Calls for funds reinforced

While funding boosts through the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund have been welcomed by Baw Baw Shire, council has made it clear more needs to be done.

Traffic issues and demands for new infrastructure remained the focus of discussions with Local Government Minister Shaun Leane during a visit to the shire recently.

Mayor Danny Goss and chief executive officer Mark Dupe met with the minister and delivered a clear message – thanks, but more needs to be done.

Cr Goss said council had delivered some major projects and was grateful to be finally included in the Growing Suburbs Fund, but traffic congestion and sporting facilities remained a top priority.

The GSF is a $250 million investment over five years to deliver critical infrastructure for fast-growing outer suburbs.

Cr Goss said the meeting with Mr Leane was a good first step but council would continue to seek meetings with state ministers to lobby for funding and priority projects.

“We wanted to explain the big projects that we’ve already delivered, like the arts centre, so that we could show what we are capable of.

“It’s evident that council’s inclusion in the GSF has provided immediate benefits to our community, allowing us to fast track the delivery of the Longwarry Early Learning Centre.

“Council will also continue to strongly advocate for additional funding to deal with traffic congestion in Warragul and Drouin and improve our sporting facilities and community spaces,” he said.

Cr Goss said council was in a good financial position to service loans but was restricted by the auditor-general’s cap on borrowings.

He said they explained to Mr Leane that council was restricted by its limited borrowing capacity in delivering much needed infrastructure projects for a growing community.

He said council’s projected population growth put it in a good position to borrow.

Council anticipates a further 20,000 new homes will be constructed in the next 10 to 15 years.

“The minister was very interested in our problems and wants to be kept up to date with progress,” he said.