Council celebrates its largest ever grant for a capital works project

Published on 16 May 2024

Baw Baw Shire Council is celebrating after receiving its largest funding grant ever received for a capital works project. 

Council has been successful in receiving $14.5 million from the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program towards the construction of the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct. 

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe says Council is thrilled with the funding boost announcement this afternoon.  

“We have been advocating strongly for this project along with our community and thank everyone involved. 

We are excited to able to see it come to life for our Baw Baw community. 

“We acknowledge the ongoing advocacy work by the Peri Urban Councils Victoria to see increased funding available for councils from the Federal Government. 

“We would like to thank both the State and Federal governments for their contributions towards this much-needed infrastructure project in Baw Baw.” 

Baw Baw Shire Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Ben Wood said the $35 million project would see a new culture and community connection precinct constructed right in the heart of Baw Baw Shire - Warragul.  

“This will see a new library and learning centre precinct right near our popular West Gippsland Arts Centre and Civic Park,” he said. 

“This is something we as a community have been advocating for and we are excited to start working on our brand new civic and community hub. 

“This is a joint venture with Baw Baw Shire Council, the Victorian Government and the Federal Government, and we thank all levels of Government for their contributions.” 

The Victorian Government has contributed $3.5 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund and $1 million from Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.