A $10 million North East Community Fund will support local communities as North East Link is constructed by providing grants to local not-for-profits to deliver projects and initiatives such as tree planting, support for local events and festivals, new sports equipment, community art initiatives or community playgroups.
The first round of grant funding applications is open until 21 August. Grants of up to $100,000 will be available for local projects such as tree planting, community festivals, new equipment for sporting clubs and community centre upgrades.
In addition, community partnerships over $100,000 will also be considered for larger community projects.
The grants program comes as preparations continue for the commencement of major construction on the North East Link Tunnels.
Work is progressing in Watsonia at the main launch site for the two massive tunnel boring machines that will help dig the 6.5km tunnels that form the centrepiece of the largest road project in Victoria’s history.
With the compound site now ready, in coming weeks crews will start to realign a 300-metre section of Greensborough Road between Wattle Drive and Watsonia Road. This will create space to build the TBM launch box while keeping traffic moving alongside the tunnel construction work.
Work will also shortly commence at nearby Winsor Reserve, which will host the large acoustic shed that will support the tunnel boring machines during construction. From next month, compounds will also be established at Greensborough Road and Bulleen Road to prepare for the construction of ramps and tunnel entrances, the new tree-lined boulevard along Greensborough Road and tunnel ventilation.