Federal MPs and candidates are being called on to back a fairer funding approach for public pools and libraries across Melbourne’s booming outer suburbs.
Melbourne’s outer ring – which includes both growth areas and semi-regional zones including Hume – is battling a chronic shortage of pools and libraries.
Outer Melbourne Council’s, an alliance of 10 outer ring local government areas, is calling for an immediate federal cash injection of $20 million and the adoption of a fair funding formula for public pools and libraries.
The councils want the future cost of pool and library construction and refurbishment to be split equally, with the Commonwealth, state government and local councils each contributing a third.
“We can’t have families living in the outer suburbs denied reasonable access to pools and libraries,” an OMC spokesperson said.
“Councils don’t have the money to fund these projects alone. We need funding certainty, and a fairer funding split.”
The call aligns with the work of Infrastructure Victoria, which released its infrastructure blueprint for the state on March 4. The blueprint highlighted the shortages of pools and libraries in the outer suburbs and urged funding reform.
OMC is calling on all parties and candidates contesting an outer Melbourne electorate to publicly back more federal funding for public pools and libraries.
The OMC alliance is also in conversation with the state government about the adoption of fairer funding arrangements.
