Community invited to review Draft Baw Baw Civic Precinct Masterplan

Published on 07 January 2021

Community members are encouraged to get involved in refining the priorities for the Baw Baw Civic Precinct Masterplan during January and February.

Council endorsed a draft masterplan for the site at its meeting on 16 December 2020 and encouraged the community to share their views.

A range of consultation opportunities for the community to participate in across the Shire are planned, including pop-up stalls and information sessions.

Community members can also provide their feedback online via a short survey at any time via the Council website or upload a more detailed submission if they prefer.

The draft masterplan aims to create a thriving civic precinct in the heart of Baw Baw Shire. The plan proposes a variety of options to bring together civic and community spaces, improve open spaces and create opportunities for our community to connect. 

Council worked with Hansen Partnership Pty Ltd to develop the draft masterplan based on initial consultation with the community and key stakeholder groups during 2020.

Highlights of the draft masterplan include the potential for a new regional library, spaces for co-working, meetings and classes as well as expanded tiered parking  

Improving connectivity between the Civic Precinct and the town centre is another key priority to create a welcoming and pedestrian focus ‘front door’ to the precinct with expanded West Gippsland Art Centre forecourt and potential for small food and beverage outlets.

A staged implementation is also proposed in the masterplan, with the initial phase supported by a $6 million capital investment allocation in Council’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan.

Expected interest in this project from both the State and Federal governments will help progress masterplan implementation across the initial and subsequent stages.

Community members are invited to participate in any of the following consultation opportunities.

Thursday 7 January 2021 Online survey open for feedback (accessible via Council website and social media)

Saturday 9 January 2021, 11.00am – 1.00pm Pop-up stall, Rawson General Store

Wednesday 13 January 2021, 2.00pm – 4.00pm Pop-up stall, Warragul Library

Thursday 14 January 2021, 11.00am – 1.00pm Pop-up stall, Drouin Skatepark

Saturday 16 January 2021, 8.30am – 12.00pm Pop-up stall, Warragul Farmers Market

Wednesday 20 January 2021, 4.00pm – 6.00pm Pop-up stall, Longwarry Hall

Saturday 23 January 2021, 8.00am – 1.00pm Pop-up stall, Yarragon Craft and Produce Market

Monday 25 January 2021, 12.00pm – 2.00pm Pop-up stall, outside the Thorpdale Bakery

Thursday 28 January 2021, 3.00pm – 5.00pm Pop-up stall, Neerim South IGA

Tuesday 2 February 2021 Online consultation session, 7.00pm – 8.00pm (details TBC).

Consultation is open from 7 January to 5 February 2021. For more information visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/CivicPrecinct

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

"This project is critical to Warragul and will have a long lasting presence in the centre of town. It is vital that we capture as much community feedback about the Draft Masterplan as possible to help determine the next steps for the project. This Precinct belongs to the entire community and we want to make sure that the views of residents across our Shire are represented in this process. Now is the time to tell Council what you would like to see happen on such a strategic and important site."

Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Leaney

“The Draft Baw Baw Civic Precinct Masterplan presents a vision of a vibrant community asset that our whole community can benefit from for years to come. The draft plan provides Council with a clear starting point, and we look forward to hearing what our community thinks and what they would like to see included in the final version.”

Quotes attributable to Central Ward Cr Joe Gauci

“Warragul’s Civic Place is a significant part of the town and needs to be physically and emotionally reconnected with the town centre. It is already home to one of our Shire’s most significant assets – the West Gippsland Arts Centre, and these projected works are an extension of the works that need to be done around this space. The Draft Masterplan allows us to plan for the next decade and advocate for the funding we need to make it happen.”