$3.5m kick start
A $30 million community precinct development in the heart of Warragul has edged closer to reality.
The State Government has announced $3.5 million for the project, currently in the pre-design stage by Baw Baw Shire.
Council last year committed to the landmark development that will feature a new library as its flagship attraction.
Council has pledged $10 million to the major development but the project is totally dependent on $10 million each from state and federal governments.
Last week’s announcement has kick started the process.
The $30 million Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct will be developed on underutilised council owned land surrounding the West Gippsland Arts Centre and Civic Park.
Announcing the funds, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the inspiring new community building would become a hub offering much-needed services, activities and other opportunities for the community.
“I’m delighted that the Andrews Labor Government has continued its support for the thriving communities across Baw Baw through projects like the Bellbird Park East Pavilion and now the Baw Baw Civic Precinct.
“West Gippsland is a beautiful part of Victoria, and the Growing Suburbs Fund is making it an even better place to live and work – helping to create facilities close to home that everyone can be proud of and enjoy,” Ms Shing said.
The precinct will feature a new community library, including a children’s library, maker’s space, video gaming, reading, collection and study areas. An art and cultural space, community meeting rooms, consulting rooms, a café and rooftop terrace also will be incorporated into the design.
The development will include plaza and pedestrian connection to the arts centre as well as underground parking.
Council welcomed the $3.5 million Growing Suburbs Fund grant as a significant step towards building what councillors described as vital community infrastructure.
Mayor Michael Leaney said it was crucial to build for our future today.
“We need investment, not only from council but also from the state and federal governments, to meet the community and social infrastructure needs of our rapidly growing community,” he said.
If further funding arrangements can be secured, council plans to develop full designs with community input this year.
Cr Leaney said the state’s funding commitment showed council’s message was getting through. “We’re not quite there yet, but Baw Baw residents can rest assured that we will continue advocating hard on behalf of our community to secure the rest of the funding we need to make this vital social infrastructure a reality,” he said.