Council is committed to supporting thriving, diverse and resilient communities. Throughout the 2022/23 financial year, Council recorded significant achievements to support a strong economy, deliver education, tourism and cultural offerings to help our region flourish, and build and maintain future ready infrastructure.
Land use planning, economic development and advocacy
Council marked a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering robust economic development and land use planning, ushering in a new Economic Land Use Strategy (ELUS). The ELUS is a comprehensive industrial and commercial land supply framework encompassing the entire Shire. It is designed to ensure that sufficient land and floor space is allocated to propel economic growth and attract pivotal regional investment to support our booming population.
Council’s land use planning is being backed by committed advocacy efforts at all levels of government on behalf of the Baw Baw community. Throughout the financial year, the Mayor, Councillors, Executive and senior Council Officers engaged with both State and Federal governments and agencies to further our region’s priorities and lobby for pivotal investments in key infrastructure and economic development initiatives, including:
- The Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct Stage 1 - Library and Learning Centre.
- Upgrade planning for the state-managed Drouin and Warragul arterial road networks.
- The development of a Logistics and Employment Hub at Longwarry.
- Securing resources to cater for rapid regional growth and industry transition.
Early-years education and services
In a significant advocacy win, Council successfully petitioned the State Government to bolster kindergarten infrastructure within the Baw Baw Shire with a new 132-place, dual-room kindergarten at Drouin West Primary School set to commence enrolments in 2023.
In October 2022, Council’s Family Day Care service underwent a rigorous Assessment and Rating process, and we are delighted to announce that the service was awarded an ‘Exceeding the National Quality Standards’ rating.
In February 2023, we opened the doors on the Drouin West Kindergarten, equipped to accommodate 66 children, and unveiled an extension to the existing Longwarry Kindergartens, which added an additional 22 places.
Finally, in May 2023, we secured $272,000 in funding towards Kindergarten planning for the ‘Best Start, Best Life’ reforms across three separate grants.
Future ready infrastructure delivery and management
Baw Baw Shire Council has made significant strides to ensure our delivery of new infrastructure can keep pace with the Shire’s rate of growth. Within the Warragul and Drouin growth sectors, Council successfully delivered over 485 residential lots and oversaw the delivery of $13.7 million of infrastructure projects, including new roads, drains, and reserves.
Council is equally committed to maintaining and managing our existing infrastructure and assets. It is no small feat; in 2022/23 Baw Baw Shire Council ticked over just under $1 billion ($990,000,000) worth of assets under management on behalf of our community. This expansive portfolio comprises buildings, roads, footpaths, drainage systems, bridges, and open spaces.
In the 22/23 span, Council undertook 235,000 square metres of road resealing projects, coupled with 31,000 square metres of large pavement repairs across our network. To put it into perspective, this resealing and repairs are equivalent to to covering the surface of the MCG nearly 13.5 times.
Major recreation projects
Council progressed a trio of major projects that reflect our dedication to community enhancement and active living:
Bellbird Park Recreation Reserve – New Carpark: Stage One of a major multi-year project to construct a new pavilion at Drouin’s Bellbird Park, this is the most expansive carpark project in Council’s history. Comprising 186 parking spaces, it was successfully completed in November 2022 despite the challenges posed by one of the wettest winters on record and a series of unforeseeable ground-related challenges.
Western Park Netball Pavilion and Courts - The enhancements at the Western Park Recreation Reserve encompassed the construction of a new, fully compliant and modern female friendly netball pavilion with two player changerooms and one umpire changeroom. With construction contracted to a locally owned building company, the pavilion proudly carries the name of local netball icon, Liza Pharaoh, and was officially opened in May 2023.
Warragul Leisure Centre Stadium Expansion - Council commenced the expansion of the Warragul Leisure Centre in December 2022, contracting the locally owned Kubale Constructions to deliver this pivotal recreation infrastructure project. Early-stage works were completed by January 2023, and construction is now in full swing with with the in-ground works completed, concrete slabs poured and the steel framing put up. Completion is on track and scheduled for mid-2024.