$1.4 million funding secured for new pavilion and pump track

Published on 07 July 2025

Council welcomes a $1.4 million funding boost from the Victorian Government to progress two exciting projects, including a new pavilion at Western Park Oval 2 and a pump track at Burke Street Park in Warragul.

The funding has been secured through a successful grant application by Council to the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF) for the recreation projects.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Danny Goss welcomed the announcement saying this is a fantastic outcome for our community.

“This funding marks a major step forward for two exciting projects which are both strongly supported by local clubs and by the community. Both projects aim to create spaces that encourage participation, staying active, build community pride and support health and wellbeing for residents of all ages and abilities.”

The funding follows strong advocacy from Council with support from local sporting and cycling clubs, and community members who have helped shape the project vision through close consultation.

“We thank the Victorian Government for this significant funding boost and appreciate their continued investment in our growing community”, said Cr Goss.

More information about each project is detailed below.

Pavilion at Western Park Oval 2

The project will feature construction of a new pavilion including:

• Modern female-friendly player change rooms with inclusive and accessible amenities
• Umpire rooms and briefing space
• Storage space
• Accessible public toilet with baby change facilities
• Kiosk
• Undercover spectator seating
• Connecting footpaths and landscaping

This project addresses current logistical and safety issues, and supports significantly increasing participation from women, men and children in a diverse and growing community. Additionally, the new pavilion will provide improved scheduling opportunities for clubs to evenly distribute training and games across both ovals.

The project will be jointly funded as detailed below:

Over the coming months, works will progress to award the project tender with onsite construction expected to commence in 2026.

Pump Track at Burke Street Park

Located at Burke Steet Park in Warragul, the family-friendly pump track will be the first of its kind in Baw Baw Shire and include a beginner and intermediate track loop with optional features such as rollers, jumps and berms ideal for cyclists of all ages and skill sets to enjoy simultaneously. The project will also include a rest platform, bike racks, bike tool stand, signage, access paths, spectator seating and landscaping.

This project addresses a lack of access to safe off-road bike facilities in the area, with the nearest pump track located in Haunted Hills 30 minutes east of Warragul, and the other more than 50 minutes to the west, neither of which are directly accessible by public transport.

The project will be jointly funded as detailed below:

Next steps will include tenders being sought from qualified contractors, with works expected to commence onsite in 2026.

More details on these projects and their rollout will be shared with the community in the coming months.