Park site has potential to be “jewel of Yarragon”

A community open space incorporating a parkland, tourism potential and public art opportunities is set to become the “jewel of Yarragon” on the former primary school site.

Baw Baw Shire has adopted a masterplan that will guide future development of the community space at the Rollo St site over the next 10 years.

Community lobbying to retain the old school site led to council purchasing the site and then engaging consultants Blom Design to prepare a masterplan for the site.

Options outlined in the masterplan indicate future development will cost between $950,000 and $1.1 million, expected to be funded over a number of years by council.

The 9000 square metre site features an open grassed area, fencing and mature trees that will form the foundation of a vibrant community space.

The masterplan identifies a number of key opportunities to improve access, instal infrastructure and create a space for passive recreation. Tourism opportunities including cultural heritage display and European history displays also were identified.

Community feedback during consultation indicated the importance of retaining an open space that will cater to recreational and social needs as well as enhancing the environmental elements of the site.

The masterplan identifies a number of opportunities for the site including:

Creation of a new entry forecourt with paving, signage, art and sculptures, raised garden beds, an arbour, seating and drinking fountain;

New shelter with picnic tables;

Angled parking in Hanns Lane;

A large open lawn area suitable for community markets and events;

Small interactive play features throughout the park;

Historical information and features;

A new 2.5 metre wide shared loop path between Murray St and Rollo St; and,

An art screen along the western side of the shelter.

There also is potential for a public toilet to be established at the park.

The draft masterplan also identified part of the site being used for a new CFA station but this was not supported for the final masterplan. Council was approached by the CFA to consider leasing 2500 square metres for the development.

Yarragon resident and former Yarragon and District Community Association president Roy Lindsay told council the final masterplan was overwhelmingly supported by the Yarragon community.

Mr Lindsay said the masterplan would ensure the fast growing town would be one of the most attractive towns in the shire.

He thanked council for its foresight and ongoing support to purchase the site.

“It proves that a community which is united and determined to work together with a council which genuinely listens to their ratepayers, can achieve a great outcome for the area,” he said.

Cr Darren Wallace said the Rollo St site was a key piece of community open space.

“We do lots of wonderful things but securing this site for the community it one thing I am most proud of,” he said.

Cr Wallace said it was please to receive 54 community responses to the draft masterplan.

He said the site would feature art and sculptures, drinking fountains and a place to kick the footy.

Cr Peter Kostos said there was potential for another 300 houses on the eastern side of Yarragon and the Rollo St park would sit in the heart of Yarragon as a valuable community asset. “The masterplan, as guided by our community provides fantastic insight into how the site will be developed in the future,” he said.

Cr Keith Cook said it would be a “jewel for Yarragon” and in the future people would look back and appreciate the foresight put into establishing the park.

Mayor Michael Leaney said the Rollo St site meant a lot to the Yarragon community and had great potential for visitors to the area also.

“The adopted masterplan provides clear guidelines for the future development of this site.

“I thank the project reference group, community and groups for advocating for Council to secure the land but also providing their input on the masterplan designs,” he said.