorsement to submit the application,” New said.
Cr Gary Rowe first moved the motion, which was then seconded by Cr Lynette Pereira, who said that as the representative of River Gum Ward, she is “pleased to see this being included for applications”.
The topic itself was brief, with councillors not contesting the motion.
The HCLC upgrade will see upgrades to the kitchen to accommodate the range of multicultural groups who take part in the centre’s activities.
As stated in the agenda, the upgraded kitchen will ‘provide larger circulation and preparation space with multiple cooking hubs, (and) provide a welcoming facility that is inclusive of group cultural practice’.
Another upgrade is looking to improve disabled accessibility through tactile indicators and compliant doorways.
The project’s estimated cost is $660,000, evenly split between the GSF and the council.
Courtenay Ave and Hoystead Ave Reserve Playground’s upgrade will see a full redevelopment with new playground equipment, BBQ facilities and a BMX track upgrade.
The estimated cost for this project is $1.5 million, split evenly at $750,000 between the GSF and the council.
As for the DNLC, there will be upgrades to address accessibility and compliance issues, which include ramps and doorways, an issue highlighted due to its 17 years of age.
Therefore, interior upgrades will also be included, with renovations for modernisation and sustainability improvements such as degasification.
The estimated cost for this was listed as $926,000, split evenly between the GSF and council at $463,000.
