Orbost - Forest Park Upgrade

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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!

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

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!

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Forest Park Development - Orbost

    67 responses

    Council is encouraging feedback via a survey on the current layout of the proposed plan. Further feedback on the look, feel and functionality of the overall park would be appreciated.

    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 agers 1-15”. This exciting initiative is being facilitated through the Broadening Horizons Program.

    Key considerations

    Forest Park is a large, expansive space, however, its flood prone nature limits areas that can be built on, or developed. The flood zone (shown as a dotted blue line) is a key constraint on the potential development of the site – further consultation is required with East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority to ensure this is properly accounted for.

    The playground is proposed to be moved to a more central location as shown. It is noted that this is close to Nicholson Street. If this playground was to be placed here, adequate fencing and barriers will be provided. Feedback on the proposed position is welcome.

    The toilets are located in the current position to utilise the existing services. Feedback is welcome on an alternative location of the toilet block – along with its look, feel and size.

    Take Survey
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  • Comments welcome - Orbost - Forest Park Upgrade

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Page last updated: 18 May 2022, 11:28 AM