Federal funding will support Victorian preschools to offset energy bills

More than $2 million in community projects, including the installation of a solar panel system and battery to offset preschool energy bills at five sites, will be delivered by the Yarra Ranges Council in coming months, thanks to Federal funding through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

The installation of a solar panel system and battery to offset preschool energy bills will benefit preschools in Bimbadeen Drive, Mooroolbark, Meadowgate Drive, Chirnside Park and Landscape Drive in Mooroolbark.

Remaining funded projects include:

• Footpath construction in Billanook Way in Chirnside Park, Don Road in Badger Creek, Coolaroo Court, Marlee Drive, Nambour Drive, Elms Road, Royal Avenue and Russell Avenue in Mooroolbark, York Road in Mount Evelyn, Hull Road in Lilydale, Lade Avenue, Lucas Street and Regina Street in Kilsyth, McNicol Road in Tecoma and Station Street in Coldstream.

• Streetscape, footpath widening and parking works along the Warburton Highway in Wandin North

• Construction of a shelter, pull-in area and bus stop in Lusatia Park Road in Hoddles Creek

• Construction of a Men’s Shed in Upwey (accompanied by State Government funding)

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Fiona McAllister welcomed the funding, which she said would help improve public spaces throughout the region.

“With COVID-19 Stage 4 restrictions easing, our local contractors have been desperately waiting for works to recommence. These projects are shovel ready and have allowed our local contractors to get back to work delivering much-needed improvements across our municipality,” she added.

“Small scale shovel ready projects will be undertaken by local contractors, providing jobs and economic opportunities during difficult economic times,” Tony Smith MP, Federal Member for Casey said.

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LCRI) Program was created by the Federal Government to support Councils in delivering priority infrastructure projects, create jobs and bolster the local economy through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Further information about the LCRI Program is available here.