Orbost - Forest Park Upgrade

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Overview

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.

$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.

Council is encouraging feedback via a survey (see below) 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 ages 1-15”. This exciting initiative is being facilitated through the Broadening Horizons Program.

Additional Consultation Opportunities with Council’s Senior Project Development Officer

Where: Council's Business Centre, 1 Ruskin Street, Orbost

DAYDATETIME
Friday7 May 202110 am - 2 pm
Wednesday12 May 202111 am - 1 pm
Wednesday19 May 202110 am - 1 pm
Friday21 May 202110 am - 2 pm
Wednesday2 June 202110 am - 2 pm


Survey closed at midnight on 7/6/2021


Information last updated by Senior Project Development Officer on 28/06/2021

Overview

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.

$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.

Council is encouraging feedback via a survey (see below) 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 ages 1-15”. This exciting initiative is being facilitated through the Broadening Horizons Program.

Additional Consultation Opportunities with Council’s Senior Project Development Officer

Where: Council's Business Centre, 1 Ruskin Street, Orbost

DAYDATETIME
Friday7 May 202110 am - 2 pm
Wednesday12 May 202111 am - 1 pm
Wednesday19 May 202110 am - 1 pm
Friday21 May 202110 am - 2 pm
Wednesday2 June 202110 am - 2 pm


Survey closed at midnight on 7/6/2021


Information last updated by Senior Project Development Officer on 28/06/2021

  • 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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