Construction has resumed at the Buchan Recreation Reserve Pavilion following the Christmas break, and the new pavilion is continuing to take shape. The project is progressing well and is currently tracking towards completion in April 2026.

Just before Christmas, we had the opportunity to take the Buchan Recreation Reserve Committee of Management through the building. The size of the pavilion and the progress made to date generated a lot of excitement, and the site visit was a great opportunity to share a milestone moment in the project.

What’s happening on site

A range of works will be underway over the next fortnight, including:

• Vinyl flooring being installed in the toilet and shower areas.
• Internal painting progressing in several rooms.
• Builders returning to site and continuing works on the large outdoor deck.
• Mechanical services contractors reconnecting air‑handling systems.
• Kitchen and bar stainless‑steel benchtops measured, with installation expected in the coming weeks.
• Installation of the roof‑mounted safety arrest system.
• Preparation for solar panels and battery systems, scheduled to be installed shortly.
• Soil spoil being sieved for reuse on site at a later stage.
• Awaiting delivery of fibreglass mesh decking for installation on the all‑abilities ramp.
• Delivery expected soon for toilet and shower partitions, as well as internal player seating.
• Bushfire fighting tanks and the football and cricket storage shed now ordered.

This steady progress continues to build momentum toward completion and is creating strong anticipation for the finished facility.

The building has progressed beyond the lock-up stage.

• All internal doors installed and some wall tiling completed.
• Prefinished ceiling linings in the social rooms have been installed.
• The kitchen exhaust rangehood is now in place.
• Internal and external roller doors for the pavilion have been fitted.
• Carpenters are working on the external decking, focusing on the plant area.
• Civil contractors have installed a new fire main and upgraded stormwater infrastructure.
• Works on the wastewater treatment area are scheduled to commence.
• Wall and roof cladding for the new netball and tennis storage shed have been completed.

The project is on track for completion in early 2026.

The building is now at lock up stage.

• The changeroom has been fully plastered – painters are now undercoating the walls and painting the ceilings prior to the installation of wall tiles and fixtures.
• Some wall tiling has been completed.
• The social room walls have been plastered, and prefinished ceiling panels will arrive soon.
• The carpenters are working tirelessly to install the decking around the outside of the building.
• Civil contractors are installing a new fire main and new stormwater infrastructure.
• The new netball and tennis storage shed wall and roof framing has been installed.

The project is on track for completion in early 2026.

Construction continues to progress well, with several new developments:

• Structural steel installation has begun on the west side all-ability ramp.
• Concrete works are underway on the east side ramp.
• The external linings and soffit cladding are nearly complete.
• The elevated slab for the new generator is being formed.
• Internal wall and ceiling linings are advancing, with joint finishing in progress.
• The tennis and netball storage shed floor has been poured.

The builder remains on track for completion in 2026.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Recently completed

• veranda floor joists

What's happening on site

• West ramp structural steel installation
• External linings and claddings
• Civil concrete works
• Internal linings
• Preparation for the tennis and netball storage shed concrete floor
• Hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical services roughed in
• Soffit lining

We are still on track for completion in 2026.

Current activities on site -

• Plumbing, electrical, data/security and mechanical rough-in
• Window installation
• Deck framing
• Wall cladding
• Eave/soffit lining

Works are currently on schedule for completion in 2026.

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.