There’ll be increased activity at Briagolong Recreation Reserve over coming months, but the action won’t all be on the ground.
Wellington Shire Council has this month invited civil construction companies to submit tenders to develop and build a new carpark at the reserve.
Local MP Darren Chester said the formalisation of carparking would be a welcome improvement at the reserve.
“The recreation reserve at Briagolong is in a lovely bushland setting, but there are no marked places for vehicles and the parking area is uneven and rocky in spots,” Mr Chester said.
“A new sealed surface for vehicles will improve safety for all users, particularly the children and families who use the reserve, and will help to reduce dust.”
The $185,000 allocated for the new carpark and a shed at Briagolong Recreation Reserve will come from Wellington’s $1 million allocation from round two of the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program. This program is designed to stimulate spending and support jobs in drought-affected communities.
Mr Chester said a further $200,000 would be provided under the same program to upgrade the pony club facilities at the reserve.
“This is a significant amount of government money to be invested in long-term community infrastructure in Briag,” Mr Chester said.
“Wellington has acutely felt the impact of the drought, the summer bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic. Local businesses are suffering from the prolonged downturn in visitor numbers.
“Many of our small communities are under financial pressure, so the Federal Government is stepping in and providing the money needed to finish projects like this one that will bring lasting community benefits, while putting money into the local economy.
“Projects like this support our local contractors and suppliers and support local jobs.”
Mr Chester secured $200,000 for the $700,000 project to redevelop the pavilion at the reserve. The upgraded building was officially opened in November last year.
Tenders for the new carpark must be submitted before 2pm on Wednesday 2 December, 2020.
