Baw Baw Shire Council welcomed $3.5 million in Federal Government funding to complete three significant community infrastructure projects across the shire.
The $3,590,054 in support was allocated as part of phase three of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program).
Longwarry’s Sand Road Intertown Trail will receive $600,000 for construction of a sand and concrete shared bicycle and walking trail that extends from Ashley Court to the Princes Freeway Interchange.
The Baxter Park Upgrade will receive $1,970,054 for female-friendly change room amenities, upgraded lighting on the sports field, car park improvement works and spectator shelter.
The Willow Grove Netball/Tennis Courts Project was allocated $1,100,000 to upgrade four hard surface playing courts, compliant run offs and sports lighting upgrades.
Mayor Cr Michael Leaney welcomed the investment towards local projects.
“The construction of these three key projects will not only have direct benefit to our community but also provides a significant boost for jobs, local businesses, and economic growth within our Shire,” Cr Leaney said.
“I am excited to see these projects commence over the coming months and look forward to future redevelopment projects through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.”
Works will begin in October with an estimated completion by mid-2023.
Federal Member for Monash Russell Broadbent said he was looking forward to supporting the community.
“I’m pleased to see that $3.5 million of Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding will go towards three very important projects in the Monash electorate,” Mr Broadbent said.
“It’s great that under phase three of this program, Baw Baw Shire Council is funding projects [which] will improve local recreation facilities and will encourage the community’s resilience to bounce back from the pandemic.”
In addition to these projects, council had undertaken a series of projects and redevelopment works supported through earlier phases of the LRCI Program, including: The Erica – Rawson Trail, road reconstruction and footpath works on Sutton Street, Warragul and the construction of new public toilets for Noojee near Heritage Park.
The LRCI program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the federal government.
