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Over $14M invested into several key infrastructure projects for 2022/23 by Baw Baw Shire Council

Council's $41.78 million infrastructure budget for the year ahead, $14.32 million will be invested in progressing major strategic projects to build a more sustainable, connected and thriving future for Baw Baw Shire.

By news@gippsland - 23rd June 2022 - Back to News

These key strategic projects include vital community infrastructure, facilities and services that are responsive to our Shire's growing and changing needs. They are either new projects that deliver facilities we currently lack or provide significant upgrades to those we have outgrown - but either way benefit current and future generations.

Council focuses on delivering quality services to the community through a combination of existing programs, new initiatives and capital works for multi-generation community benefits

Key infrastructure projects

These projects often require staged delivery over multiple years and are subsidised by funding grants provided by other levels of government. Key strategic projects for 2022/23 include:

Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct - $6.5 million

Valued at $30 million, Stage 1 of this project includes the construction of a new three-story library and learning facility with cultural and learning spaces, community meeting rooms and co-working spaces, a rooftop terrace, cafe and connections to the Warragul township, surrounding West Gippsland Arts Centre and Civic Park.

Council has made a commitment of $10 million to this project. $3.5 million has been secured from the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund to enable the design and early works to proceed. Council is advocating to all levels of Government to secure the remaining $16.5 million required to fully fund this project.

For more project details go to Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct website.

Warragul Leisure Centre Indoor Stadium expansion - $4 million

Valued at $10.16 million, this project will see expansion of the existing indoor stadium from two to four courts to better service increased demand of indoor sports in Baw Baw Shire. The project is jointly funded by council and the Victorian Government through its Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, with completion estimated in mid-2023.

For more project details go to Warragul Leisure Centre Stadium Expansion website.

Rokeby-Noojee trail stage 1 - $1.5 million

Valued at $4 million, stage 1 of this project will upgrade the popular trail from Rokeby to Crossover, connect existing trails and missing links between Crossover and the Apex lookout in Neerim and include for preparatory works for a future extension to the northern end to Noojee.

Council is awaiting the outcome of a funding application to the Victorian Government to support council's contribution to this project. Future stages of the project will aim to extend the trail to create a link to the historically significant Noojee Trestle Bridge and historic township of Noojee.

For more project details go to Rokeby to Noojee Trail website.

Multi-use Pavilion at Bellbird Park East - $2.17 million

Valued at just over $4 million, this project includes construction of a new multi-use sporting and community pavilion for users of the eastern section, including hockey, soccer, cricket, local schools, and the general community. Designed as a multi-use facility, the pavilion will also be equipped to host community events with commercial kitchen facilities, audio visual equipment, flexible room configurations, good access and a new car park.

The project seeks to integrate all the sporting clubs on site and provide additional space that can be used by the whole community. The project is jointly funded by council and the Victorian Government via the Growing Suburbs Fund with completion estimated in mid-2023.

For more project details go to Bellbird Park East Pavilion website.

Advocating for the future

Over the next 10 years, council through its Long Term Infrastructure Plan intends to invest over $69 million in further major strategic capital projects. Council will continue its commitment to advocacy and lobbying the State and Federal Government for continued investment in these vital strategic projects for our growing region.

To learn more about the Annual Budget 2022/23 and all the investments council is making to build a better Baw Baw in the year ahead, visit the 2022-23 Annual Budget website.

Multi-generation investments

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "We know that our Shire is growing quickly and that we lack a lot of the vital community infrastructure and services that our metropolitan counterparts have - such as:

• Future-proof dynamic libraries
• Functional community hubs
• Arts and culture spaces
• Multi-use sporting facilities that cater for all ages in all weather conditions

That's why we're continuing to invest in these multi-generational projects. We will set Baw Baw Shire up for a healthy, sustainable, connected and thriving future for now and generations to come." Cr Leaney said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com