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Population growth rate of Baw Baw Shire is 3.7 percent is and thirds highest according to Australian Bureau of Statistics

According to ABS, during the 2020-21 financial year period Warragul and Drouin experienced an annual growth rate of 3.7 per cent with the town's combined population rising from 40,631 to 42,115.

By news@gippsland - 26th April 2022 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire's exploding population growth has been highlighted in new regional statistics released by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) solidifying council's major focus on advocacy for improved local infrastructure and services. Overall, Baw Baw Shire's population grew by 3.1 percent to 56,583 giving Baw Baw Shire the third highest growth rate in regional Victoria. Comparatively, the figure far exceeded overall growth rates of neighbouring metropolitan areas Casey and Cardinia experienced growth of 1.2 and 2.2 percent respectively.

Council's advocacy efforts will be structured under tier one, two and three in order of priority, project readiness and community impact

Securing more funding support

This growth data confirms what is evident to local residents and businesses and is a key driving force behind Baw Baw Shire Council's concerted advocacy efforts to secure more state and federal government funding support for local infrastructure and community services. With both the Federal and State Government elections fast approaching, council's advocacy push is ramping up.

Earlier this month, Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney met with the incumbent Federal Member for Monash Russell Broadbent MP, Labor candidate Jessica O'Donnell and Voices for Monash candidate Deb Leonard to discuss council's key advocacy priorities and seek their support ahead of the election. You can read more on Federal candidates pledge support for major council project page.

Key advocacy priorities

Council's key advocacy priorities and focus areas include:

Culture and connection precinct

A new $30 million state-of-the-art library and learning facility including a gallery and cultural space, community meeting rooms, co-working areas, cafe, rooftop terrace, underground car park in the heart of Warragul.

Warragul and Drouin Bypass

Council is advocating to the State Government to allocate $3 million of funding to Regional Roads Victoria to design a modern, fit-for-purpose arterial road network that can handle the amount of traffic we're seeing now and will see in the future.

Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension

Extension of the existing Rokeby to Neerim Trail by a further 10kms to the north creating a link to one of Baw Baw's key historic tourism destinations, Noojee.

Logan Park Cycling Centre of Excellence

Developing the well-established and successful cycling hub into a functional, fit-for-purpose contemporary regional cycling centre that meets the core cycling sport facility specifications whilst also promoting community use.

New hospital for West Gippsland

Advocacy in partnership with West Gippsland Healthcare Group to the State Government for $500 million for a new hospital at a greenfield site in parallel to council's adopted advocacy priorities.

To learn more about council's key advocacy priorities, visit Advocacy Priorities.

Seeking meaningful support

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "This staggering data highlights what we already know - Baw Baw is growing fast. It is important to note, these figures are reflective of the current data available. Projections show these numbers will continue to rise into the future and that's why advocacy is our top priority."

"We're acutely aware of how this ongoing growth presents many challenges for our community and are committed to making this a better place to live. We want our community to rest assured that we are out there advocating to local, state and federal representatives seeking meaningful support for more infrastructure and services for our Shire."

"Whether it's social infrastructure like a new library hub or better sporting facilities, our work to seek commitment to fix the out-dated State-managed arterial road network, or even our active support for a new hospital for our region." Mayor Leaney concluded.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippsland Water urges customers to use water wisely during heatwaves, follow permanent water saving rules, report leaks, and help maintain stable supply amid high demand and extreme conditions.
• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre partially closes for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades over coming weeks
  Parts of Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre will close temporarily for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades. Alternative facilities and adjusted programs are available during Stage 1 works.
• Jodie Ashworth elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, with Cr Tom Crook as Deputy Mayor
  Jodie Ashworth, first elected in 2024, has been elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, with Cr Tom Crook as Deputy Mayor, pledging strong, transparent, and future-focused leadership.
• Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
  Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season.
• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.
• Council urges transparent, community-focused approach for battery energy storage systems across Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Council raises concerns over proposed BESS projects, urging transparency, protection of prime agricultural land, community input, and stronger oversight of sites outside designated renewable energy zones.
• Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
  Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
• East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
  East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Union Theatre Wonthaggi HVAC upgrade begins, ensuring comfort, reliability, and long-term operation for the community
  Bass Coast Shire Council is upgrading Wonthaggi’s Union Theatre HVAC system, ensuring comfort, reliability, and future-proofing the historic venue, with works valued at $899,000 and expected completion by 20 March 2026.
• Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
  Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures.
• Gippsland showcases energy transition leadership to Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner
  Gippsland showcased its clean energy transition during Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar's three-day visit, highlighting coal, gas, wind, solar, storage, and community collaboration driving Victoria's evolving energy future.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
  Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities.