The Allan Labor Government is supporting Victorian families with the critical infrastructure that makes our fastest growing suburbs better places to live – like new schools, health services, public transport and road upgrades.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny were at Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre (EPC) today to announce a more than $400 million package through the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund, which includes a new $9.6 million Enhanced Parenting Centre in Wallara Waters.

New mums and dads across the north are already benefiting from the new Whittlesea EPC – with specialised support, close to home – including sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for bubs with additional needs.

A total of 37 projects will be funded through the GAIC – including 10 from the Growth Areas Public Transport Fund and 27 from the Building New Communities Fund.

Some significant investments in the package include:

• $60 million to deliver a critical road link for the Ison Road Overpass in Werribee
• $35 million towards a new school in Cobblebank
• A $29 million land purchase for a proposed government school in Wyndham Vale
• More than $150 million for new bus services across Melbourne’s north, west and south east
• $10 million for an intersection upgrade in Mernda to support a future major recreation precinct
• $6 million for road and traffic upgrades in Pakenham

These projects complement the more than $685 million worth of initiatives the Labor Government has already delivered across Melbourne’s growth areas through the GAIC fund – including ambulance stations, parks, schools and public transport.

The GAIC fund is a one-off contribution payable by landowners developing certain land zoned for urban use and development in the Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham local government areas.

The fund supports the Labor Government’s landmark Housing Statement by delivering key transport, health, community and education infrastructure to ensure communities in growing suburbs have access to the services they need, close to where they live.

Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan 

“We know more Victorians want to live close to transport, schools and essential services – and this investment will deliver exactly the kind of infrastructure Victorian families need in our fastest growing suburbs.”

Quote attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas 

“Contributions help make these projects a reality – developers aren’t just building houses, but communities too.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny

“While we create the conditions for 800,000 new homes to be built over the next decade, we’re delivering schools and health services, parks and playgrounds – the community facilities and open spaces that families need.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams

“We’re investing in better transport links – from better bus routes, to upgraded train stations, to more cycling and walking paths to ensure these growing communities can access jobs, schools and services.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll

“We’re building new schools and services for our growing suburbs needs so more Victorian children can access the first-rate education they deserve, closer to home.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas

“Whether it’s new or upgraded ambulance branches or making it easier for locals to access our expanded Sunbury Community Hospital when it opens later this year, this infrastructure boost in our growing suburbs will ensure more Victorians can access health care closer to home.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Roads Melissa Horne

“These investments will ease congestion and make roads safer in communities where roads are vital to getting people to work or seeing family and friends.” 

Quote attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

“Becoming a new parent can be the happiest time in a person’s life, but it can also be challenging – that’s why we’re investing $9.5 million to build a new Early Parenting Centre in Wallara Waters to ensure more families can get the support they need.”