Rochester projects endorsed for funding
Works for two infrastructure projects in Rochester have been endorsed by Council to proceed as funding becomes available. The projects include an upgrade of the Rochester Skate Park and surrounds, and various works resulting from the Moore Street Concept Plan.
Campaspe Mayor, Cr Leigh Wilson, said it was important for Council to plan ahead for key infrastructure projects which can then pave the way for seeking the necessary funding from all available sources.
“Both the upgrade of the existing skate park and works in Moore Street are important projects to the Rochester community,” Cr Wilson said.
“They each have the potential to provide social and economic benefits for the town. Improved amenity and better quality assets not only encourage residents to use their local facilities but they also encourage passers-by to stop and enjoy the town and all it has to offer.
“Council will continue to liaise with the Rochester community about the projects, and keep them informed of our efforts to secure funding from other levels of government to bring the projects to fruition.
Upgrade of existing Rochester skate park and surrounds
The original skate park was built in 2008, funded through the federal government’s Community Facilities Funding Program, some funding from Council and Sport and Recreation Victoria. Based on the level of funding available, the scope of works included building the skate bowl structure and footpath, but no landscaping.
Since this time, students from Rochester Secondary College have prepared and submitted a proposal to Council for landscaping of the park. Their proposal was based on feedback received through a community survey. The proposal highlighted the community’s view that the current state of the park negatively impacts upon the surrounding area and town centre.
Transforming the space into a more attractive area, particularly through a range of landscaping treatments, will achieve multiple benefits for the broader community given the park’s multipurpose usage as an area for community activities and town market, and its heritage attachment, having been the original Rochester saleyards site.
“I’m of no doubt that the contribution of skate park users from Rochester in speaking at the Council meeting helped me gain support of fellow Councillors for that motion,” said Cr Wilson.
“This project has been driven by the youth of Rochester.”
Following a review of the youth group’s submission and further consultation with stakeholders, Council has endorsed the following list of works to form the basis of a project for implementation as funding becomes available:
- lawn to be planted
- trees for shade and improved amenity
- screen planting along the southern boundary fence adjoining Lely Australia
- drainage repairs to the bull ring, installation of a heritage plaque and security lighting
- installation of asphalt path
- modification of saleyard fences to improve pedestrian access.
Constructions works are estimated to cost $128,000. Council will begin to seek funding opportunities to undertake the works.
Moore Street Concept Plan works
Council and the community have been liaising about the merit of upgrade works in the vicinity of Moore Street road reserve for over a decade. An investigation conducted by Council in conjunction with the community in 2003, was abandoned by Council on the basis that the estimated high cost of the project did not justify the limited perceived benefits. A further investigation by Council in 2013 reached a similar conclusion.
Notwithstanding these conclusions, in light of the community’s continued advocacy for infrastructure works to be undertaken in Moore Street as an outcome of the Moore Street Concept Plan, Council has recently assessed a list of priority works for the Moore Street road reserve submitted by the Rochester C4R Moore Street Committee.
Based on this assessment, Council has now endorsed the following scope of work to be delivered as funding becomes available:
- removal of the existing gravel car park adjacent to the Opperman statue to create a landscaped lawn area to the value of $59,000 held in reserve since 2006/07
- construction of a DDA compliant crossing point adjacent to the Opperman statue
Council further noted that staff will continue to advocate to VicRoads for the construction of kerb and channel along the Northern Highway, between Fraser and Pascoe Streets, Rochester.
The Rochester Community Plan Group has nominated an amount of $75,000 of Community Plan Implementation Funds to be requested from Council in support of works outlined in the Concept Plan. As with the skate park upgrade project, Council will seek further funding opportunities to progress other works.
“This is a significant step forward in this project. This effectively gives the community $130,000 to progress works on the park and allows freedom to develop the park,” said Cr Wilson.