Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria)— My question is to the Minister for Planning. Can the minister advise the house how the Brumby government is committed to supporting the development of strong, vibrant local communities across Victoria through the Creating Better Places program?
Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning)— I welcome the question. I know the member is very interested in these programs at a local level, because they do make a significant difference to local communities.
One of the critical elements about people feeling safe, connected and developing a high morale in their community is to have good public open spaces.
That is not just about green fields for people to play on and for kids to recreate and play sport on; it is important to have public open spaces of high quality, particularly in public areas like activity centres but also in the form of bike paths and street shopping centres. Those sorts of facilities are particularly important in improving the amenity and the livability of local communities.
Honourable members interjecting.
Hon. J. M. MADDEN — I do not know how you can argue with that sort of proposition. It is not a proposition you can argue with. Is investment in local communities and public spaces a good thing? It is definitely a good thing, but obviously opposition members do not seem to appreciate that investment in local communities, in local infrastructure and in public spaces is a good thing.
If they listened a bit more carefully, they might even access some of these funds, but obviously they are so bound up with their cynicism, their scepticism and their bitterness that they cannot actually act on behalf of their local communities. If they were to do that, they could apply to round 3 of the Creating Better Places program, which is a significant funding program.
Our government has committed $13.5 million to the program, and I would encourage opposition members to work with their local communities to try and — —
Mr Jennings — To meet their local communities!
Hon. J. M. MADDEN — To meet and interact with their local communities. I would encourage them, because in doing that they would be able to apply for these funds, and it is very likely that their communities would get some funds. But of course that is not their priority.
In round 3 of the program, 17 councils will share a $1.7 million grant allocation. As I mentioned, this is for a range of strategic works — design projects, physical improvement and place managers. This is how we can make a significant difference to public open space — community open space — where infrastructure is needed.
I will give a few examples by reading from a list. There is $300 000 for Bendigo City Council to build a new ceremonial forecourt in front of the soldiers memorial institute hall and a new public plaza and pedestrian promenade. It is a great proposition. Who can argue with that? I encourage the opposition to apply for some of these funds and encourage their communities. There is $90 000 for the Latrobe City Council to rejuvenate the Churchill town centre, and I am sure Mr Hall is interested in that, even though he does not seem to be at this moment. There is over $105 000 for the Whittlesea City Council to develop a strategic plan for the redevelopment of the Epping railway station precinct.
I am sure Mr Guy would welcome that.
Honourable members interjecting.
Hon. J. M. MADDEN — How could you argue with that?
Honourable members interjecting.
Hon. J. M. MADDEN — Of course you will argue with it. Even good news is argued with from the other side of the chamber!
There is $90 000, which has been particularly well received, for a place manager at the Manningham City Council. I congratulate Mr Tee on the incredible work that he has done with the Manningham City Council to facilitate a great community outcome. That is the contrast, is it not?
Local members on this side of the chamber work hand in hand with their local communities in contrast to the cynical, sceptical attitude which we see on the other side of the chamber, which will never help local communities.
Since the establishment of the Creating Better Places program Victorian councils have benefited from 103 grants worth $7 million for, as I said, bike lanes, wider footpaths, pedestrian crossings, street plantings, landscaping funding and place management to make communities vibrant, sustainable, attractive and safe centres. We are investing in local communities to make Victoria a better place to live, work and raise a family.
We are working with local communities. We know what the contrast is, and it is not a good contrast.