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Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes $250,000 funding to upgrade Noojee Heritage Centre precinct and rail trail

Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes $250,000 funding for Noojee Heritage Centre precinct upgrades, supporting rail trail access, tourism infrastructure and local transition initiatives under the Forestry Transition Program.

By news@gippsland - 22nd May 2026 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council has welcomed $250,000 from the Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal to fund the next phase of the Noojee Heritage Centre Precinct. The grant will go towards supporting the Shaping the Future of Noojee project which is part of the broader Forestry Transition Program.

(L to R) Glenn Fenton, Chair of the Noojee Governance Group, Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson and Janiene Ayre, President of the Noojee & District Historical Society

Noojee transition plan

The program supports workers, businesses and the community in transitioning away from native timber harvesting and has been running since August 2022. The grant will be used for the installation of new signage including the Rokeby to Noojee rail trail head, expanding and improving car parking including electric vehicle chargers and landscaping and picnic infrastructure.

The Shaping the Future of Noojee project comprises four key working groups that feed into the strategic direction of Noojee. These working groups are:

• Noojee Eco Community Working Group
• Specialised Agricultural Industry Development Working Group
• Tracks and Trails Working Group, and
• Power and Connectivity Reliability Working Group

Noojee rail upgrade

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson welcomed the funding boost for Noojee. "This latest funding announcement will be used to uplift the end of the popular Rokeby to Noojee rail trail and this is great news for our community. We will ensure the new infrastructure maintains the current heritage and timber themes in the area by utilising natural materials to provide locals and visitors a sensory connection to the area's history."

"Some of this will be through interpretative signage, carved timber play spaces and the planting of native Australian flora to provide a place for our community to come together, reflect and connect in the beautiful outdoors," Cr Wilson said.

Noojee is one of 11 Victorian towns and communities receiving support to transition and implement new strategies in their local economy. For more about the Shaping the Future of Noojee project, visit Shaping the future of Noojee | Baw Baw Connect.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Darren Chester slams Victorian Labor over five-year delay in critical Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade despite federal funding
  Darren Chester has slammed Victoria's Labor Government over the stalled Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade, despite $10m federal funding committed in 2021, saying Gippsland communities have waited five years for promised safety improvements.
• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
  Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Sale residents urged to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 10 October 2026
  Wellington Shire residents can safely dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals at a free Detox Your Home event in Sale, helping protect waterways, people, animals and the environment.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
  Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future.
• Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.