Successful funding for Rawson skate park and RV parking area

Rawson will be home to a new skate park and Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking area thanks to a successful $322,000 grant from the Victorian Government.

After years of advocacy from the local community and Baw Baw Shire Council for the skate park and RV parking area in Rawson, the project will provide a fun and exciting space for local young people to enjoy and stay active, while also boosting local tourism with a convenient and functional RV and long vehicle parking area.

The exciting new project will deliver:

  • Dynamic and varied skate park surfaces, ramps, rails and elements
  • Tennis hit up wall
  • Three-throw basketball court
  • Picnic table, shelter and seating
  • Drink fountains
  • Disability compliant walkways
  • Landscaping, embankments and plantings
  • Grassed kickabout area
  • Additional car and RV parking area

Valued at $484,000, the project is being jointly funded by the $322,000 grant through Regional Development Victoria’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, with the remaining $161,000 to be funded by Baw Baw Shire Council.

The project will see a welcome economic and activity boost to the Shire’s far east following a lengthy period of economic decline from bush fires in early 2019, recent bushfires in East Gippsland and current COVID-19 restrictions that have meant tourists cannot visit the area.

It is expected this project will increase visitation to Rawson along with attracting new residents to the picturesque mountain township.

The project is expected to be delivered in the 2020/21 financial year.

As stated by Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“This new skate park and RV parking area will put Rawson on the map as an adventure and tourism hub. Strategically located near the main shopping area in town, the project will provide a fun and dynamic space for local residents to enjoy, as well as visitors – which will be a welcome boost for the local economy all year round. We thank the Victorian Government for their continued support to make all areas of Baw Baw Shire a great place to live and visit.”

As stated by East Ward Cr Michael Leaney

“After a few tough years in the shire’s far east with bushfires, population decline and now COVID-19 restrictions taking their toll, it’s great so see more investment and community infrastructure heading to our shire’s far east. We thank the Rawson and surrounding communities who have advocated for this project for so long. We’re so pleased to play our part to bring this fantastic project to life.”

Image: East Ward Cr Michael Leaney and Mayor Cr Danny Goss on location at the future skate park and RV parking area site in Rawson.

Images: Concept designs for the Rawson skate park project.

/Public Release. View in full here.