New meeting places, sporting facilities and a walking trail will enhance Hurstbridge’s much-loved open spaces, made possible by a major investment from the Andrews Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today announced $2 million funding for the Graysharps Road Open Space Precinct from latest round of the fund that makes local communities stronger and more connected.

The Graysharps Open Space Precinct is central to community life in Hurstbridge – the project will deliver facilities including an amphitheatre, refurbished netball courts, a community bike workshop and an LED-lit trail linking the Diamond Creek Trail with the Ben Frilay Pavilion.

The project will be delivered by the Nillumbik Shire Council, which will contribute $925,550.

Minister Leane also joined Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green to announce upgrades for the Hurstbridge Community Multi-use Facility – supported by an allocation of $705,000 from the Growing Suburbs Fund. This important local project also received $150,000 from Sport and Recreation Victoria and $849,233 from Nillumbik Shire Council.

The facility will be redeveloped into a multipurpose community space through the expansion of social rooms and addition of accessible, female-friendly amenities, encouraging wider participation in sport and community programs.

Since 2015, Nillumbik Shire Council has received a total of almost $25.7 million through the Growing Suburbs Fund for 17 community-building projects.

The Growing Suburbs Fund is a $325 million, six-year investment supporting critical local infrastructure in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing outer suburbs.  Since it was established in 2015, it has supported 253 projects, representing a total infrastructure investment of more than $910 million.

For more information visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“Places like Hurstbridge need facilities that bring communities together – and that’s exactly what we are providing.”

“The Growing Suburbs Fund provides infrastructure and facilities that encourage people young and old to get out and about and be part of the community.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

“Hurstbridge is such a great place to live and raise a family and it’s fantastic that these important local projects have got the financial backing to move ahead.”

“COVID has meant that our community values its outdoor spaces more than ever. The Graysharps Open Space Precinct will deliver for netballers, walkers, runners, musicians and those who simply love the great outdoors.”