Interface Councils has called on the Labor Government to follow through on its election commitment for a dedicated fund that would support community infrastructure and get young people living in Melbourne’s outer suburbs moving.
Interface Councils spokesperson, Mayor of Yarra Ranges Shire Council, Councillor Maria McCarthy said the group had welcomed the commitment for an Interface Fund four months ago, but now needed certainty that it would be included in the May budget.
“Compared to their inner-city cousins, residents in Melbourne’s outer suburbs are characterized by poor health and require early intervention health support for young people which includes improving community infrastructure, including sports and cultural facilities.
“Once again, Melbourne’s outer suburbs have beenleft hanging.
“We have been promised funding but we still don’t know how much or when it will be made available.
“This ambiguity is delaying a long list of shovel ready projects that will address the growing disadvantage facing these communities and support the wellbeing of our young people.
“The Interface Fund will be used for urgent projects including soccer pitches, recreation pavilions and reserves, sports precincts and leisure center renewals and upgrades. In addition, it will deliver healthcare, childcare, libraries and other vital community infrastructure.
“These projects are ready to be implemented as soon as the government delivers on its promise and will go a long way in addressing high levels of youth disengagement, health, mental health and well-being indicators that are among the lowest in the state.
“Time and time again, Melbourne’s outer suburbs have worn the consequences of under-funding from government, to the extent where they are now faced with an estimated funding gap of about $9 billion over the next 15 years.
“Interface Councils received just seven percent of total allocated investment in the 2014/15 budget for key infrastructure items, compared to 78 percent for Metropolitan Melbourne and 15 percent for regional council, despite accommodating 46 percent of the state’s population growth.
“The Government has acknowledged there are unique concerns in Melbourne’s outer suburbs as a result of rapid population growth.
“However, this is only the first step, the next step is delivering on its promise to create one Melbourne, not two, and go some way to improving health outcomes in these areas.”
Interface Councils is a group of ten municipalities including Cardinia Shire Council, City of Casey, Hume City Council, Melton City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, City of Whittlesea, Wyndham City Council and Yarra Ranges Council.
