Major community infrastructure, road and recreation projects are among Baw Baw Shire Council's key advocacy priorities in the next 12 months.
Mayor Danny Goss said it was crucial for council to continue to advocate to both State and Federal Governments for support to build and upgrade local community infrastructure, and help council to enhance the shire's liveability and secure its future as a thriving, innovative region.
"Warragul/Drouin is the fastest growing town in Australia and that massive growth is forecast to continue. The infrastructure pressures here are enormous," Cr Goss said.

"We need major road infrastructure to support development, and significant investment in our parks and recreation spaces. Our rapidly growing population is putting pressure on council to provide more sporting infrastructure and cultural spaces.
"We've been advocating hard for years to be able to build a new library here in Warragul to better meet the needs of the community. Our hard work and advocacy has paid off, construction of the the new library and learning centre will start later this year.
"This is the type of thing people moving here are expecting and asking for. Baw Baw Shire Council is proud to support our community now and into the future. But we cannot do it alone," he said.
Cr Goss said council would continue to advocate to all levels of government for the support needed to keep delivering and providing lifestyle and economic opportunities for residents and investors.
Baw Baw Shire's current advocacy priorities include:
Roads and transport infrastructure a request for $3 million to allow Regional Roads Victoria to design a modern, fit-for purpose arterial road network.
This funding received bi-partisan support ahead of the federal election and newly elected member for Monash Mary Aldred has already indicated it will be an election promise she will be holding the Labor government to.
Early childhood investment - current funding provided by the State Government is not anticipated to cover the full cost of the community kindergarten infrastructure required to ensure enough places are available in the shire.
New West Gippsland Hospital - council will continue to work with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group to pressure both the State and Federal government to deliver a new hospital.
"Our growing community desperately want to see the hospital construction proceed as soon as possible. Our residents need better access to health services now, and a hospital that will allow for expansion as our population keeps increasing," Cr Goss said.
Recreation - council will continue to progress key actions from the Baw Baw Recreation Strategy 2017-2027 and plans including, the Drouin Recreation Plan, Warragul Outdoor Recreation Plan, Rural Recreation Reserve Master Plans and the Dowton Park Master Plan.
"We are also exploring ways to secure funding for a multiphase redevelopment of Warragul's Western Park Reserve. This project will support an existing 16 football and 15 cricket teams, allowing clubs to grow and providing quality facilities for visiting clubs, local schools and community members who use the venue," Cr Goss said.
Phase one of the proposed Western Park Pavilions redevelopment will include construction of a new satellite pavilion and kiosk to service the reserves second oval, with further redevelopment planned for the existing main pavilion to meet contemporary AFL standards.