Baw Baw Shire community members can look forward to a range of new projects and upgrades over the coming year.
A $38.9 million infrastructure spend is proposed in the 2021/22 Draft Annual Budget, which is currently available for community feedback.
The major infrastructure projects identified in the Draft Budget include:
Warragul Indoor Stadium (Stage 1) - $6 million
Subject to State Government funding, this two-year project will deliver a two-court indoor stadium at the Warragul Leisure Centre, helping to meet the high demand for basketball facilities in the Shire. Detailed designs for the project were completed in consultation with local sporting club representatives over the past year.
Rokeby to Noojee Trail Project - $2.25 million
Delivered over two years, this project will build an intertown trail between Rokeby and Noojee as part of the Baw Baw Cycling Feasibility Study. The trail will extend from the Rokeby Rail Trail and along sections of the old Noojee to Warragul line. Council is currently seeking grant funding from a range of sources to deliver the project.
Bellbird Park Multi-use Pavilion, Drouin - $2 million
The Bellbird Park Multi-Use Pavilion will cater for local sporting clubs and will be equipped to host community events with kitchen facilities, barbecues and a playground. Council has received a $2 million contribution through the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund to construct the $4 million multi-use pavilion.
Trafalgar Multi-use Pavilion Completion - $1.7 million
This funding will deliver the final stages of the project, which is currently under construction. When complete, the new pavilion will cater to the various user groups of the reserve, providing dedicated change rooms and amenities, umpires facilities, storage, first aid and canteen areas, viewing areas and much more.
Accelerated footpath program - $1.53 million
This program will deliver new concrete footpaths in towns and localities across the Shire, in line with Council's Paths and Trails Strategy 2019.
Certain projects identified in the budget will require additional funding from the State and Federal Government to proceed in 2021/22.
A total of $15.7 million has been allocated to infrastructure renewal works on Council owned buildings, sporting facilities and footpath replacements.
A further $8.9 million will be invested in a range of other projects, including Black Spot Program upgrades on key roads, streetscape works in Drouin as part of the Township Plan and the final stage of the Warragul CBD project, focusing on Queen Street.
