What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Baw Baw's direction is set by its Community Vision, developed with the community in 2021 around three goals — Sustainable, Healthy and Thriving — and by the Council Plan 2025–2029, shaped through the 'Shape Baw Baw for the next four' engagement and a Community Panel. For this term the council chose to put its focus and resources on the Vision's goals in the order Thriving, Healthy, Sustainable. Each year's budget funds the plan's actions.
The Council Plan has three community objectives and one supporting objective: A Thriving Community (thriving, diverse and resilient — local business, tourism, events, heritage, creativity, long-term planning and transport connections); A Healthy Community (healthy people, connected communities and healthy environments, including parks and recreation); A Sustainable Shire (the natural environment, trees and green assets); and 'Council Supporting' (community engagement, community trust and advocacy). Community members who took part in 'Shape Baw Baw for the next four' put roads, the natural environment, public toilets, footpaths and open space at the top of their asset priorities.
The 2026–27 budget, adopted on 24 June 2026, has an operating spend of $127.5 million and $50.84 million of confirmed capital works, funded by $16.28 million of capital grants, $18.00 million of borrowings, $1.00 million of developer contributions and $16.11 million from rates. It keeps the average rate rise at the 2.75% cap. Named priorities include $38.74 million for road renewals over the four years to 2029–30, the $30 million Library and Learning Centre in Warragul, the Longwarry Pavilion replacement, the Western Park Oval 2 pavilion and the Burke Street Park pump track.
- Baw Baw Shire Council — Council Plan and Community Vision · Sep 2026
- Baw Baw Shire Council — Council Plan 2025–2029 (PDF) · 2025–2029
- Baw Baw Shire Council — Annual Budget 2026/27 (PDF) · 2026–27
- Baw Baw Shire Council — Baw Baw Shire Council adopts responsible Budget for 2026/27 (24 Jun 2026) · Jun 2026
Underway now
Library and Learning Centre, Warragul
Construction started 28 September 2026; opening planned for early 2028A $30 million facility next to the West Gippsland Arts Centre — the first stage of the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct — with a new community library, creative and cultural spaces, meeting rooms, co-working spaces and a public terrace. It replaces the existing Warragul library. Funding includes $14.5 million from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program and $4.5 million from the Victorian Government.
Source: Baw Baw Shire Council — Major milestone for new Library and Learning Centre in Warragul
Road renewals
2026–27 to 2029–30$38.74 million for road renewals over four years in the Long-Term Infrastructure Plan, $7.82 million more than the previous plan allocated for the same period. The 2026–27 budget fact sheet names roads including Bertram Street, Drouin, Darnum-Shady Creek Road, Darnum, and Normanby Street, Warragul.
Source: Baw Baw Shire Council — Baw Baw Shire Council adopts responsible Budget for 2026/27
Planned / committed
Longwarry Pavilion replacement
Works to start in 2026–27Replacement of the pavilion at the Longwarry Recreation Reserve, with $2.00 million in the 2026–27 capital works program.
Rokeby to Noojee Trail extension
Stage 2 seeking fundingThe first stage, a $4 million upgrade of 15 km of trail from Rokeby to Neerim, was completed in August 2025. The council is seeking $7 million for a second stage from Neerim to Noojee, and has asked residents to support its advocacy ahead of the November 2026 state election.
Source: Baw Baw Shire Council — Community voices encouraged ahead of State Election
Recently delivered
Food and garden organics (FOGO) service
Started 6 July 2026Households can now put food scraps in the green bin, which is collected weekly; the red general rubbish bin moved to fortnightly collection. The council says landfill waste fell by 44% over the first two months compared with the 2025–26 average, and in September 2026 it voted to keep the new collection frequencies.
Source: Baw Baw Shire Council — Council to continue fortnightly red general rubbish bin collections
Trafalgar BMX track renewal
Completed September 2026Improvement works at the Trafalgar BMX track, completed in September 2026.
Source: Baw Baw Shire Council — Smoother ride for BMX track in Trafalgar