Bairnsdale - WORLD Sporting Precinct Redevelopment
Women's Organisation for Recreation, Leisure and Development (WORLD)
This project originates from Council’s adoption of the Bairnsdale Sporting Facilities Plan in September 2018, which identified the project as a high priority due to the strong participation and growth in Netball, Hockey, Soccer and Futsal.
The project has attracted significant investment from both the Australian Government and the Victorian State Government in collectively providing grant funding and the Victorian Government providing funds through a low interest loan scheme.
Construction Package 1 – Main Car Park and Hockey Pitches, Hockey and soccer carparking, infrastructure.
Construction Package 2 – Netball Courts and Carparking construction.
Construction Package 3 – Netball and Hockey Pavilion (WORLD pavilion) construction.
Construction Package 4 – Soccer Precinct.
Project Scope
When complete, this project will provide the following regional level sporting facilities:
- eight court netball precinct with Marshall’s building
- synthetic hockey pitch with lighting
- grass hockey pitch with lighting
- synthetic soccer field with lighting
- grass soccer field with lighting
- all associated works including access roads, paths, electrical kiosk, car parking, landscaping, and water metering system
- two new pavilions to service multiple clubs across the sporting codes
The staged construction has allowed the kindergarten to continue to provide services to the community, and a second Bairnsdale Netball Association season to go ahead.
The footprint for the construction of the new soccer fields and soccer pavilion is currently undergoing environmental assessment and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) approvals.
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Women's Organisation for Recreation, Leisure and Development (WORLD)
This project originates from Council’s adoption of the Bairnsdale Sporting Facilities Plan in September 2018, which identified the project as a high priority due to the strong participation and growth in Netball, Hockey, Soccer and Futsal.
The project has attracted significant investment from both the Australian Government and the Victorian State Government in collectively providing grant funding and the Victorian Government providing funds through a low interest loan scheme.
Construction Package 1 – Main Car Park and Hockey Pitches, Hockey and soccer carparking, infrastructure.
Construction Package 2 – Netball Courts and Carparking construction.
Construction Package 3 – Netball and Hockey Pavilion (WORLD pavilion) construction.
Construction Package 4 – Soccer Precinct.
Project Scope
When complete, this project will provide the following regional level sporting facilities:
- eight court netball precinct with Marshall’s building
- synthetic hockey pitch with lighting
- grass hockey pitch with lighting
- synthetic soccer field with lighting
- grass soccer field with lighting
- all associated works including access roads, paths, electrical kiosk, car parking, landscaping, and water metering system
- two new pavilions to service multiple clubs across the sporting codes
The staged construction has allowed the kindergarten to continue to provide services to the community, and a second Bairnsdale Netball Association season to go ahead.
The footprint for the construction of the new soccer fields and soccer pavilion is currently undergoing environmental assessment and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) approvals.
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Project Update - 23 October 2023
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Project update - 25 September 2023
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Project Update - 14 September 2023
Share Project Update - 14 September 2023 on Facebook Share Project Update - 14 September 2023 on Twitter Share Project Update - 14 September 2023 on Linkedin Email Project Update - 14 September 2023 linkAll works on the netball courts and carpark are now complete, including the balustrade and placement of the netball post padding.
The Netball Association are now able to use the courts during daylight hours.
The power connection to the precinct is progressing and is scheduled for energization early October. The lighting systems will then require adjusting and certification to the required lux levels as per the current sporting standards.
- Hockey complex – synthetic pitch complete, grass pitch almost complete (further irrigation works will be undertaken once the power connection is complete)
- Access roads, paths, car parking and landscaping are all complete
- Pavilion 1 - Netball Marshall building is complete
- Pavilion 2 - WORLD pavilion is currently under construction (see photos)
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Project Update - 17 July 2023 - lighting installation
Share Project Update - 17 July 2023 - lighting installation on Facebook Share Project Update - 17 July 2023 - lighting installation on Twitter Share Project Update - 17 July 2023 - lighting installation on Linkedin Email Project Update - 17 July 2023 - lighting installation linkThe Hockey lights were erected on Friday 14 July 2023.
The light towers are approximately 30 metres tall. The lights will now be positioned to achieve the average lux required across the field. Electrical inspection and sign off will then follow. The electrical contractor expects to have all the electrical works completed by the end of this month.
Framing of the new Pavilion is starting to take shape -
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Project Update - 12 July 2023
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Wallace Street, Bairnsdale - between Taylor Street and Bredt Street
Friday 14 July 2023, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Wallace Street, Bairnsdale - between Taylor Street and Bredt Street - will be closed on Friday 14 July 2023, from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm to undertake lighting installation works at the WORLD Sporting Precinct.
The road closure will ensure the safety of community and contractors and ensure the work is able to be completed as quickly as possible.
Visitors to the area are asked to observe the construction signage and any directions from the contractor during the works. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we undertake these necessary works.
The Hockey lights are scheduled to be erected on Friday 14 July 2023. Please note the section of Wallace Street near these works will be closed to the public during the installation.
Following erection of the lights, further works are required to position the lights to achieve the average lux required across the field. Electrical inspection and sign off will then follow. The electrical contractor expects to have all the electrical works completed by the end of this month.
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Project Update - 19 June 2023
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Project update 9/5/2023
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Saturday 6 May 2023 saw the first hockey matches played on the synthetic field ️🏑
The majority of the WORLD site remains a construction area. All visitors are asked to observe construction site signage and any directions from the contractor including following traffic management direction in the precinct during the works.
Other key information:
- Portable toilets have been installed as an interim measure for hockey clubs’ use during game days.
- The turf (grass) field is not ready for use. Electricity is required before we can finalise the irrigation system.
- Temporary change rooms and amenities have arrived on site, and we are working on getting electricity connected before these can be used.
- Permanent pavilion construction starts in the coming weeks.
- Hockey lighting will be installed soon.
Netball
Work on the netball courts is progressing well. Handrails, lighting, marshal building, carpark and seating are on the go, and we will continue to work with the @Bairnsdale Netball Association on court availability date … it won’t be long!
We are working with our Federal and State Government funding partners and both the netball and hockey associations in planning a soft opening in the coming months when both user groups are using the site.
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Project Update 27/04/2023
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Wallace street, Bairnsdale
Wallace Street, Bairnsdale, between McKean Street and Bredt Street will be closed on 28 April 2023 and from 2-3 May 2023, 9.30 am to 2.30 pm in order to undertake works.
East Gippsland Shire Council apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused.
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Mal Langskaill, Coordinator Project Delivery, on 03 5153 9500.
Sairam Jegatheeswaran
Manager Capital Projects and Plant
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Project Update 1/02/2023
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Progress and timeframes are subject to weather conditions and supply chain:
- Synthetic hockey pitch installed.
- Grass pitch installation is complete. Irrigation is running off temporary power supply and controls pending AusNet site energisation and MSB installation. 1 final (additional) topdress is to be completed in February.
- Hockey spine and player shelters are in progress. Concrete paving 70% complete. Player shelter foundations poured, steel frame erected. cladding and furniture to follow.
- Hockey lights - foundations 95% complete. Awaiting delivery of poles.
- Final seal coat to the entry road and southern lane of the carpark completed (excluding line marking).
- Netball concrete work complete. Perimeter paving, seating, and access ramp complete. The curing period is in progress, acrylic surfacing to be completed in March/April.
- Netball player shelters in progress - foundations and site erection of structure complete. Cladding and furniture to follow.
- Netball marshall building foundations are complete. Council has completed steel and timber framing. Glazing installation commenced.
- Planning Permit Amendment received. Awaiting FFG permit (relates to additional native vegetation removal for the netball drainage swale).
- Pedestrian boardwalks, drainage detention pond, and connection progress continue to be impacted by wet conditions at the outflow point. To be completed post handover of courts. Also potentially impacted by EPBC referral mitigation requirements.
- The WORLD pavilion appointed contractor was not able to complete the contract and has been formally released from the Project by EGSC. New Contractor procurement/engagement process is in progress.
- Council is arranging temporary amenities for netball and hockey for use in the gap between playing surface completion and pavilion completion.
- Soccer precinct - progress on the soccer stages of this development awaits Federal Government approvals from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) per the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC). The EPBC referral was formally accepted by the department on 15th September. The referral is now in the decision phase. Additional information has been requested (RFI). Consultant engaged and progressing response to RFI including completion of additional site assessments undertaken in January 23. The project expectation is that the decision will be a "Controlled Action". More information about this process is available on request.
- Meeting with GLaWAC scheduled for February to review and monitor project progress on fulfilling Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) commitments.
- Council officer has commenced facility management and use planning and engagement with stakeholders for operational committee(s)
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Project Update 9/11/2022
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The synthetic hockey pitch and netball courts surfacing will be completed by February 2023. The project supervisor is awaiting permanent power energisation advice from AusNet (forecast by the end of the year).
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Phone 03 51539500 Email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au
Feature video
Key Dates
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05 December 2024
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14 July 2023
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06 May 2023
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15 June 2022
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25 May 2021
Media Releases
- Council to launch major sports and recreation projects | Date of Issue: November 25, 2024
- WORLD hockey and netball pavilion opens - My Council, My Community | July - August 2024 Edition
- WORLD Sport Precinct, Bairnsdale project update | Date of Issue: July 30, 2023
- Hockey players score synthetic pitch for WORLD Sporting Precinct | Date of Issue: August 6, 2021
- WORLD Sporting Precinct scores a goal | Date of Issue: June 5, 2020
Videos
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Click here to play video Netball Association Championships - Sunday 15 June 2025 Our WORLD Sporting Complex netball courts and pavilion were buzzing on Sunday for the Netball Victoria Association Championships, featuring 500 players and in total about 1,000 supporters, volunteers and officials. There were some tired young netballers on Sunday night, but what an opportunity for our local players to put their skills on display against the best from Gippsland on their home courts. To the band of volunteers, thank you for helping create an environment where some great memories were made. It’s events such as these that are now possible because of the investment we’ve made in this facility.
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Click here to play video First netball games played at the WORLD on Thursday 19 October 2023
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Click here to play video WORLD construction update - 25 September 2023 Hockey - completed. Netball - completed.
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Click here to play video Saturday 6 May 2023 saw the first hockey matches played on the synthetic field. Congratulations to all involved in for helping us reach this significant milestone for the sporting community of East Gippsland! We are sure all players, families and officials were excited to put the field to use.
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Click here to play video Update: new synthetic hockey pitch and progress report on netball courts Update 7 March 2023: new synthetic hockey pitch and netball courts weeks away from completion.
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Click here to play video WORLD Sporting Precinct - May 2021 update A flyover of early construction works at the WORLD Sporting Precinct. Check out our later video to see progress at the site.
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Click here to play video Take a bird's-eye look at progress at the WORLD Sporting Precinct site The WORLD Sporting Precinct project Is making great progress - take a look. The WORLD Sporting Project has faced the combined challenges of heavy rain and Covid with its related staffing and materials shortages. Despite these challenges we’re making good progress, with the new carpark south of Westdale Kindergarten being opened for kindergarten use. We’ve commenced site works on the new netball courts and parking area. The hockey pitch work is progressing, with upgrades to the pitch installations (a synthetic surface to one pitch and improved drainage design to the grass pitch) being managed. Pad preparation for the new pavilion is in progress. Our contractors are working hard to complete the pavilion, netball and hockey playing surfaces by the end of 2022, allowing for a summer opening of these facilities. The soccer precinct in the southern section of the site will include two pitches and a pavilion similar to the WORLD pavilion. The area where the field and pavilion will be built is currently undergoing Federal Government environmental approvals under the EPBC Act. Council is awaiting an initial assessment from the department (DAWE), which will clarify timeframes for the broader approvals process.
Photos
Documents
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OFFICIAL OPENING INVITE_ stages 1-2-3_on_5-DEC-2024-5-30PM (122 KB) (png)
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WORLD - Media Release - Hon Jane Garrett MP (234 KB) (pdf)
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WORLD - Site plan - Early works - 28/06/2021 (4.15 MB) (pdf)
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WORLD - Stage 2 - Overall site plan - 28/06/2021 (3.09 MB) (pdf)
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WORLD - Existing site and demo plan - 28/06/2021 (1.72 MB) (pdf)
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WORLD building opening in 1984 [The News & Market Guide, Wednesday 8 August 1984] (1.34 MB) (pdf)