$1 million funding boost for Drouin Civic Park upgrade

$1 million funding boost for Drouin Civic Park upgrade

Published on 12 December 2019

Civic Park in Drouin is a step closer to a major upgrade thanks to a significant funding boost by the Latrobe Valley Authority and Drouin and District Community Bank.

An event was held earlier today at the park where representatives from each organisation announced their funding contributions towards the park upgrade project.

Currently scoped at $1.5 million, the project is set to deliver a dynamic, innovative and accessible playground and park space for residents of all ages, interests and abilities.

Harriet Shing MP spoke on behalf of the Latrobe Valley Authority announcing their $765,000 funding grant from the Community and Facility Fund to enhance well-being and social connection through new and improved community infrastructure.

Chair of the Drouin and District Community Bank Rod Dunlop announced a $250,000 funding commitment on behalf of the community which will be put towards construction of the new play area.

The balance will be funded by Baw Baw Shire Council.

New and improved features scoped in the project include:

New play area including playground, trampolines and accessible play equipment Water play area Establishment of a wetland park and board walk New fitness park area Embankment hill slide, climbing wall and flying fox Parkour area Kickabout area Extended accessible footpath network including educational traffic loop Tree planting and fresh landscaping Plant collection areas New barbecue and shelter areas New and upgraded park furniture including bench seating Public toilet upgrade to include disability and baby change facilities New bins Car park upgrade

Further engineering, planning and design works are currently underway to finalise the scope of the project. The tender for works will be released in the new year. At this stage, works are expected to commence mid-2020 and be completed in 2021.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“Council are responding to what the community are asking for. This is an exciting project that will revitalise the playground and open spaces at Drouin Civic Park offering something for all ages, interests and abilities. This project will breathe new life into the park and provide our growing community with first-rate park facilities to enjoy for years to come. We are very grateful for the generous contributions made by both the Latrobe Valley Authority and Drouin and District Community Bank who have joined Council in a three-way funding stream to see this project happen.”

Quotes attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain

“The LVA is very happy to support Baw Baw Shire Council with a significant funding grant that will improve facilities and community connections at Civic Park Drouin”.

Quotes attributable to Chair of Drouin and District Community Bank Rod Dunlop

“The Drouin and District Community Bank is delighted to partner with Baw Baw Shire Council to deliver this important community asset for Drouin. The playground will provide hours of fun and play for families in Drouin for many years to come. As a Community Bank, we are pleased to invest towards the future of Drouin. We look forward to working with Council to deliver further projects for the Drouin community.”

Image: Harriet Shing MP announcing the Latrobe Valley Authority's $765,000 funding contribution towards the park upgrade project.

Image: Harriet Shing MP announcing the Latrobe Valley Authority's $765,000 funding contribution towards the park upgrade project.

Image: Rod Dunlop, Chair of the Drouin and District Communiuty Bank, announcing their $250,000 funding contribution towards the project.

Image: Rod Dunlop, Chair of the Drouin and District Communiuty Bank, announcing their $250,000 funding contribution towards the project.

Image: Mayor Cr Danny Goss thanking both funding partners for their contributions to the project.

Image: Cr Mikaela Power, Mayor Cr Danny Goss, Deputy Mayor Cr Peter Kostos, Harriet Shing MP, Cr Keith Cook, Russell Dawson and Rod Dunlop.