$33.7m for capital works program
A $33.7 million capital works program has been outlined in the draft budget, with a heavy focus on roads and recreation.
The 2020-21 program will include $30.2 million of new works as well as $3.5 million of works carried over from the 2019-20 program.
A $13.3 million investment in roads makes it the most significant item within the capital works program.
Recreation items headline the capital works program including $2.9 million for a new synthetic soccer pitch for Baxter Reserve in Warragul and $1.5 million to begin construction of a multi-use pavilion at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve.
The viability of both these projects may be dependent on government funding.
The program also includes $500,000 to develop detailed designs for a Drouin community hub and $503,000 for a new skate park and recreational vehicle parking area in Rawson.
The program focuses on asset renewal, expansion and upgrade across all of council’s assets including buildings, property, plant and equipment, roads, bridges, footpaths, drainage and recreational facilities.
The program is broken down into three focus areas with $14.3 million for infrastructure renewal; $9.5 million for general infrastructure works; and $6.4 million for key strategic projects.
The capital works program will be funded through four sources: $19.7 million of council money; $5.1 million in capital grants; $4.6 million from the Development Contributions Plan and public open space levies; and $4.16 million in new borrowings.
Council has allocated $1.9 million for renewal works on council buildings and community facilities including:
$356,000 for a number of open space upgrades at reserves across the municipality;
$200,000 for replacement and upgrade of the Burke St Park public toilets;
$330,000 for a triple interceptor wash down bay at the Warragul council depot to handle council’s prescribed waste from street sweeping operations;
$200,000 for council’s Placemaking program to improve infrastructure for community identified projects in four smaller towns in the shire; and,
$95,431 for public art.
Council will allocate $870,000 for refurbishment and general works at council owned buildings and facilities including: Warragul Senior Citizens Centre repaint and seal floor; PAG woodworkers shed - line walls and insulate, replace doors; Trafalgar Tennis Club stairwell replacement; Trafalgar Guide Hall restumping; Warragul Band Hall ceiling replacement; Lighting upgrade to LED at West Gippsland Arts Centre; Balmoral Park Tennis Club amenity and facility renewal; and replacement of the south wall of Drouin Croquet Clubrooms
An $81,000 solar panel program will benefit the Trafalgar business centre, Rawson pool, Yarragon public toilets, Exhibition Hall in Warragul, West Gippsland Arts Centre system expansion, Western Park Reserve in Warragul, Warragul Boxing Gym and Drouin RSL.