Two additional community projects will be funded by Baw Baw Shire Council as part of the 2024/25 Annual Budget.
During its community engagement throughout the Draft Budget phase earlier this year, Council received submissions by the community, which suggested other projects throughout the Shire that they would like to see funded. As a result of these submissions, Council will allocate funding towards additional spectator shelter at Bellbird Park and extended outdoor pool hours at the Warragul Leisure Centre (WLC).
The additional spectator shelter at Bellbird Park will be valued at approximately $45,000 and construction of this is expected to get underway in 2025. The 50m outdoor pool at the WLC will open one month earlier from Tuesday 1 October. Hours of use for the outdoor pool during October will be as follows:
- Monday - Friday: 6.00am - 9.00am and 4.00pm - 7.00pm
- Saturday: 6.00am - 9.00am and 1.00pm - 4.00pm
- Sunday: 1.00pm - 4.00pm
From 1 November to 30 April the hours of use for the 50m pool will revert to normal summer season centre operating hours.
The spectator seating at Bellbird Park follows the installation of tiered seating for the oval near the main pavilion as part of Council's 2022/23 Capital Works Program. Prior to the finalisation of this additional seating, Council will consult and liaise with the Drouin Junior Football Club, Drouin Cricket Club, and the Gippsland Umpires Association, who will be involved in determining the final location of this additional spectator shelter.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said that she was happy that Council could deliver upon two projects that held importance for the local community.
"The funding of additional hours for the outdoor pool at WLC, and the installation of additional spectator shelter at Bellbird Park is a great example of Council listening to and working with our community," Cr McCabe said.
"I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these two submissions come to fruition and continuing to listen to the feedback of our community."
