A decision to open a sporting field in Warragul without changerooms will soon be rectified, with works for a new pavilion beginning in December.
Baw Baw Shire councillors approved a $1.8 million contract be awarded to Allchin Commercial to build a pavilion and curator's shed at Western Park oval two in Tarwin St.
Cr Danny Goss said the pavilion would only offer the basics due to site limitations.
"It's beyond belief that council built that oval without the pavilion," Cr Goss said.
"In a way, it's retrospective, but at least it's going to be done...(and) tThrilled this is finally on its way, and on its way before Christmas,. The awarding of a contract is a great step forward."
Council endorsed pavilion designs for both Western Park ovals in December 2022. However, the lack of changerooms and necessity for players to cross Tarwin St for amenities, saw oval two's pavilion prioritised.
The works, earmarked to start in December, will include a new pavilion featuring two modern female-friendly changerooms with inclusive amenities, umpires' room with ensuites, accessible public toilet with baby change facilities, kiosk, cleaner's storage space and undercover spectator seating.
The existing storage shed and public toilet will be demolished and a new curator's shed and paving built. A separate existing grandstand will remain.
An officer report said the new curator's shed would be built first to allow clubs to store items and minimise impact to user groups, which include Western Park Cricket Club, Warragul Football Netball Club and Warragul Industrials Football Netball Club.
"It is expected that the oval two playing surface can continue to be used during construction of the new pavilion," the report said, noting a completion date of "late 2026".
Officers expected "minor impacts" to nearby residents in Meadowbrook Cres, with traffic plans and management of dust and mud on surrounding streets needing to be implemented.
Cr Suzanne Allen said a full tender process had been undertaken, congratulating Allchin Commercial on achieving the highest score from the eight strong and conforming tenders.
She said awarding a contract was great news for the town and broader sporting community.
"This is a fantastic outcome for Warragul and I can't wait to see the pavilion take shape," Cr Allen said.
As the parent of a child who plays for Warragul Gulls junior club, Cr Jess Hamilton said a new pavilion was "overdue" and it was exciting to see a local company awarded the contract.
"It's great news for all those kids down there who have been running around and have nowhere to go to get changed," Cr Hamilton said.
Cr Goss thanked the State Government for its $1 million contribution via the "Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund", although noted this fund now had a $500,000 limit, "which will make projects like this in the future much more difficult."
He said the remainder of the project would be funded by ratepayers across several budget cycles.
Cr Paul Pratt declared a conflict of interest and left the chamber for debate and voting.
Car stolen from
arts centre
A vehicle was reported stolen from West Gippsland Arts Centre carpark on Saturday night.
Police believe the grey 2017 Holden Caprice, with registration "ANJ 857", was stolen from Civic Pl between 7pm and 10pm.
It is unknown how the vehicle was accessed. It is yet to be recovered.