Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has announced the state government’s Living Local Fund is now open for councils and community organisations to apply for support.
The $20 million fund is for a range of projects, including improving public spaces and streetscapes across the state.
Ms Thomas said it was “great” for towns to have the chance to upgrade their shared areas “to bring communities together”.
“The Living Local Fund is a great initiative to provide the infrastructure and equipment that our communities need, while supporting local jobs and the economy,” Ms Thomas said.
In a statement, the government said the fund is part of the Our Regions and Our Suburbs: Living Local initiative, designed to ensure local towns in the Macedon electorate have what they need to thrive.
Through the fund, local councils and community organisations can apply for two types of grants.
For infrastructure projects, grants between $20,000 and $200,000 will be available to fund projects like new playgrounds, community gardens, splash pads, art installations and community hall upgrades.
Grants between $2000 and $20,000 will also be available for community organisations and councils to do minor refurbishments and buy new equipment.
“The Fund is designed to support a wide range of locally led projects and equipment purchases for community organisations to improve livability,” the government said.
Projects in areas heavily impacted by the pandemic, as well as projects that align with the government’s 20-minute neighbourhood principles – which aims to create hubs for services within a 20-minute walk of residents’ homes – will be given priority.
Applications close on Sunday, August 14.
Details: djpr.vic.gov.au/living-local.
