Liam McNally
Although conversations around population growth are often centred around growth corridor municipalities like Melton and Wyndham, Moorabool is also a fast growing area, with a population predicted to double to almost 72,000 by 2041 – to keep up with the change brought on by more people, Moorabool council has a number of projects in the pipeline for 2023
The projects council has earmarked for this focus on repairing damaged infrastructure, and upgrading recreation and community centres, Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said improving roads will be a “major focus”.
“There has been widespread damage from the large amount of rain and flooding last year. Recently we increased our maintenance budget by $600,000 so we can move to fix our roads as quickly as possible,” he said.
“This additional maintenance spending is on top of the $11.7 million allocated in council’s current budget to improve roads, bridges, footpaths and drainage in the shire and an additional $500,000 in flood recovery funding from the state government – a total of $12.8 million to be spent on roads.”
Cr Ward also outlined what recreation and community facility projects are on the horizon for 2023.
“In the next 12 months we will be finishing construction on the basketball stadium in Bacchus Marsh, pavilions at the main reserves in Ballan and Darley, the ovals and new playspace at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, skate parks in Ballan and Gordon, and upgrades at Navigators Community Centre,” he said.
“We’ll also open the next stage of Telford Park at the foot of the Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps, and start work on the West Maddingley Early Years Hub, the bowls and community hub in Bacchus Marsh, and the Ballan Library and Community Hub.
“We will also continue to advocate strongly for an indoor pool for the shire and for the community’s voice to be heard on important issues such as the transmission lines proposal and investment in the Parwan Employment Precinct.”
