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First Step Towards New Community SpaceThe vision of a vibrant community space in the centre of Cowes moves one step closer when landscaping work begins in the Cowes Town Square on 26 April. By Bass Caost - 13th April 2012 - Back to News The area between the Cowes Cultural Centre, Heritage Centre and Library will be transformed, as Stage one of a long term project to create a Cultural Precinct.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community and Economic Development Director, Steven Piasente, said the redevelopment will provide a focal area and usable space for the community.
"The Cultural Precinct is a big project, so we are undertaking it in stages. This first stage includes removing the disused foundation and some vegetation. We will also do some work on the drainage, put in a paved area and public lighting. Work will begin later this month and there will be barriers in place to protect pedestrians. Unfortunately, there will be some disruption to the public, including vehicle access," said Mr Piasente.
"Our contractors, EcoForm, will do everything they can to minimise the disruption. We expect the work will take about ten weeks to complete."
Mr Piasente confirmed that after the landscaping, public furniture and artwork would be installed.
"We are very pleased to have an artist of the calibre of Dr Anton Hasell involved in this project. Dr Hasell’s work features at iconic Victorian tourist attractions such as Federation Square and Sovereign Hill, so his "Harmony Bells" concept for Cowes is in illustrious company," explained Mr Piasente.
"Local artist David Fincher will create two seats out of cypress pine. The designs are inspired by driftwood washed up on the rocks, shaped by the action of wind and wave and the unique rock formation of Phillip Island. Using cypress to make the seats is not only long lasting; it gives the furniture another connection to Cowes."
The landscaping work is the first step in a project that will ultimately provide a refurbished and extended library, expanded Gallery and Cultural Centre and a new multi-purpose space attached to the Heritage Centre. Consultation on the Cultural Precinct project ran from 2004 until 2010. Designs for Stage one (Town Square redevelopment) are on display at the Cowes Cultural Centre. The next step in the project will be to develop design plans for Stage two. This will be included for consideration in the 2012/13 Budget.
The estimated cost of Stage one of the Cowes Cultural Precinct (work on the Town Square) is $330,000. This was outlined in a report to Council in November 2011. This figure includes a $157,000 contribution from the Regional Local Community Infrastructure Projects Fund. It does not include the public art component, which is funded from the annual public art allocation of Council’s budget.
To receive regular updates on projects in Cowes and on Phillip Island, please email your details to PI-Update@basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding. - Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
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South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character. - Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections. - Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign. - Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations. - Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects. - Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates major $45M redevelopment and new regional sporting facilities
Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces. - Baw Baw Shire Council Pop-Up Playgroups wins Victorian early years award for promoting children’s health, wellbeing and community connections
Baw Baw Shire Council’s Pop-Up Playgroups has won a 2026 Victorian Early Years Award, recognising its inclusive approach to supporting children’s wellbeing and connecting local families through play. - Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies. - Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund. - Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health. - East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra. - Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is. - Morwell Historical Society opens exhibition celebrating Northway Family’s pioneering legacy and Hazelwood’s early history for community visitors
Federal and state MPs opened Morwell Historical Society’s Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition, showcasing three generations of Hazelwood pioneers through photographs, documents and maps until November 29. - Melina Bath condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, with Victoria recording nearly twice New South Wales' victims
Melina Bath has condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, citing Victoria's high theft rate and major increases across eastern Victoria, while calling for more police, stronger bail laws and tougher sentencing. - Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
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