Council welcomes $3.5m boost for community infrastructure

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Baw Baw Shire Council has welcomed $3.5 million in Australian Government funding that will see the completion of three significant community infrastructure projects across the Shire.

The $3,590,054 in funding support has been allocated as part of Phase 3 of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program). It will go directly towards the completion of the following major projects:

  • $1,970,054 towards the Baxter Park Upgrade including female friendly change room amenities, upgraded lighting on the sports field, car park improvement works and spectator shelter.
  • $1,100,000 towards the Willow Grove Netball/Tennis Courts Project including the upgrade of 4 hard surface playing courts, compliant run offs and sports lighting upgrades.
  • $600,000 towards the Sand Road Intertown Trail including the construction of a sand and concrete shared bicycle and walking trail along Sand Road, Longwarry that extends from Ashley Court to the Princes Freeway Interchange.

Project works are currently scheduled to begin in October this year with estimated completion dates in mid-2023, weather and conditions permitting.

In addition to these projects, Council has previously undertaken a series of projects and redevelopment works supported through earlier phases of the LRCI Program, including: The Erica – Rawson Trail, Road reconstruction and footpath works on Sutton Street, Warragul and the construction of new public toilets for Noojee located near the Heritage Park.

The LRCI program supports local Councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney

“Council welcomes the Federal Government’s investment towards local roads and projects for Baw Baw Shire.

The construction of these three key projects will not only have direct benefit to our community but also provides a significant boost for jobs, local businesses, and economic growth within our Shire.

I am excited to see these projects commence over the coming months and look forward to future redevelopment projects through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.”

Quote attributable to Federal Member for Monash Russell Broadbent

“I’m pleased to see that $3.5 million of Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding will go towards three very important projects in the Monash electorate.

It’s great that under Phase 3 of this program, Baw Baw Shire Council is funding projects that will improve local recreation facilities and will encourage the community’s resilience to bounce back from the pandemic.

I look forward to seeing more projects get underway and supporting jobs and communities at this critical time.”

/Public Release. View in full here.