The Brimbank community will benefit from more than $316 million in committed investment across infrastructure, environment, and essential services since July last year, as part of Council’s advocacy and investment to support COVID-19 recovery.
As one of the areas hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19, Brimbank’s recovery depends on all levels of government providing support.
This includes $82.7 million in Council’s 2021/22 Annual Budget for:
- sports facilities
- the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre in Keilor Downs
- roads and footpaths
- playgrounds
- parks and gardens, and
- bike and shared paths.
Last year, Council delivered $74.6 million capital works to respond to COVID-19 and this year’s program will continue to build and improve our city’s assets.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic said investing in parks, green spaces, sporting facilities and critical infrastructure helps make our community a better place to live, work and play — while also encouraging the local economy.
“Our community is still feeling the effects of this pandemic, including job losses and significant economic impacts on local businesses,” Cr Rasic said.
“We are continuing to deliver a strong capital works program to make sure Brimbank comes back better and stronger. The Melbourne Airport Rail and investment in ‘Fixing the Calder’ will also help reinvigorate our local economy, but it’s crucial these state significant projects also respond to community needs and concerns.
“We’re advocating for our community across all levels of government, including raising these issues with a range of federal parliamentarians while in Canberra for the recent Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly.
“I have also had several meetings with our local MPs and Victorian ministers to highlight the needs of our community.”
In May this year Council celebrated a $50 million commitment from the State Government towards upgrading the Calder Freeway between Sunbury and the M80, unveiled in the State’s 2021/22 Budget announcement.
The State Budget also included $1.084 million for new sports facilities at Bon Thomas Reserve in Deer Park, and $5 million for the ‘More Trees for a Cooler, Greener Melbourne’s West’ initiative. It also included $9.4 million towards drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation services, including Sunshine’s Westside Lodge.
These investments build on a further $103.3 million in State and Federal funding for Brimbank advocacy priorities, announced since August last year. This included $40.9 million for businesses impacted by COVID-19, and $8 million for Council to employ 130 people under Working for Victoria, to improve parks, support COVID-safety, the arts, community care, environment, and more.
