Baw Baw Shire Council awarded two significant contracts at its Council meeting this week, which will see the beginning of two milestone projects for the Shire in 2024.
Tenders were awarded for the Drouin Recreation Reserve oval resurfacing, as well as for the Copelands Road, Warragul upgrade.
Evergreen Turf was announced as the successful tenderer for the Drouin oval resurfacing.
Last month, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP announced a $1 million contribution from the State Government towards the Drouin oval resurfacing, making the total value of this project $3.3 million.
Council will get to work on the Drouin oval resurfacing in September with completion expected in 2025. The new playing surface at Drouin will eliminate current issues regarding drainage and water retention and introduce a new type of turf, TifTuf, the most drought tolerant couch grass on the market.
The full scope of works for this project are detailed in the Council report, which can be found here: www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Council-Meetings
Additionally, local business Ace Earthmoving will undertake the Copelands Road upgrades, a highly anticipated road project that will cater to the rapid growth being experienced in the area. It is also a key part of the Warragul Precinct Structure Plan.
As well as the upgrade of the Copelands Road surface, works will be undertaken to drainage, replacing the existing piped stormwater drainage under the road at the Moe River crossing, and a footpath and a shared bicycle path between Mills Road and Lillico Road will also be added.
This multi-million-dollar project will get underway in September 2024 with plans for it to be completed by August 2025.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said it was exciting to see major progress for these important projects, both of which will have far-reaching impacts on the liveability of the Shire, delivering better roads and recreational facilities that our community need and deserve.
"As we are all acutely aware, our region is experiencing rapid growth and Council is working tirelessly to plan for and deliver the projects, facilities and assets needed to keep up with the demand," she said.
"The new oval surface at Drouin is a massive win for the Drouin Hawks Football Club, and for the broader community, contributing to Council's strategic objectives to maintain and foster a healthy and thriving community."
The Mayor added that the Copelands Road upgrade is one that's been in the pipeline for some time and it is exciting to see the plans for this come to fruition.
"The overhaul of Copelands Road is a much-needed project, with huge growth happening out that way and more houses and schools contributing to more people in the area," she said.
"Once complete, this will have a very positive impact on people using that road daily and the addition of pedestrian and bike paths is just an added bonus and something Council wanted to deliver for our residents and families in the area."
