The state government will spend $170,000 to transform a vacant parcel of land on Penrose Promenade, Tarneit into a community garden, which Pasifika residents will help tend.
Minister for Suburban Development Shaun Leane joined Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly and community leaders last week to announce the news.
The garden will feature raised planter beds, a barbecue, sheds and water tanks.
The funding will also support a range of cultural events to raise awareness of the garden and build relationships with the Pasifika community.
Pasifika community member, Tonya Toi, said: “We are proud to be working with local and state governments to create a great public garden for Tarneit residents and to have the opportunity to share a piece of the Pasifika culture with the wider community.”
Works on the garden are expected to be completed in 2022.
Ms Connolly said she could not wait to see the garden up and running.
“This investment in the strength and future of Tarneit will improve opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse groups that contribute so much to their community,” she said.
The state government has also invested $2.5 million in Tarneit through the Suburban Revitalisation Program, including a mural at the Tarneit Gardens Shopping Centre, improved reserve lighting and employment programs.
Mr Leane said the initiative would help to make the western suburbs “an even better places to live, work and visit – providing vibrant public spaces, programs to connect the community and job opportunities for locals”.
