Park enhancements supported by council

Master plans for future development and management of Warragul and Drouin’s Civic Parks have been adopted by Baw Baw Shire.

Following months of community consultation and feedback, council has adopted two masterplans that outline a number of key recommendations for the two major parks in Warragul and Drouin.

The plans identify potential open space upgrades, such as planting, access and park infrastructure, as well as aspects of the parks that should be preserved and enhanced, including historical plantings, environmental, cultural and heritage values and well-utilised infrastructure and facilities.

The plans also provide guidance for addressing problematic issues identified in each park, such as drainage, lack of infrastructure including seating and signage, high risk trees, lack of shade along paths and lack of accessibility in some parts of the parks.

Councillors praised the community consultation and feedback received. As well as park open days, more than 200 online responses were lodged with council.

Mayor Joe Gauci said the two Civic Parks were centre points for residents and visitors alike, and council was proud to have a clear vision in place to ensure these parks meet their full potential.

“Baw Baw Shire’s population is continuing to increase, and much of this is due to our family friendly townships and beautiful open spaces. Adoption of these master plans exemplifies council’s commitment to improving park infrastructure and play spaces to best serve our growing community.

“It’s no secret that some vegetation and infrastructure in these parks is aging and that accessibility can be improved. The master plans will help inform council’s Long Term Infrastructure Plan and ensure essential upgrades are budgeted for into the future.

In a report to council, officers said there were many community groups wanting to use the parks for different purposes.

“It is important for council to understand who the different user groups are and how they can be accommodated in the park.

“Having a clear vision for these parks will allow council to apply for external funding when the opportunity arises.

The report said establishing water play areas was discussed during consultation.

Officers said the discussion ranged from small bubblers to large splash parks.

Water play was not been included in either of the master plans but officers will prepare a separate report on the potential of water play in the shire at a future time.

Cr Mikaela Power said the two parks were highly valued by the community and “that was clear in what we heard back from our community.”

She said people used the parks for a variety of uses including walking and using facilities at the parks.

“We also got lots of ideas back. I feel it has been a very thorough process,” she said.

Cr Tricia Jones said the consultation was outstanding.

“We now have a picture of what we want those parks to look like,” she said.

Cr Michael Leaney said the masterplans gave a model of how council could move forward with other parks in the shire where masterplans could also be developed. Warragul Enhanced Albert St forecourt Central picnic area Additional planting around Presence of Giants artwork Pond plantings Garden playground to stimulate connection between play and nature. Drouin Two Towns Trail avenue of trees Cascading water feature down embankment Creation of outdoor rooms within existing plant collections Wetland in north east area Nature play space