Whitehorse News - August 2022

A large part of our annual budget is focused on the improvement of Council-owned and managed assets. This is called the capital works program.

The capital works program is made up of infrastructure, property, plant and equipment-related projects. These projects are focused on design, renewal, upgrade, expansion or new acquisition/construction of a variety of assets. Here are some of the improvement works that have occurred throughout the municipality over the past financial year.

Cootamundra Ward

Main Street Bridge, Blackburn
The renewal works completed in February 2022 will ensure the structural stability of the bridge for up to the next 100 years.

The project cost $1.63M and was funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding. Revegetation works were completed in Autumn with lighting. Speed humps will be installed in the coming months to improve pedestrian safety.

Caroline Crescent/Katrina Street, Blackburn North streetscape improvement
This project included installation of exposed aggregate concrete pavement, upgrade of indented car parking bays, installation of new street furniture and landscaping.

Eley Ward

Highbury Park Play Space
Highlights of this play space upgrade at Highbury Park has created opportunities for inclusive play, with installation of a hammock swing, a wheelchair-accessible winger, a gyro swing and a variety of wheelchair-accessible activity panels below two of the towers.

The $260k upgrade was designed in consultation with the community. The previous play space equipment was donated to the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds program.

Elgar Ward

Springfield Park
Park renewal works included installation of solar car park lights, an electronic scorebard (funded by the state government), fencing and furniture to be enjoyed by local sporting clubs and the community.

Kingsley Ward

10th/13th Scouts Box Hill - Boondara Road Reserve
This $470k refurbishment was one of many improvements to Scout Halls in the municipality. 

Works included recladding the exterior walls, constructing stairs, a landing and interior flooring as well as removing asbestos and fixing water damage and drainage issues.

Construction of an accessible ramp and unisex toilet also makes for a more inclusive space.

Lake Ward

Morton Park sports field lighting
A $580k upgrade to the lighting at Morton Park to light both the eastern and western ovals were completed January 2022.

Works included removal of existing lighting and installation of a new cost-effective, durable and high-quality LED lighting system at 150 LUX.

The new lighting has reduced light spill outside the ground and improved amenity for athletes and users, including Blackburn Football Club’s men’s, women’s and over 20 junior teams.

The project received $300k funding from the state government.

Central Road/Homewood Street safety improvements
Pedestrian safety improvements were completed in June, with installation of a new footpath, pedestrian ramps and kerb and channel replacement.

Mahoneys Ward

Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct Redevelopment
Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct opened in December 2021. The vibrant precinct celebrates Whitehorse’s rich history and empowers a healthy and sustainable future. Environmentally-conscious measures such as use of recycled materials, FSC certified timber and low volatile organic components paints were used in the construction process. 

Heritage features such as the homestead and original garden layout were restored and the orchard was re-established. 

New features were constructed including meeting rooms, a kitchen and kitchen garden and and shed for use as an outdoor education hub and for hire.

Brentford Square Streetscape
$620k was spent to renew the streetscape at Brentford Square shopping precinct in Forest Hill and support local traders. 

Works included replacement of previous asphalt with new exposed aggregate coloured concrete paving and an updated outdoor seating area with street furniture and landscaping. The car park was also improved, including with the addition of two additional accessible parking spots.

Simpson Ward

Heatherdale Station drop-off zone
A new indented commuter drop off/pick up zone has been constructed on Forster Street, Mitcham to improve commuter and road safety and reduce traffic congestion around the station.

Sparks Ward

Lighting and canteen works at RHL Sparks Reserve
Works to upgrade the sportsfield lighting to light three rugby fields were completed in December 2021. The project was funded by a combination of federal and state government funding at a total cost of $681k. The existing system was removed and of a new lighting system was installed, providing cost effective, durable and high-quality LED lighting at 200 LUX for field 1,100 LUX for field 2 and 50 LUX for the training field. 

A $367k upgrade to the canteen at the reserve was also completed.

Sparks Reserve West Pavilion
Construction on the new Sparks Reserve West Pavilion is also underway, due to be completed sometime this financial year. 

The total project budget is $3.29M, with the state government providing $500k from the World Game Facilities Fund. 

Works include a covered external concourse for spectator viewing, four female-friendly change rooms and amenities, a kiosk, first aid room, storage, public toilets and a reconfigured car park with entry from Canterbury Road.

Terrara Ward

Morack Golf improvements and redevelopment
Improvements to the Morack Golf Course in the past financial year include drainage works on 4th, 11th and 18th holes, replacement of the shelter on 15th, and fence extension on 8th. 

The pavilion redevelopment began in June 2022 and construction is expected to be completed in late 2023.

Vermont South Library solar panel installation
Council has installed solar panels at a number of locations throughout Whitehorse to help offset rising utility costs and reduce our carbon footprint. 

Alongside Vermont South Library, other locations include Blackburn Library, Box Hill Library and Senior Citizens Centre, Forest Hill Hall, and Friend St Kindergarten.

Terrara Park Pavilion redevelopment
A new large pavilion was developed at Terrara Park in Vermont South. 

The project was completed in November 2021 at a total cost of $6.48M and is now in use by sporting clubs and the community.

Highlights of the new building include covered spectator viewing areas, increased storage space and public accessible toilets, female friendly amenities and environmentally-sustainable features including large rainwater collection tanks and PV solar panels.

Walker Ward

Britannia Mall streetscape
Streetscape improvements to Britannia Mall in Mitcham included upgrading pedestrian pavements and lighting, landscaping and installation of street furniture. 

Two activation pods were also created in the mall area for community events and activities.

The upgrade provides an inviting, safe and accessible public space that encourages gathering and support for local businesses.

The total cost was $1.25M, with Council receiving $382K additional funding from the Mitcham Rotary Club and the Department of Justice.

Halliday Park
Improvements to Halliday Park were completed in February 2022 and included installation of a new basketball half court, exposed aggregate concrete path connection and new seating.

Wattle Ward

Kerb and channel – Leonard Street, Burwood
Kerb and channel works relate to the concrete or stone structures typically located at the edge of the road to provide drainage and keep vehicles a safe distance from pedestrians. 

Council has spent $918K renewing these assets, including on Leonard Street in Burwood. Additional works were completed in 2021/22 with Local Road and Community Infrastructure federal funding.