Orbost - Forest Park upgrade

The Forest Park Orbost upgrade will revitalise and modernise Orbost’s premier passive recreation area and visitor rest-stop. This will both grow local tourism by providing a destination for travelers using the Princes Highway; and provide a place for community members of all ages to gather, connect and enjoy the beautiful location and facilities. This will assist the Orbost community to recover from the 'Black Summer' fires that came on the heels of three years of drought and announcements that will see an end to the area’s native timber industry.

The works will include;

• a new accessible toilet block with baby change facilities
• access improvements, new paths and increased parking
• an adventure playground
• BBQs, picnic facilities and covered shelter

Budget

Funding was provided through the Council and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications via the Regional Recovery Partnerships program.

Community consultation

Community consultation through in-person sessions and an online survey for feedback on the layout of the proposed plan was completed in June 2021. We thank everyone who participated in the consultation process. Council is reviewing all feedback and will be providing responses shortly.

The detail of the playground area is being co-designed with students from Orbost Secondary College. Their brief is to “design, plan and pitch a proposal for the new Forest Park playground. Playground should have elements suitable for ages 1-15”. This exciting initiative is being facilitated through the Broadening Horizons Program.

Council has hosted information sessions in Orbost to gather feedback on the proposed concept plan for the new and improved Forest Park, the sessions included a session with Councillors present to answer any concerns raised by the community.

The feedback received at all sessions was supportive of the plan with some additional input received. Council has awarded a detailed design contract to a local consultant.

To ensure the project meets the intended outcomes for community, Council has undertaken a detailed review of the proposed project costs based on the most recent concept design. As a result of this review, Council has determined that further refinement of the concept design was required and continued to work with the Project Representative Group and support the Orbost community on ways to deliver this important project.

For updates on the progress of the project please see the News Feed tab below