Local shopping strips are receiving a boost through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund, part of the Building Works stimulus program.

The $3 million Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund will provide suburban areas with grants of up to $100,000 to stimulate business activity, support local economies and improve public amenity and accessibility, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wyndham is among 31 local government areas across Melbourne that will benefit from works including streetscape improvements, upgrades to public parks and open spaces, maintenance, increased lighting, pop-up park and public art installations and enhanced footpaths and bike paths. Mitchell Shire is also part of the program.

The Victorian Government will work with local government, business and the community sector to deliver the initiatives.

A further $3 million will be invested in revitalisation projects in an additional six suburban activity centres – Melton, Tarneit, Reservoir, Lilydale, Boronia and Noble Park – to support communities to undertake projects such as minor infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, community activities and local business activation.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $9 billion towards protecting Victorians from the health risks and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
More information about the Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund is available at https://www.suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-activity-centre-renewal-fund.

Applications for the fund will close on Friday, 21 August 2020.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“Shopping strips are vital for the strength and cohesion of local communities and this is a great initiative to ensure they receive the support they need during these challenging times.”

“There’s no better source of knowledge about local issues than the people who live it every day – if you’ve got an idea to make your suburb an even better place, we want to hear about it.”