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Baw Baw Civic Precinct initial development gets $3.5M funding from Victorian government Growing Suburbs Fund

A landmark community precinct for the people of Warragul is now a step closer to reality, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

By news@gippsland - 27th January 2022 - Back to News

On behalf of Local Government Minister Shaun Leane, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced $3.5 million in funding for the Baw Baw Civic Precinct Stage 1 development. The funding comes from the 2021-22 round of the Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF), which helps interface and peri-urban councils deliver high-quality facilities for their communities.

The Victorian Government together with the council invests in thousands of local building projects that are creating jobs, helping local communities and businesses to thrive

Precinct to be delivered

This important and much-needed precinct will be delivered by Baw Baw Shire Council and will include an inspiring new community building at the edge of Civic Park in Warragul, the Shire's largest town. Which includes:

• Library
• Gallery
• Co-working spaces
• Cafe
• Community rooms
• Roof garden

This new community building will become a hub offering much-needed services, activities and other opportunities for the community.

Delivering local jobs and infrastructure

Ms Shing also officially broke ground on the Bellbird Park East Multi-Use Pavilion in Drouin, a $4 million project supported with $2 million from last year's GSF. This pavilion will be home to local sporting and community groups and includes:

• Community meeting space
• Commercial kitchen
• Female-friendly facilities
• Renewed playground
• Barbecue area

This is the third round of GSF support for Baw Baw Shire, after the popular and successful fund was expanded to peri-urban councils two years ago. Since then, the council has received $6 million from the GSF for three projects, including the Bellbird Park East Multi-Use Pavilion and Longwarry Early Learning Centre.

Since it was established in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has facilitated over $1.07 billion in local infrastructure, created more than 10,200 jobs and supported 299 projects across our fastest-growing areas.

Creating vibrant facilities

Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane said, "Every Growing Suburbs Fund project we support helps deliver vital facilities, creates jobs and makes a real difference for our fastest-growing communities."

"I'm thrilled that we can work with Baw Baw Shire Council as they create vibrant community facilities that can be enjoyed by people for years to come." Ms Leane said.

Support for thriving communities

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing said, "I'm delighted that the Andrews Labor Government has continued its support for the thriving communities across Baw Baw through projects like the Bellbird Park East Pavilion and now the Baw Baw Civic Precinct."

"West Gippsland is a beautiful part of Victoria, and the Growing Suburbs Fund is making it an even better place to live and work - helping to create facilities close to home that everyone can be proud of and enjoy." Ms Shing said.

For more information on the Growing Suburbs Fund and other local government grants programs, visit the Local Government Victoria page. To find out more about the projects helping communities and businesses thrive in your local area, visit Jobs, Communities and Business page.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to guarantee PSOs won’t be removed from Traralgon, warning redeployment to shopping centres could compromise safety on the region’s already under-resourced rail network.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Darren Chester welcomes nearing completion of $2.2M Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment project
  Darren Chester welcomed nearing completion of the $2.2 million Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment, praising community volunteers. The project delivers modern facilities, boosting sport, tourism, resilience, and connections.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence.
• Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!
• Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
  Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.