Recreation focus for capital works
Ongoing projects such as the Warragul stadium expansion, library precinct and Rokeby-Noojee Trail are the big winners of this year’s budget.
A project to transform the old Yarragon school site in Rollo St, construction of a new pavilion at Bellbird Park in Drouin and pavilion redevelopments at Dowton Park in Yarragon and Baxter Park in Warragul also gained big ticket status.
A new addition to the capital works list, the $2.04 million Yarragon pavilion works are subject to external funding. It is hoped a $1.79 federal government grant and $250,000 from the state government will fund the project.
Described as a “game-changer” for indoor sports, the $11 million Warragul Leisure Centre expansion is one of the biggest projects in council’s history. The addition of two indoor courts, a new café and changerooms will be allocated $7.76 million to complete the works.
Anticipated to be open by mid-2024, the $7.76 million will be met by $1.27 million from deferred projects and $6.49 from borrowings.
Stage one of the $30 million Baw Baw Civic Precinct master plan will commence if external funding can be secured.
Advocacy will soon begin for this state-ofthe-art library and learning centre on the corner of Civic Pl and Albert St, Warragul. The multi-level facility will include a new community library, including a children’s library, maker’s space, video gaming, reading, collection and study areas.
The cost of these works is expected to be split across four financial years, with $4.2 million in this year’s budget.
Awaiting Better Better Regions Fund and Regional Infrastructure Fund applications, council has allocated $200,000 in the draft budget.
Stage one of the Rokeby-Noojee Trail has received $3.65 million to upgrade existing trail sections between Rokeby to Crossover and Crossover to Apex Lookout in Neerim.
However, the project is reliant on $1.5 million of state government funding from the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund. Council will invest $100,000, borrow $1 million and utilise $1.05 million in deferred expenditure to make up the remainder.
Aiming to transform this popular recreation destination into a major tourist drawcard, stage one works are planned to span over two financial years.
The Rollo St masterplan in Yarragon will be allocated $1.95 million to transform the old school site into a valuable community open space.
Featuring a shared loop path, shelter, park furniture, interactive play area, information signage, garden beds and established trees, council will contribute $100,000 and utilise $1.85 million in deferred expenditure.
The new multi-use pavilion at Bellbird Park in Drouin will be completed with a further $1.53 million investment.
Funded by carried over funds, the pavilion will cater for sporting clubs and community groups. The removal of the old soccer and Rumble pavilions are also included in the works.
Following the synthetic soccer pitch upgrade in 2021, the Baxter Park pavilion redevelopment costing $1.44 million will complete the reserve overhaul. The works, including female-friendly player and official changerooms and upgraded field lighting, will be met with deferred expenditure.
Council has contributed $300,000 for detailed planning of the second oval at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve.
Part of the recreation reserve masterplan, the project is forecast to attract $3.2 million over the 2024/25 to 2025/26 budgets.
Establishment of a permanent library for Trafalgar is listed subject to obtaining a $200,000 Living Libraries Infrastructure grant.
It is aimed works will start at the old kindergarten site in Contingent St during the next financial year and be completed in 2024/25.
In addition, $1.48 million has been set aside for playing surface renewals. The senior soccer pitch at Bellbird Park in Drouin and renewal of sports field irrigation controllers across six sites will be undertaken.
Bellbird Park’s grass fields and Drouin Primary School will gain $370,000 in sports lighting upgrades.
Playground renewals, totalling $330,000, will be undertaken at Toy Park in Longwarry, Bellbird Park reserve in Drouin and Noojee Streamside reserve.
Toilet upgrades, totalling $90,000, are listed for Latrobe St public toilets in Warragul, Rokeby Hall, Yarragon public toilets and Stringers Creek in Walhalla.