Wednesday, 7 February 2024

NEW FUNDING FOR VICTRACK COMMUNITY GROUPS

The Allan Labor Government is supporting 66 not-for-profit groups that lease rail land, buildings and other assets from VicTrack through a new Community Grants Program.

Member for Northcote today announced the successful applicants will share more than $500,000 in funding to help with small projects and maintenance across Victoria.

In Northcote, the Marra Guwiyap Garden (Croxton Community Garden Inc.) received a $5,000 grant to support their goal of planting more native and fruit trees.

Marra Guwiyap Garden has grown into a cherished community asset, and the community plan to use the funding for an urban orchard that provides habitat for birds and fauna, a windbreak to protect the vegetable beds, a corridor for wildlife moving between All Nations Park and Merri Creek, a shaded area for the community.

The Community Grants Program was launched to support groups with managing their community spaces, which include public open spaces, art galleries, museums, libraries, creative spaces, and community hubs.

The community groups applied for grants of up to $10,000 – which will help them to meet regulatory obligations relating to safety or environmental management, and restorations or refurbishments to their buildings or land.

Applications were assessed by a VicTrack panel, and the grants will be released to successful applicants early this year.

VicTrack makes underused land and buildings available to community organisations through its community leasing program. It charges groups an affordable rent, which is significantly reduced compared to a commercial rental rate.

For more information visit victrack.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams MP

“This funding will make a huge difference to the many groups that lease VicTrack land and buildings across the state and will help them to continue to support their communities.”

“I would like to thank everyone who has a community lease with VicTrack for the work they do to preserve our state’s rail history, and to manage buildings and land so they can be used to benefit local communities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP

“Last year I was very proud to support Marra Guwiyap Garden’s application to this funding stream. It was clear that the idea for an urban orchard would bring deep value to not just our community but our biodiversity.”

“A habitat for birds and fauna, a windbreak to protect the vegetable beds, a corridor for wildlife moving between All Nations Park and Merri Creek, a shaded area for the community – this was a standout application and seeing the funding now come through to make it a reality is incredibly exciting.”