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Building of Cowes Cultural and Community Centre and Wonthaggi Guide Park has started

Construction on two of Bass Coast Shire Council's major projects has now officially started, the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre and Wonthaggi Guide Park.

By news@gippsland - 28th January 2022 - Back to News

Construction on two of Bass Coast Shire Council's major projects has now officially begun, after sod-turning events were held for the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre and Wonthaggi Guide Park developments on Thursday.

The redevelopment of the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre involves replacing the existing Centre, to bring together the cultural and social aspirations of the community and draw visitors in to showcase the history and culture of the region

Play space catering all ages

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan and Planned Construction Group directors Josh and Dean were excited to take on the project, having grown up in Wonthaggi with fond childhood memories of Guide Park.

"This is a really exciting project for not only Wonthaggi, but the whole of Bass Coast. Guide Park will become an inclusive, regional scale playspace catering for all ages and abilities."

"The design draws upon extensive community consultation with elements reflecting the Shire's coal mining history and amazing natural environment." Cr Whelan said.

Development highlights

Some of the highlights of the redevelopment include:

• Unique mining themed tower
• Accessible carousel
• Double flying fox
• Creek bed
• Nature based play and a trampoline

The Project will see the removal of the existing playground, with the new playspace located under the established trees for shade. Other amenities include an accessible public barbecue, new pathways, roadways and parking.

"This wonderful community project would not have been possible without the support from the Victorian Government, with grants of $700,000 through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and $350,000 from the Growing Suburbs Fund," Cr Whelan said.

Project to become Bass Coast asset

Cr Whelan said Thursday's sod-turn was a momentous step for the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre. "This exciting project was first identified as a major project over seven years ago and once complete, will become a wonderful asset for the Bass Coast community, located in the heart of Cowes."

"During the 14-month construction program, the building will generate 69 jobs and once built, 30 ongoing jobs and it will provide $51.8 million in economic benefit over the life of the project."

"In line with Council's Climate Change Action Plan, this Centre will be built, designed and certified to Passivhaus Standards, making it the most environmentally significant building in the region," Cr Whelan concluded." Cr Whelan said.

The construction of $1.77 million Guide Park Redevelopment Project set to begin in early 2022 and be opened later in that year. The tender for the Project was endorsed by Council at the December Meeting

Developmental project funding

This $27.2 million project has received funding support from the state government, including $2.5 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund, $800,000 from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and a $10 million loan from the Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme, as well as $5 million in funding from the federal government's Building Better Regions Program.

For more information on these projects, visit Cowes Cowes Cultural and Community Centre or Guide Park Playspace Wonthaggi, or contact Council on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections by 8 November 2026
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections. Residents can complete an online survey from October 12 to November 8, 2026.
• 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.
• Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
  Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council
• Loch Sport Erosion Protection: Construction of three additional groynes expected to begin in late spring, Danny O’Brien says
  Construction of three additional groynes at Loch Sport is expected to begin in late spring, strengthening Lake Victoria shoreline protection and addressing ongoing coastal erosion concerns.
• 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.
• Bairnsdale Library unveils upgraded outdoor spaces with new shade structures, refreshed courtyard and improved facilities for community activities
  Bairnsdale Library has unveiled upgraded outdoor spaces featuring two louvred shade structures, refreshed courtyard landscaping and vegetable beds, supported by $79,104 in Living Libraries Infrastructure Program funding.
• Wellington Shire Council backs campaign seeking greater rural investment, improved roads, infrastructure funding and regional economic growth
  Wellington Shire Council is backing Rural Councils Victoria’s campaign for greater investment in rural infrastructure, including roads, community facilities and a proposed $1 billion regional productivity and growth fund.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital.
• Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
  Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability.
• Wellington Shire Council updates flood mapping to improve safety, planning, climate resilience and development decisions across the municipality
  Wellington Shire Council is updating flood mapping and planning controls, incorporating climate impacts, to improve safety, guide development and manage flood risks. Public submissions close 2 November 2026.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.