Orbost - Forest Park Upgrade
Current update - 18 May 2022
Council have revised the proposed concept plan due to the outcomes of the consultation sessions. This new plan along with other consultation material can be found in the documents section of this page.
Council Officers will be available in Orbost during the following times to discuss the revised plan:
10 am to 12 pm on 24 May at Ruskin Street Service Centre; and
11 am to 1 pm on 26 May at Nicholson Street, at the end of Lawson Street
Please come along and meet with Council Officers and discuss the proposed concept plans for this exciting upgrade!
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The Forest Park Orbost upgrade will revitalise and modernise Orbost’s premier passive recreation area, visitor rest-stop and gateway to the Rail Trail. This will both grow local tourism by providing a destination for travellers 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 themselves will include;
- a new toilet and amenities block,
- increased parking,
- an extensive adventure playground,
- installation of a picnic area,
- refreshing the interpretation of the gateway to the East Gippsland Rail Trail (trail head),
- complementing the recently announced proposed $3.4M upgrade of the Snowy River Bridge
- boosting the ‘cycling economy’ in Orbost.
The project will stimulate the local economy and provide significant community benefits to a town in transition. The project will also assist to enhance the town’s status as an ‘age-friendly town’ and attract retirees and 'tree changers' to reside in Orbost.
Budget
$1,300,000 has been granted from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications via the Regional Recovery Partnerships program. Council will also be contributing $520,000. Bringing the total project budget to $1,820,000.
Community Consultation
Community consultation through in person sessions and an online survey for feedback on the current layout of the proposed plan was completed in June 2021. We thank everyone who participated in the consultation process. Council are 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.
If you have any comments or questions please submit them in the comments section below.
For updates on the progress of the project please see the News Feed tab below
Information last updated by Senior Project Development Officer on 10 May 2022