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Baxter Park gets first synthetic soccer pitch Baw Baw Shire

Safer game play and improvements at Baxter Park synthetic soccer pitch is now open, but council is still seeking funding opportunities for the remaining project stages.

By news@gippsland - 12th July 2021 - Back to News

Baxter Park's synthetic soccer pitch saw its first game of senior soccer on Saturday following the completion of a $2 million upgrade delivered by Baw Baw Shire Council. The $2,144,427 project included a FIFA certified synthetic playing surface, drainage, fencing, playing equipment and storage, access ramp and stairs and accessible car parking spaces.

Cr Leaney, Cr Tauru, Cr Goss, Warragul United President Peter O'Dea, Mark Leighton of A1 Civil, Cr Wallace and Cr Gauci pose pitch-side with Baxter Park Opening plaque

Seeking funding opportunities

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss opened the project before tossing the coin for its first game between Warragul United Soccer Club and the visiting Eltham Redbacks. The completion of detailed designs and delivery of synthetic soccer pitch for users of Baxter Park was a recommendation in the Warragul Outdoor Recreation Plan Review in 2019. The review involved significant community consultation and helped scope the project.

Council worked with the Project Reference Group and SportEng to finalise the design and construction drawings as part of its 2019/20 Capital Works Program. Further planting at the site will be scheduled in more favourable weather conditions.

Council continues to seek funding opportunities for the remaining stages of the project, including the construction of female and child friendly change rooms, spectator shelters, car parking and other ancillary works.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Danny Goss flips the coin before kickoff

Investment in recreation facilities

Mayor and Central Ward Councillor Danny Goss said, "Baxter Park's FIFA certified synthetic soccer pitch is a great asset for Baw Baw. This $2 million upgrade is another example of council delivering significant community infrastructure that is the direct result of community consultation. It was very disappointing that the Government did not contribute to this project after all of our lobbying to them and to the Minister directly."

"Council has made a huge investment in recreation facilities over the last few years, but there is always more work to be done. We will continue to advocate hard for support from the State and Federal Governments to ensure that our growing communities have the reserves, changerooms and facilities they need to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in quality sport in Baw Baw Shire."

Warragul United in action against Eltham Red Backs on the newly opened synthetic pitch at Baxter Park

Safer games for players

Central Ward Councillor Joe Gauci said, "Soccer is the world game and participation is growing in Baw Baw. Baxter Park's synthetic pitch and improved drainage means the pitch won't hold water like the old surface, which means a safer game for players and less ongoing maintenance."

Central Ward Councillor Jazmin Tauru said, "The upgrades at Baxter Park will allow for increased usage all year round, providing more opportunities for residents to get involved in the facility."

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• 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.
• Join South Gippsland Shire '16 Days of Activism' event with the theme 'Walk Against Family Violence' on
  Join Council's Walk Against Family Violence on 26 November in Leongatha. Wear orange, take part in the Respect photo pop-up, and support the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
• Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
  A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit.
• Be enchanted by magical vistas overlooking a winding river and forested gorge in stunning Tyers Park
  Discover Peterson's Lookout in Tyers Park, a short walk leading to breathtaking gorge and river views. Enjoy golden-hour scenery, nearby trails, wineries, eateries, and cultural attractions for a perfect Gippsland getaway.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
  Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region.
• Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
  Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination.
• 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.
• Latrobe City Council reviews community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to refine public space improvements and concerns
  Latrobe City Council has concluded community consultation on the draft Streetscape Strategy, reviewing feedback on carpark concerns, public space improvements, and long-term enhancements before finalising recommendations.
• 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!
• Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
  Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy.
• 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.