Funding to support Western Australian suburbs to thrive

The Albanese Government is making Perth and its surrounding areas even better places to live, today announcing just over $79 million for 13 projects in the state.

With no competitive, urban community infrastructure program under the former Government, we know Councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade their essential local assets.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Thriving Suburbs – to help fund the backlog of community infrastructure projects putting a strain on local governments.  

The Thriving Suburbs Program is designed to build better cities and more liveable suburbs, targeting projects – such as sporting and cultural hubs, libraries and parks – that increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility. 

Projects getting funding in Perth include a pedestrian and cycleway bridge in Kingsley, multiple community hubs, a streetscape revitalisation in Belmont, a sports pavilion in Huntingdale, an aquatic centre in Kwinana, and rejuvenated public spaces.

The Cultural Heart Precinct – Library and Cultural Centre project in Booragoon was also successful, and will receive $15 million to deliver a new 6-star accredited library and cultural centre, and revitalisation of the surrounding environment.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, and Federal Member for Tangney Sam Lim, were at the Cultural Heart Precinct site today to announce the funding.

These investments will connect communities, enrich quality of life at a local level, and enhance social inclusion.

Thriving Suburbs is an open and competitive program, with funding awarded on a merit basis, supported by a two-stage assessment process. 

This is yet another demonstration of the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering a suburban funding program focused on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration.

For more information, including a full list of successful projects in the state, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/thriving-suburbs-program.

Quote attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade essential local assets after being deprived of a competitive urban community infrastructure program under the former Government.

“We established Thriving Suburbs to fix this problem – to support local organisations with the funding they need to build better cities and more liveable suburbs. 

“Whether sports clubs, urban precincts or community hubs, community facilities are the backbone of connected societies – and they’re becoming increasingly important.

“This important investment will make a real difference for thousands of Western Australians by supporting community infrastructure that brings people together and increases local amenity.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Tangney Sam Lim:

“Today’s announcement is a demonstration of how our Government recognises the importance of elevating urban areas, because that is where most Australians live.

“I’m thrilled to see this funding flowing to a range of local priorities, like the long called-for Library and Cultural Centre in Booragoon, to take them off the drawing board and make them a reality.

“The multi-use centre for Booragoon will allow the community to come together to share, celebrate, create, learn, and engage – being a great demonstration of why these projects matter.”