Infrastructure, roads and footpaths prioritised in Draft Budget

Published on 05 May 2021

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.

All community members are invited to make a submission on the draft Annual Budget and key documents. Submissions can be made in two ways; online via Council’s website, or in writing submitted by email to [email protected]  or post.

Full details are available at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Haveyoursay    

Submissions close Thursday 13 May 2021.

“Extensive planning has gone into the $38.92 million Capital Works program to develop and enhance community infrastructure at the right time, in the right places, and in a way that represents the best value for money and the sustainable use of resources. I encourage all residents to review the Draft Budget and share feedback about the kind of projects you’d like to see delivered in your community in the future.” 

“Projects will be delivered in towns and localities across Baw Baw Shire as part of the 2021/22 Draft Annual Budget. As Council, we’re working hard to plan for infrastructure projects that will cater for our communities both now and in the years to come. I encourage community members to review the draft budget and let us know what kind of projects you’d like to see delivered.”