Bass Coast Council pushes for grant funding for vital projects

Wonthaggi, Rhyll, San Remo: Bass Coast Council is attempting to offset huge project costs through grant applications. See our interactive map of where the projects will be and how much they are costing.

Bass Coast Council is looking to secure more than $2 million in funding for projects across the area, keeping its costs to about $250,000.

The council voted to support five applications for funding through the growing suburbs fund at Wednesday’s council meeting.

The applications are for the Rhyll Playspace and Heritage Walk, the Anderson Street Reserve – Open Space Master Plan, the Bass Coast Rail Trail – Wonthaggi Precinct, Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre – Community Cinema Infrastructure Upgrade and the Revitalising Wonthaggi project.

The council said these projects reflect its “top priorities”.

The growing suburbs fund aims to contribute to meeting critical local infrastructure needs for communities in rapidly changing and fast-growing outer suburbs and rural areas, such as Bass Coast.

Bass Coast was identified in the recent census as the fastest growing Gippsland Shire increasing in size by a quarter of its population.

According to the latest census, Bass Coast’s population jumped by 25 per cent since the 2016 census — overtaking Baw Baw Shire.

Bass’ population is expected to reach 36,655 this year and 46,429 by 2036.

Councillor David Rooks said if council is successful in all grant applications it would receive $12.50 back for every dollar they put in.

“It would be a great, great outcome if we are successful some or all of these applications,” he said.

Rhyll Playspace and Heritage Walk

The Rhyll Playspace and Heritage Walk will provide an extension to the newly built Rhyll Playspace and a series of interpretative heritage signs will be installed along the Rhyll foreshore.

This project will be delivered towards the end of this year and the start of 2023.

The project is estimated to cost $295,000 in total with a grant request of $235,000 and council contribution of $60,000.

Anderson Street Reserve

The Anderson Street Reserve Open Space Master Plan is aiming to develop a greenfield reserve in the growing eastern area of San Remo.

The plan includes a playspace, universal fitness area, rotunda, plantings for shade, accessible parking and pathways to link it all together.

The total cost estimate for this project comes in at $617,000. The council is seeking a grant request of $517,000 and the council will contribute $100,000 which is allocated in the Budget for 2023/24.

If successful this project will be delivered across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years.

Bass Coast Rail Trail

An enhanced Wonthaggi Precinct will become a feature stop on the popular Bass Coast Rail Trail. This precinct is located near the Apex Park entrance connecting the community to the Wonthaggi town centre.

The former Wonthaggi Railway Station, now home to the Wonthaggi and District Historical Society and Museum will benefit from a new front entrance to the Museum, taking full advantage of the heritage and beauty of the station.

The platform works supporting this project include the replacement of the existing retaining wall and glazed enclosure for the platform. It will provide a space for community and member events and allow for exhibitions and community gatherings.

It will also become a greater focal point of the Bass Coast Rail Trail and provide for static displays that can be appreciated outside Museum opening hours. Council’s contribution will be $50,000 and it is seeking $388,000 in funding to bring it to a total cost of $438,000.

This project won’t be able to progress without significant state government funding.

Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre

The Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre Community Cinema infrastructure upgrade will “benefit the entire Bass Coast,” according to the council.

This infrastructure project will include a new screen, projector and server.

The council are seeking $220,000 in funding, leaving them to contribute $40,000.

Revitalising Wonthaggi

The continued revitalisation of the heart of Wonthaggi, through enhancing Wonthaggi’s Activity Centre functionality, connectivity, amenity and safety is a vital step to improving Wonthaggi’s attractiveness to residents, visitors and future business operators and investors.

These works will help to elevate Wonthaggi as Southern Gippsland’s regional centre. This grant will build on Stage one works delivered under the regional infrastructure fund $3 million works package, of which the council contributed $1 million.

The council is seeking a grant for the total project cost of $1.5 million with no council contribution.