Major community infrastructure, road and recreation projects are among Baw Baw Shire Council's key advocacy priorities for the year ahead.
Unanimously adopted at Council's meeting last night, the priorities provide a framework for Council to plan and deliver targeted advocacy to State and Federal Governments for investment in projects that enhance our Shire's liveability and secure our future as a thriving, innovative region.
Council's advocacy efforts will be structured under three tiers – in order of priority, project readiness and community impact.
Tier One
Tier One advocacy priorities are large-scale, long-term projects with significant inter-generational impact on the region.
Four Tier One key advocacy priorities for 2021/22 are:
| Baw Baw Civic Precinct | An inter-generational legacy project that aspires to build on existing spaces and infrastructure surrounding the West Gippsland Arts Centre and Civic Park by integrating new civic and community spaces, improving open spaces and maximising opportunities for community connectedness – including a new library, multi-purpose and community meeting spaces, Council customer and visitor service, rooftop community garden, public toilets, car parking and pedestrian links. |
| Warragul and Drouin Bypass | Addressing historical road network challenges that see major arterial roads and agricultural routes run through the centre of both Warragul and Drouin's CBD area. These challenges result in traffic congestion at peak times, inefficient agricultural routes, and limited private commercial investment in town centres with many retail premises being vacant and prime commercial land remaining undeveloped. |
| Rokeby to Neerim Trail Extension | Extension of the existing Rokeby to Neerim Trail by a further 10kms to the north creating a link to one of Baw Baw's key historic tourism destinations, Noojee. A potential south bound extension from Rokeby to Warragul would link the trail to the largest township. |
| Logan Park Cycling Centre of Excellence | Developing the well-established and successful cycling hub into a functional, fit-for-purpose contemporary regional cycling centre that meets the core cycling sport facility specifications whilst also promoting community use – including criterium circuit with various circuit lengths, municipal level competition BMX track, cyclo-cross course with obstacles and improved spectator facilities. |
Tier Two
Tier Two advocacy priorities are medium-to-large-scale projects in strategic alignment with regional, state and federal plans. Projects are in a strong position to receive funding with preliminary planning and design works either underway or completed.
Six Tier Two key advocacy priorities for 2021/22 are:
- Sealing of South Face Road – Tourist route to Mt Baw Baw
- Longwarry Sporting Precinct
- Gippsland Regional Events Fund
- Erica Mountain Bike Hub
- Longwarry land rezoning (for industrial development)
- Baxter Park Soccer Precinct
Tier Three
Tier Three advocacy priorities are other projects and initiatives endorsed by Council that align with Council's vision and planning for the future. Projects are included in strategic forward-planning documents such as the Long-Term Infrastructure Plan and Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy.
Council will align advocacy priorities are aligned closely to other key regional, state and federal plans to maximise opportunities presented by budget and electoral cycles.
Advocacy priorities will be reviewed annually.
