Budgeting for sport and rec

Picture: BAW BAW SHIRE COUNCIL.

By Mitchell Clarke

Baw Baw Shire Council has identified sport, recreation and family/pet-friendly open spaces as key priorities in their 2019/20 Annual Budget.

Of the $29.6 million allocated towards Capital Works Projects for 2019/20, a large portion will be invested in planning, design and delivery of critical sport, recreation and open space projects.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Mikaela Power said the projects will help to make the area a better place to live.

“Sport, recreation, parks and open spaces play a huge role in our Shire’s liveability and are a big part of why Baw Baw is such an attractive place to call home,” Ms Power said.

“It’s now our job to deliver for our ratepayers and residents and we’re looking forward to getting on with the job and making Baw Baw an even better place to live.”

Among the projects, council will deliver $1.7 million for female friendly pavilions at Darnum, Buln Buln and Hallora Recreation Reserves.

Drouin’s Civic Park will also receive $1.2 million towards a major upgrade while $700,000 has gone to Neerim South Recreation Reserve for oval upgrades.

Council has also announced their forward planning for major intergenerational recreation projects to be delivered over the next 10 years including new indoor stadiums in Warragul and Drouin and a multi-use facility at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve.

Deputy Mayor Danny Goss said council’s focus was to provide for today and plan for tomorrow.

“Our intent as a Council is to find the best balance between delivering projects that meet the needs and demands of today, and also plan sufficiently for the growing needs of tomorrow and beyond,” Mr Goss said.

“With our population expected to rise above 70,000 by 2030, we’re starting critical planning and design works now so in the future we can deliver key strategic projects like new indoor stadiums in Warragul and Drouin, new sporting facilities at Trafalgar and other improved open spaces across the Shire.”