Soccer projects listed as priorities
Soccer clubs in Warragul and Trafalgar will get the upgrades they’ve been asking for with two major projects totalling $4.4 million proposed in next year’s budget.
But, both projects may be dependent on state government funding, which if not secured, “the viability of the project will be reviewed.”
Both clubs have been lobbying Baw Baw Shire for a number of years for key infrastructure projects that they said were holding their clubs back.
Council proposes to spend $2.9 million on a new synthetic soccer pitch for Baxter Reserve, Warragul and $1.5 million will be allocated to begin construction of a multi-use pavilion at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve that will provide soccer players with long awaited changeroom facilities.
A long-awaited skate park at Rawson also will be funded with council allocating $503,000 for a skate park and recreational vehicle parking area in Rawson
Another $607,500 has been included for a stormwater harvesting project to use recycled water for irrigation at Western Park ovals in Warragul.
A $480,000 upgrade of Kydd Parke oval in Jindivick will include drainage and irrigation, establishing a bore water supply for irrigation of the oval and community garden, extension of the existing retaining wall to improve embankment stability and erosion control, and new oval perimeter and embankment fencing.
Council will pursue external funding for a $425,000 upgrade of sports oval lighting at Thorpdale and Longwarry recreation reserves.
Four open space and recreation projects will be funded through a $356,000 allocation to:
Sutton Street reserve, Warragul - improve access install linking walking track; plant trees and install seating;
Woodlawn Estate, Yarragon - install gravel walking track, level and top dress grassed areas and plant trees;
Jones Arboretum, Warragul (known as George and Eliza Jones Reserve) - directional signage and seating; safety fence around perimeter of dam; a dam viewing platform; improve remnant indigenous vegetation; and, a gravel footpath through reserve including boardwalk in low laying areas; and,
Brooker Park, Warragul - create a loop track along the western side of the creek line in the northern section of the park.