Go ahead for skate park

An end to Rawson’s long wait for a skate park for the town’s youngsters is in sight.

Baw Baw Shire says it will become a reality next financial year.

And, equally important for the town, a parking area for recreational and long vehicles also will be constructed.

The projects have long been on a wish list for local residents and council last year increased its pressure to get State government funding towards the cost estimated to be $484,000 for both the skate park and parking area.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing announced last week that the State government through its Regional Insfrastructure Fund would provide two-thirds of the cost, almost $323,000. The shire will contribute $161,000.

Mayor Danny Goss said the sites for the skate park and the vehicles parking area were strategically located near the main shopping area of the town.

“They will put Rawson on the map as an adventure and tourism hub”.

It is a welcome year-round boost for the local economy, the mayor said.

East Ward councillor Michael Leaney, who lives at nearby Walhalla, said the Rawson and surrounding communities had long advocated for the project.

Many put their views in person at a council meeting at Walhalla last year.

It is great to see investment in the far east of the shire that has had a tough few years with bushfires, population decline and the COVID-19 restrictions, Cr Leaney said.

In addition to the skate park and vehicle park the project will deliver a tennis hit-up wall, a three-throw basketball court, shelter, picnic table and seating, drink fountains, disability compliant walkways, a grassed “kickabout” area, landscaping and plantings.

Ms Shing said the new facilities would be well used by locals and visitors.

She said the funding was the culmination of much hard work by the council and community to raise the profile of Rawson.