Feedback sought to identify park needs
The second phase of consultation to develop master plans for Warragul and Drouin Civic Parks and a new Warragul playground is underway this week.
Baw Baw Shire Council undertook initial community consultation in September last year and will now seek feedback on draft master plans.
In collaboration with Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture, council has engaged with Drouin and Warragul communities to gain a greater understanding of what the community want to see in the two parks.
The master plans are being prepared to help guide the future management of these parks, as well as identifying potential open space upgrades, such as planting, access and park infrastructure.
Mayor Joe Gauci said the responses received during the initial consultation held last year had shaped the draft master plans.
“We now need the community to look at them again and make sure we have captured all of their thoughts and visions.
“With both of the Civic Parks in Warragul and Drouin attracting such a large number of people to them, and being such exceptional facilities for our communities, we want to ensure we get these master plans right so that our residents can continue to enjoy them well into the future.
“As everyone is aware, we are experiencing rapid population growth in both Warragul and Drouin, which means usage and demand for both parks will continue to increase.
Cr Gauci said establishment of both master plans will allow council to plan for the renewal of ageing vegetation and infrastructure in both parks, some of which is nearing the end of its useful lifespan.
“Having established master plans in place also puts council in a position to seek external funding for future works in these parks, should opportunities arise,” he said.
Council officers will be hosting drop-insessions on Saturday where residents can view the draft master plans, ask questions and provide feedback.
The sessions will be held between 90am and 10.30am at the Fountain Room, Civic Place, Warragul; and 11am to 12.30pm, Civic Park Drouin, near the soundshell.
The draft master plans and Warragul Civic Park playground concept plan will be available via the ‘Have Your Say’ section of council’s website.
Consultation will close at 5pm on Friday, February 10.
All responses received during phase two will be considered and help guide preparation of the final master plans for each park and the playground plan for Warragul.