Forest Park Redevelopment now open!

The newly redeveloped Forest Park is officially open to the public! After months of hard work, this vibrant new space in Orbost is ready to welcome locals and visitors.

It features

• State-of-the-art playground equipment for kids to explore.
• Open spaces for picnics, barbecues and family fun.
• The new Hammond Family Shelter, offering a great spot to relax.
• Modern toilet facilities and bins conveniently placed throughout.

The landscaped gardens and lawns have been revitalised, with ongoing maintenance ensuring they remain lush and inviting, and travellers will appreciate convenient parking, including long-vehicle spaces.

This project reflects Council’s commitment to creating spaces that enhance the community and environment. Thank you for your patience as we completed this exciting transformation.

Come and explore Forest Park today!

We would like to thank our lead contractor, Whelans Group Investments, for their efforts on this project. Whelans' professional conduct resulted in an efficient delivery of works, despite delays due to weather and other events.

The Orbost community’s patience during the construction period is appreciated, and also the businesses who were affected by park closures and delays.

We would like to invite you to join us for the official opening on 29 November 2024 from 10:30 at Orbost Forest Park, Nicholson Street Orbost. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, and photo opportunities.

The Orbost Forest Park upgrade project was funded by generous grants from the Australian Government, and a substantial contribution from East Gippsland Shire Council.

Further updates will be provided on YourSay following the Council Election on 26 October 2024, and the questions/feedback tab will be reinstated.

From 12.00 noon Tuesday 17 September until 6.00 pm on Saturday 26 October (Election Day) we will be in the Local Government Election Period (also known as Caretaker Period).

During this time, we will limit our printed communications, website content, social media activity, and community consultations. The ability for people to comment on our social media content will also be disabled during the Election Period.

Each of these steps is to ensure our content does not affect voting in the election and is consistent with steps taken by other Victorian Councils and the Local Government Act 2020.

These changes are only temporary; we'll be back to normal communication activity after the election.

• The playground is almost complete
• Landscaping continues throughout the site
• The buildings and shelters continue with finishing touches.
• The court bowl and additional long vehicle parking asphalt sealing has been completed.

We have experienced some delays to the installation of balustrade handrail and fall protection throughout the retaining wall section of the project due to supply issues; our contractor is now working hard to confirm a date for installation.

We are really looking forward to re-opening the park to the community, which we now anticipate being in October 2024.

An official opening celebration is being planned for the end of November 2024, further details will be shared soon.

Whelans Group Investments is moving into the final few weeks of construction and rehabilitation, which has already seen the site transformed into an inviting recreational space.

Works are on track, and we anticipate the site will open for the September school holidays ...so get ready to swing into spring!

An official opening celebration is being planned for the end of November; further details will be shared soon.

View the August project update, now available in the documents section -

new progress images have also been added to the photos folder:

Photos | Orbost - Forest Park upgrade | Your Say East Gippsland

Playground equipment is being installed!!

The playground is taking shape, with large components installed and already creating community interest.

• Bulk of the earthworks and retaining walls are nearing completion.
• Accessible pathways are currently under construction
• landscaping areas that will later be inaccessible above the retaining walls.
• Drainage infrastructure in the carpark and preparation for kerb and channel in the court bowl is also under construction.
• Additional long vehicle parking has been included into the project and is currently being constructed.

The project is now well underway; however, there is still much to do before its anticipated completion before the busy summer season.

The recent wet weather has delayed the playground installation, which is now scheduled for Monday the 1 July 2024.

Landscaping is now in progress above the recently completed retaining walls, with some planting completed. Further planting and installation of public seating will soon be carried out, along with the addition of balustrade handrails where required.

Park shelters are under construction and the new toilet block, which is being constructed offsite, is expected to be delivered and installed in the coming weeks, weather permitting.

Kerb and channel to the court bowl area is underway and will allow for footpath connections to follow in the coming weeks.

We welcome your continued interest in this project. Please feel free to share this update with your local network and choose to follow this project on YourSay to receive important information regarding this project directly to your inbox.

The bulk of the earthworks and retaining walls are nearing completion.

Drainage infrastructure in the carpark and preparation for kerb and channel in the court bowl underway.

Concrete steps and Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) accessible pathways are under construction, along with landscaping above the retaining walls.

We welcome your continued interest in this project. Please feel free to share this update with your local network and choose to follow this project on YourSay to receive important information regarding this project directly to your inbox.

Whelans Group Investments Pty Ltd are continuing with demolition works and bulk earthworks throughout the site.

The construction of retaining walls is progressing well.

Works are anticipated to be completed in July 2024.

Additional photos are available in the photos tab: Photos - Orbost Forest Park

Please choose to follow this project on Your Say to receive important information regarding this project directly to your inbox.

Works are underway... Whelans Group Investments Pty Ltd have commenced clearing the site, with much of the old playground already removed.

	signage on the construction fence (Nicholson Street)	signage on the construction fence (Forest Road)

Access to Orbost’s Forest Park will be limited for the next few months while we upgrade the facilities.

Visitors to the area are asked to observe construction signage and any directions from the contractor during the works.