REVITALISING VICTORIA

Nine metropolitan and ten regional councils will receive grants of up to $200,000 in the first round of funding from the Victorian Coalition Government's Community Works Program.

Mr Guy said the raft of projects will provide much needed community infrastructure ranging from playgrounds, footpaths, community gardens, river trails and improved town centres.

"Delivering local infrastructure projects that local communities want and need is an important part of planning vibrant suburbs, towns and regional centres," Mr Guy said.

"The Coalition Government has recognised the need to support local councils to deliver projects tailored for their communities and this is demonstrated by the success of the first round of the Community Works Program."

"The Community Works Program is recognition that the Coalition Government is committed to investing in local infrastructure at the community level and to providing funding to assist with local communities' key infrastructure needs."

"As a result of the Community Works Program we will see the development of public spaces that are attractive and accessible as well as pedestrian friendly, while encouraging local investment and creating jobs."

"The projects announced today represent a combined investment of more than $10 million in local communities across Victoria when funding contributions from local councils are included," Mr Guy said.

Metropolitan councils to receive funding are Banyule, Brimbank, Cardinia, Frankston, Hume Manningham, Moonee Valley, Whitehorse and Wyndham.

Regional councils to receive funding are Ballarat, Baw Baw, Corangamite, Queenscliffe, Greater Geelong, Mildura, Moira, Strathbogie, Wellington and Wodonga.

Some of the key community works projects include:

• completion of the Kororoit Creek recreational trail in Cairnlea;
• commencement of a new network of footpaths in the Geelong suburb of Leopold;
• construction of a shared use path along Overport Road to connect two existing paths in Frankston South;
• completion of the next stage of the Federation Park redevelopment in Cobram to showcase the town centre and improve accessibility;
• improvements to the Plenty River Trail in Greensborough to better link it with the city centre; and
• construction of Smythe Street in Wodonga to link Elgin Boulevard and South Street through the central Wodonga urban renewal site.

The Community Works Program has been developed to better service councils and their communities in delivering vital facilities and community infrastructure. The Coalition Government has committed $6.9 million to fund the program. A detailed list of Round 1 projects can be found at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning