Albanese Government strengthening communities in regional Victoria

The Albanese Government is supporting Victoria’s regions to thrive by investing over $25 million in community infrastructure that will improve the lives of locals.

Eight projects will share in the funding, which will go towards building or upgrading social infrastructure – such as cultural or sporting hubs and town precincts – that strengthen communities and boost regional economies.

This is part of the Albanese Government’s initiative to empower councils and local groups to build places that promote connection and shape everyday lives.

The Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch will receive $660,798 for the Norlane West Scout and Community Centre.

The current outdated and inaccessible 70-year old facility will be replaced with a fit-for-purpose and inclusive hub for volunteers, cultural exchange and community engagement.

The project, which is jointly funded with Scouts Victoria, will construct a new multipurpose centre with a flexible activity space, two community meeting rooms and communal facilities including kitchen and accessible toilets. It will also deliver a secure storage area, car parking, landscaping, and outdoor spaces for events and activities.

Other successful Victorian projects, which went through a competitive, merits-based assessment process, include:

• $6.35 million for the Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub in Paynesville
• $4.8 million for a new community facility at the City Oval precinct in Horsham
• $2 million to Moyne Shire Council for the Koroit Township Renewal Project
• $8.53 million for the Eastwood Leisure Complex Redevelopment in Ballarat
• $1.5 million for the Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion Redevelopment in Dunolly
• $814,700 for a new Maritime and Community Hub in Eildon
• $502,093 a new multi-use clubhouse and community disaster refuge in Porepunkah.

These projects demonstrate the Government’s commitment to listening to local voices and funding priorities that benefit Victoria’s regions.

This is part of the Government’s Growing Regions Program, which provides funding of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for community infrastructure projects.

Today’s funding is on top of more than $53 million already allocated to eight Victorian community infrastructure projects under Round 1 of the program last year.

The Growing Regions Program delivers investment in infrastructure across Australia’s regional, rural and remote areas. For more information, visit:  www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/growing-regions-program 

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio Richard Marles:

“The Norlane West Scout and Community Centre is at the heart of the local community. It is a place that brings people together and fosters a deep sense of community spirit.

“This $660,798 investment will help deliver a Scout and Community Centre that meets the better needs of those in Norlane and North Geelong, something which is long overdue.

“The Albanese Government knows the importance of investing in community-based infrastructure projects and it is great to see not just Geelong, but regional communities across Victoria benefit from today’s announcement.”

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

“Our Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing that over $25 million will be allocated to community infrastructure projects across regional Victoria.

“We know that young people involved in Scouts demonstrate higher levels of resilience, mental wellbeing, and community engagement. The rebuild of this centre will have huge benefits for the Norlane community and surrounding areas.

“As social interactions change and regions grow, community infrastructure is more important than ever, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is investing in projects that provide spaces for communities to gather and rebuild social connection.”

Quotes attributable to Group Leader of Norlane West Scouts, Kim Upston:

“On behalf of the Norlane West Scout Group, we would like to thank Richard Marles and fellow Ministers and the Growing Regions Program for their support of the Norlane West Scout and Community Activity Centre (NWSCAC).

“Our volunteers have been working towards this goal for the past 7 years.

“The Norlane West Scout and Community Activity Centre will be newest Scouting facility in Geelong and with it comes a fresh breath of life into the northern suburbs. It will allow our volunteers to focus on what is most important – providing quality adventurous educational programs to the young people in our community, in a safe, inclusive and welcoming space.”