By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
CHILDREN’S facilities in Melton received a much-needed boost last week as the first sod was turned on both the Atherstone and Botanica Springs children’s and community centres.
Mayor Bob Turner and Western Victoria Region MP Simon Ramsay visited the sites in Melton South and said they would help cater for the city’s increasing population.
“As our community continues to grow, so does the need for more facilities and services,” Cr Turner said.
“Melton City Council is committed to developing facilities that enable us to deliver quality programs, services and early learning opportunities for our youngest residents.”
Cr Turner said the Atherstone and Botanica Springs children’s and community centres will provide important, in-demand services for families in newly establishing communities including kindergarten and maternal and child health.
“The construction of both facilities provides council with the opportunity to bring together a range of programs that build culture, identity and connectivity in these newly emerging communities.”
Each facility will consist of three kindergarten rooms, one occasional care room, maternal and child health rooms, community meeting rooms, landscaping and car parking.
Both centres are due to open for the commencement of the 2015 kindergarten year and will cost about $6 million each to construct, with the council successful in obtaining $3.5 million in State Government funding for the projects.
