Despite recent delays caused by heavy rainfall and flooding of the Buchan River, the upgrade works at the Buchan Recreation Reserve are progressing well, with strong momentum behind the construction of the new pavilion.

• Roof installation is nearing completion with capping and flashing to be installed shortly.
• Window frames installed, glazing to follow soon.
• Hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical services to start roughing in this week.
• Plasterers have started installing furring channels ready to support the internal wall linings.

We were pleased to welcome Emergency Recovery Victoria CEO Mariela Diaz, members of the Buchan Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, and our own General Manager Assets and Environment, Stuart McConnell, along with the projects team, for a site visit to review progress firsthand. Their support and engagement are greatly appreciated as we work together to deliver this important community asset.

Despite the rain and wind slowing progress over the last 2 weeks, the works are well advanced thanks to the builder's robust resourcing; including 7-8 carpenters and 3 plumbers on-site.

• flat roof sections installed
• wall framing complete.
• windows have been site measured and are in production.
• some reflective foil insulation has been installed together with battens to some of the outside walls.

What's next?

• soaker-flashings being installed to accommodate the angled roof sections.
• hydraulic services to the sub floor area will start next week along with electrical cable trays.
  

The project remains on track for completion in 2026.

On Friday 9 May, we hosted representatives from Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) and the Project Reference Group (PRG) for a site visit to the pavilion construction site.

Attendees were impressed by the scale and progress of the works, particularly the fully erected steel frame, and provided encouraging feedback. Community interest and enthusiasm for the project remain strong.

Tennis / Netball courts

• SP Ausnet has connected power to the new Main Switchboard (MSSB), bringing electricity to the Netball lights, Pony Club shed, and social rooms.
• The Netball contractor conducted testing of the Netball and Tennis court lights last night. We are currently awaiting the results.
• Netball training was held under the new lighting system, a great milestone for the project and the local sporting community.

Pavilion Construction

• All structural steel has been erected on site.
• The builder is completing the last sections of flooring and has commenced infilling the external walls.
• Roof materials have been ordered and are expected to arrive soon. If weather and conditions permit, initial roof installation may begin in the coming weeks.
• Site measurements for windows are scheduled for next week.

The structure is substantial, incorporating around 50 tonnes of steel and 1.5 kilometres of floor joists. This phase alone involves the installation of 400 joist hangers and approximately 29,000 nails!

The project remains on track and within budget; we are targeting project completion in 2026.

Feedback on the proposed removal of the two large golden poplar trees at the entrance to the Buchan Recreation Reserve revealed strong community sentiment.

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and experiences regarding the golden poplar trees at the Buchan Recreation Reserve.

Feedback reflects a diverse range of community perspectives; some expressed deep emotional and cultural connections to the trees, while others voiced concerns of safety, maintenance, and long-term sustainability.

All feedback has been thoughtfully considered, and we’ve also sought independent arborist advice to help guide our approach. The health, safety, and heritage of the site are all being carefully weighed as part of this process.

We're waiting for the arborist to finish additional investigation before making a final decision.

Thank you again for your contribution and for your understanding as we continue to work through this important matter with care and consideration.

🏐 Netball courts

• Court surface & markings - the court coating and line marking have been successfully completed.
• Fixtures & handover - All court fixtures have been installed. The courts have now been officially handed over and are available for netball training and games.
• Electrical infrastructure - SP AusNet has completed the installation of the new power pole and transformer on the street, along with the underground cabling.
• Lighting status - The netball court lights remain non-operational until SP AusNet completes the final power connection.
• Power connection follow-up - we have been actively engaging with SP AusNet to secure a connection date. However, a confirmed timeline for the power connection has not yet been provided.
  
  

Pavilion construction

• Steelwork Installation:

  • 100% of the pavilion steelwork has been delivered to site.
  • Approximately 95% of the subfloor steel and 80% of the roof structure have been installed.
  • Steel erection will continue over the coming weeks.

• Carpentry works - carpenters are currently installing floor joists onto the steel bearers as part of the next construction phase.

• Project timeline - the builder remains on schedule with the current works program, targeting project completion in 2026.

Some 80% of the steel framing for the Recreation Reserve pavilion – part of the Buchan Recreation Reserve Master Plan – has been delivered to site and the builders are busily putting it together.

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Netball and Tennis Court

Everyone's buzzing with excitement as significant progress is made on the netball and tennis courts.

The new light poles and lights have been installed and tested, ensuring bright and safe play areas. The new asphalt will soon be ready for the contractor to begin preparations for coating and line marking. Weather permitting, the coating is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.

The court fencing is nearly finished, with gates soon to be installed. Following the coating, netball rings and tennis posts will be set up, complementing the already installed basketball ring.

A power upgrade is scheduled, with SP Ausnet installing a new pole and transformer in the first week of April 2025. We are eagerly awaiting the power connection date to light up the new courts.

Pavilion Project

The pavilion project is also on track. All concrete footings are complete, along with some stormwater drainage and pits.

The pavilion will feature a robust steel frame with a timber substructure, promising a sturdy and welcoming facility for all. With 80% of the steel subfloor delivered, contractors have begun erecting it.

The builder remains on schedule, aiming for completion in 2026.

Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting projects continue to unfold!

Pavilion subfloor steel work

New lights being tested

New court fencing

The Buchan Recreation Reserve Committee of Management has asked us to consider removing three trees at the reserve.

The reason for this request is due to their proximity to existing buildings and court infrastructure, as outlined in the attached plan. During the design phase, every effort was made to retain trees where feasible, but trees situated too close to infrastructure - where their root systems could be compromised or pose potential structural risks - have been identified for removal.

We are intending to progress with this Committee of Management request for the removal of the trees; however, if you have any questions or concerns about the tree removal, please contact us by 31 March 2025.

We acknowledge the environmental and community value of trees, and this decision has not been made lightly. We appreciate your understanding as we work to enhance the safety and sustainability of Buchan Recreation Reserve for all users.

If you represent a local group that could utilise the timber from the removed trees for a positive purpose, please contact Mark Tickner at 5153 9500 to discuss potential opportunities.

Sports courts

• The proof roll and compaction test for the 2nd layer of court base has been approved.
• Most of the perimeter fence posts have been installed so our concreter can start the formwork for the spoon drain and concrete pathways beside the netball court.
• The steel reinforcement cages for the light poles have been delivered and pole footings will be dug in the new year.
• The rebound hit-up wall concrete panel has been made off site and ready for delivery and installation in the new year.
• We are hoping that asphalt will be installed late January [weather permitting].

Pavilion

Set out of the new pavilion works has taken place with the builder excavating and pouring more than 50% of the building's footings.

Netball /Tennis courts

• The proof roll and compaction test for the 1^st layer of the court base has been ticked off.
• The court contractor will bring in stabilising material and compact it over the next few weeks.
• The steel reinforcement cages for the light poles have been delivered; the light pole footings to be excavated soon.
• Our fencing contractor is scheduled to start works shortly as many of these components need to be in before the concrete works can occur.
• Structural plans for the rebound wall have been approved and the contractor has placed the order for production.

Pavilion

• A building permit for the new pavilion has been issued.
• The builders now have possession of the site.
• Set out of the new pavilion works to take place this week.