The Hon Catherine King MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Local Government
Senator Marielle Smith
Senator for South Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
GREEN LIGHT FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN KENSINGTON PARK
The Albanese Government is making Kensington Park and its surrounds even better
places to live, rolling out a targeted urban community infrastructure program to elevate
South Australian suburbs.
The program, known as Thriving Suburbs, funds community infrastructure projects –
such as sporting and cultural hubs, libraries and parks – that connect communities and
promote social cohesion.
In South Australia, nine successful projects will share in $34 million, with projects
ranging from new community and recreation facilities to the rejuvenation of a heritage
theatre in the east, as well as a village-like precinct in the heart of Adelaide.
With no competitive urban community infrastructure program under the former
Government, we know Councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and
upgrade their essential local assets.
That’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Thriving Suburbs – to build
better cities and more liveable suburbs, and to help fund the backlog of community
infrastructure projects putting a strain on local governments.
The Regal Theatre Precinct Redevelopment project will rejuvenate the heritage-listed
theatre and surrounding precinct, increasing accessible outdoor open spaces, tree
plantings and landscapes, to accommodate a greater range of performances, patron
experiences and retail, café and outdoor dining opportunities.
Thriving Suburbs is an open and competitive program, with funding awarded on a merit
basis, supported by a two-stage assessment process.
This is yet another demonstration of the Albanese Government’s commitment to
delivering a suburban funding program focused on integrity, transparency, accountability
and collaboration.
For more information, including a full list of successful projects in the state, visit:
www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/thriving-suburbs-program.
Quote attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local
Government Minister Catherine King:
“Councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade essential local
assets after being deprived of an open, merits-based community infrastructure program
under the former Government.
“We established Thriving Suburbs to fix this problem – to support local organisations
with the funding they need to build better cities and more liveable suburbs.
“Whether sports clubs, urban precincts or community hubs, community facilities are the
backbone of connected societies – and they’re becoming increasingly important.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Marielle Smith, Senator for South Australia:
“The Albanese Labor Government’s investment into the heritage listed Regent Theatre
through the Thriving Suburbs program will rejuvenate the precinct, to accommodate a
greater range of performances and patron experiences. Funding for these much-needed
projects across South Australia will deliver infrastructure that increases community
cohesion, liveability and accessibility”.
“The Thriving Suburbs Program is making local priority projects a reality and I look
forward to seeing the significant benefits this funding will provide for South Australian
communities.”
“Our investment will improve the facility’s accessibility and ensure it meets the needs of
the growing community – unlocking social, health and economic benefits for years to
come.”
“The Regent Theatre and surrounding precinct are such a vibrant part of our community.
Giving this space the rejuvenation it needs, through the Thriving Suburbs program, will
make the facilities even more inviting for people to enjoy.”
2 DECEMBER 2024
