Council advocates for more investment than ever before.
In the lead up to the state election Baw Baw Shire Council continues to call for government support to design a fit-for-purpose arterial road network, build the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct and upgrade a number of the Shire's recreational facilities.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Annemarie McCabe says Council is ramping up efforts to seek state investment in priority projects required to meet the needs of the region's rapidly growing population.
"Advancing Baw Baw is Council's advocacy campaign to pursue vital planning and investment to meet the community's needs for the future," says Cr McCabe. "Our population growth is outpacing nearly every municipality in the state. Baw Baw's population is projected to grow by 49% over the next 20 years and we need more investment in our region than ever before and we need it now."
"There are more than 20,000 new homes expected to be built in the coming years. We need to plan and upgrade roads and facilities to support the needs and expectations of the larger and more diverse population who will call Baw Baw home."
"It is crucial that we continue to advocate for projects and services to support a connected, resilient and prosperous community in the coming years."
Council's Advancing Baw Baw advocacy campaign has been developed using community feedback and insights from the Council Plan 2021-25 and the Community Vision.
"We know our people want to see more investment in roads, inclusive and accessible infrastructure and healthcare," Cr McCabe says. "We've made them our top priorities and good progress has been made in 2022."
"Coming into this state election we have received extremely welcome commitments from both the state government and the opposition to build a new hospital for Baw Baw Shire. We will continue to work alongside West Gippsland Healthcare Group and the community to push for progress on this much needed new, expanded facility."
"We have also been successful in securing partial funding for the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct, including $3.5 Million from the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund and $1 Million from the Living Libraries Infrastructure fund. Council is working with key ministers and departments to secure the remaining funding required for this transformative project."
Other key areas Council has prioritised for urgent attention include:
- Investment to plan for new arterial transport routes to address congestion in Warragul and Drouin.
- Seeking funding in in partnership with Destination Gippsland to deliver the Gippsland Regional Events Strategy to increase tourism visitation and expenditure.
- Sealing South Face Road, making a key tourist route to Mount Baw Baw safer and more connected.
- Updating key recreational facilities in Erica and Longwarry
- Rezoning a parcel of land in Longwarry allowing the development of an economically significant industrial precinct.
With the state election looming, Council will continue to communicate with ministers and candidates to ensure Baw Baw's needs remain top of mind.
"We will also work with our community to seek feedback and raise the profile of issues that matter most to our region heading towards election day." says Cr McCabe "We look forward to working in partnership with whomever is elected in November to deliver projects that will provide the brightest future for the people of Baw Baw."
Baw Baw Shire Councillors and staff will be at the Warragul Farmers Market on Saturday November 19 to discuss Council's advocacy priorities with residents.
"If you would like to be involved in community advocacy or find out more about the Advancing Baw Baw Advocacy campaign we'd love to chat to you at the Council pop-up at the Warragul market this weekend," says Cr McCabe.
