Warragul

Location

Warragul is situated 100 kilometres south east of Melbourne in the West Gippsland region of Victoria. Set amongst prime agricultural land, Warragul is characterised by lush green rolling hills, with views to nearby Mount Baw Baw as a part of the Great Dividing Range to the north and the Strzelecki Ranges to the south.

History

Warragul was established when the railway line came through in the area 1878. Supporting a thriving timber industry, wooden tramways operated connecting to the train station for transport of the harvested timber. As the land was being cleared of timber, later dairying was the main farming activity.  Its position of halfway between Melbourne and Sale made it a convenient stop for travellers, with refreshment rooms and accommodation options catered for. Being surrounded by a thriving agriculture industry, many associated businesses commenced in Warragul to service the nearby rural areas.

Population

According to 2021 census data Warragul’s population is 19,856.

Future Growth

The township of Warragul is set in the south eastern growth corridor, and as such is experiencing significant growth.

In 2014 the Victorian Government gazetted the Warragul Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), which sets out the future growth areas for Warragul, along with important infrastructure to support the increased population. 

The Warragul PSP area covers 1464 hectares and will accommodate 12,500 new dwellings.

The maps below show the areas which are planned to accommodate future subdivisions, and also show the important infrastructure which will be delivered as a part of the PSP.  Infrastructure items include:

  • 18 kilometres of new pedestrian and cycle paths
  • 80 hectares of new open space, including significant regional parks in the north and south of town
  • Two new shopping centres
  • Four new schools
  • Three new community centres
  • Expanded business and industry areas to increase the number of local jobs
  • A road network that provides alternative routes through and around the town
  • Upgraded waterways and drainage facilities. 

The Warragul PSP sets out the requirements for the standard of new subdivisions, including road widths and lot sizes in an effort to minimize urban sprawl. Click here for more in formation about Precinct Structure Plans.

The major infrastructure within the PSP area is funded by a Development Contribution Plan Fund. Click here to learn more about DCPs in PSP areas.

Warragul Town Centre Strategy

The Warragul Town Centre Strategy provides a 30 year vision for the growth and development of the centre. The plan builds on the current strong and functional town centre and provides guidance for additional development for a growing population, improved pedestrian access and public infrastructure and services. It includes three components:

  • Urban Design Framework
  • Station Precinct Master Plan
  • Town Centre Master Plan

Warragul Urban Design Framework and Station Precinct Master Plan

Council, in collaboration with the Victorian State Government, developed a master plan to guide the future development of the station precinct. This project was delivered in conjunction with the Warragul town centre urban design framework.

The Warragul train station is a key component of the Warragul town centre providing frequent rail service between Warragul, the Latrobe Valley, and Melbourne. The Warragul station precinct master plan provides a detailed land use master plan to guide future development and investment in the station precinct.  

Warragul Town Centre Master Plan

The Warragul Town Centre Master Plan provides detailed guidance on how the vision and principles identified in the Warragul town centre urban design framework can be implemented.

For more information or to request hard copies of these documents, email the Strategic Planning Department or call 5624 2411.