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Tetoora Road, Nilma North and Tanjil Bren get $60,000 each for community projects from Baw Baw Shire Council

Excitement is mounting in Tetoora Road, Nilma North and Tanjil Bren after community-led projects received Baw Baw Shire Council endorsement at Wednesday night's meeting.

By news@gippsland - 25th February 2022 - Back to News

The projects are part of council's annual Placemaking Program which is designed to benefit the Shire's smaller rural communities by delivering improvement projects requested directly by local residents to enhance liveability and visitation.

Following council's endorsement of the projects, the scope for each will be finalised in further consultation with local community members in March

Community-identified projects

This year's program will see $180,000 spread across the three townships ($60,000 in each community) to deliver the following community-identified projects:

• Tetoora Road, council endorsed the installation of a combination of gym and playground equipment at the Tetoora Road Hall grounds
• Nilma North, council endorsed the installation of an all abilities BBQ and BBQ shelter at the Nilma North and Lillico Memorial Hall grounds
• Tanjil Bren, council has endorsed plans to seek approval from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and the Committee of Management for an upgrade of the BBQ and picnic area on Saxtons Road

In choosing the projects, in-depth community consultation was carried out in late 2021. It comprised a series of two community meetings in each of the towns, as well as surveys to identify possible projects and ultimately determine which option would receive top priority to go to council for endorsement.

Opportunities for outdoor activities

Of the chosen project in Nilma North, community member and organiser Colin Gray said, "The idea of the project came about after community BBQs. It was recognised then by the hall committee that an all-abilities BBQ was a good acquisition to the hall as nothing else was available in the Shire. It was about bringing other community members to the hall to utilise our facilities."

Tetoora Road local Ann Bullen was thoroughly involved in the process for their project and says it will benefit the local community, especially those with children, as it will give more opportunities for exercise and play. She also hopes it will also increase the profile of the Hall and grounds as a destination for locals.

On choosing the most suitable project, she said "the process of finding out what the community wanted was a fair one. If we wanted equipment like this normally we would have to spend much time preparing grant documentation. We are grateful for this opportunity given to us by Baw Baw Shire and also grateful that we are getting the gym and play equipment without the necessity of applying for grants. Thank you, Baw Baw Shire."

Finalised through consultation

Shaun Hallam, a local resident involved in the Tanjil Bren project, echoed Ms Bullen's sentiments about the benefits for the local community, saying "the Placemaking Program has given us the opportunity to upgrade facilities for residents and visitors that small towns like ours can miss out on."

The Placemaking Program was introduced by council as part of the 2017-2021 council plan and has seen the instigation of 12 projects across Aberfeldy, Athlone, Darnum, Erica, Jindivick, Labertouche, Longwarry North, Modella, Noojee, Seaview, Thorpdale and Willow Grove in addition to the three projects endorsed for 2021/22.

Following council's endorsement of the projects, the scope for each will be finalised in further consultation with local community members in March. With the scope then finalised, the projects will progress to procurement and construction. This is anticipated to occur between March and June 2022.

Successful community program

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "Nobody understands better than locals what is needed to improve the liveability of their town or what could be enhanced to attract more visitation. This program puts the locals in the driving seat and let's them decide on the projects that will provide the best benefit for them."

"I really wanted to thank the community for their involvement in this process - and note that it is a really good process that we go through. It gets people involved, brings people together and is very democratic."

"The Placemaking Program has been hugely successful over the last few years. It has delivered big results in small locations that really appreciate the work that council does and it shows that Baw Baw Shire Council is happy to spread good things all over the Shire. I look forward to seeing the results in all three locations and joining in with the communities when these projects are delivered." Cr Leaney said.

Supporting the program

East Ward Cr Darren Wallace said, "It's one of the pleasures of being an East Ward Councillor to get to visit our beautiful communities like Tetoora Road, Nilma North and Tanjil Bren. I've always found that the smaller the community, the bigger the community spirit. These are all great projects, led by the communities and supported by our council officers who have once again done a wonderful job in supporting the program."

Outcome from community input

East Ward Cr Peter Kostos said, "Thank you very much to the communities who have had input into this result, and congratulations to them on this outcome. The consultation with the community, not just at meetings but also over the phone and by email, has really given them the opportunity to say what they want. This is a great outcome for the people in these communities. I hope that when all the infrastructure is finished that it gets well used - as I'm sure it will."

Pictures from Tetoora Road Community Centre Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
  Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative.
• 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.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• 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.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• East Gippsland coastal management plan gains ministerial approval after extensive community consultation and collaboration across region
  East Gippsland's Coastal and Marine Management Plan has received Ministerial Approval, recognising three years of community consultation and providing a shire-wide framework for sustainably managing coastal and marine environments.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
  Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• 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.
• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• The Nationals pledge $10M boost for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, supporting community hubs facing rising demand and cost pressures
  The Nationals have pledged $10 million over four years for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, including $4 million for existing services and $6 million to establish and expand hubs in growing regions.
• 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.
• Morwell’s Icon Industrial receives $1.9M to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs and diversify the local economy
  Morwell’s Icon Industrial development has received a $1.9 million grant for road, sewer, water and drainage upgrades, supporting investment, job creation and economic diversification as the region transitions from traditional industries.
• Construction begins on Warragul’s $30M Library and Learning Centre, delivering new community, cultural and co-working spaces by 2028
  Construction has begun on Warragul’s $30 million Library and Learning Centre, featuring library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, with opening planned for early 2028.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.