By Aneeka Simonis
SIX playgrounds across Cardinia shire are due to undergo a facelift and a popular walking trail will be extended under a $4.07 million State Government growth fund.
Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham will share in more than half money, taking out $2.825 million for redevelopment.
The announcement was made by Eastern Victoria MP Daniel Mulino on Monday 29 November at Deep Creek Reserve in the company of council CEO Gary McQuillan and councillors.
More than $540,000 was allocated to the Emerald to Gembrook Multi-Use Trail, and $700,000 was allocated to six play spaces across four Cardinia shire suburbs.
The funding is part of the $50-million Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) that is designed to provide crucial facilities to Melbourne’s fast growing outer suburbs. More of these projects will be announced over the next week.
Funding is allocated based on need areas identified by the council.
Mr Mulino said: “Like a lot of growing suburbs, the facilities here are ageing and not keeping up with community needs.
“This fund ensures that our community gets the facilities they deserve.”
Prior to the election, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull vowed to commit $1 million to extend the Emerald/Cockatoo trail to Gembrook under the government’s $20 million boost to the Dandenong Ranges tourist region.
