Big projects, big bucks: what’s planned
The Advertiser takes a look at major projects, what has been promised and what has been delivered so far this year.
With the sound of construction ringing across Phillip Island and San Remo, the Advertiser takes a look at major projects, what has been promised and what has been delivered so far this year.
Also how much all these big ticket items are costing and the timeline for development.
Cowes Cultural and Community Centre
Previously the shire said the CCCC would be open by December 2022, but it has now been pushed back to 2023.
Most recently the concrete has been poured with steel construction ready soon and electrical inground services continuing.
Last year Bass Coast Shire councillors awarded McCorkell Constructions Pty Ltd the tender to build the centre, alongside Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, with the total value of the design and construct contract $28,377,998.
The building will include: a 250 fixed-seat theatre, a 458m² library, gallery space, multi-purpose community spaces, grand hall (334m²), up to 400 seat function area, as well as environmental construction and certification.
The original budget for the build was $19 million, but last year it had a 43 per cent cost blow out.
Sports hub and community pool
Following last year’s purchase of the carnival land, on the corner of Ventnor Rd and Phillip Island Rd, the shire has started long-term planning for construction of a sports hub, including the long-anticipated aquatic centre.
Last year the shire released a feasibility study proposing Phillip Island – whose residents have been lobbying for a pool for about three decades - should have a 25m x 8 lane pool, learn-to-swim combined hydrotherapy area, and 24-hour gym at a cost of about $45 million.
The study also recommends a $41 million new pool for Wonthaggi - with the current pool built in 1975 – including 25m x 10 lanes, a larger gym, new spa and sauna.
The shire’s advocacy strategy – released last year - is seeking a total $66 million funding from state and federal governments for Phillip Island and Wonthaggi pools. However, after failing to receive any Federal Government funding at the May election for a community pool, hopes are now pinned on State funding in the lead up to the November election.
The 22/23 shire budget includes $80,000 for a Cowes recreation masterplan, to look at the potential uses for the entire site including the positioning of facilities, such as the aquatic and leisure centre, sporting ovals, walking tracks and more.
It’s good news for sports clubs such as the Phillip Island Football and Netball Club who say their facilities are “bursting at the seams” there is a need for a bigger sporting precinct.
Once funded, the sports hub and community pool would be built on the 32ha site.
CFA HQ
Construction of Phillip Island’s new $2.2 million fire station is nearing completion on Ventnor Road and when finished will feature four motor room bays for fire trucks, a breathing apparatus maintenance room, meeting rooms, kitchen and offices.
The 6400m2 land at 110 Ventnor Rd, west of McKenzie Rd, was purchased four years ago by the State Government, with a planning permit in 2020 detailing a four-vehicle 728 sqm building, covering about 10 per cent of the site.
The proposed fire station is expected to receive about 200 call outs per year and will be run by volunteers only.
The CFA’s current site on Settlement Road, where they have been based since the mid-1970s, is now “outdated” and run-down, with volunteers calling for a new station for several years.
Transfer station Gap Rd
About 45 hectares at 380 Back Beach Road - opposite the Grand Prix Circuit - (but which has Gap Road frontage) - was purchased by the shire in 2020 for $1.6 million.
The shire’s 2021/22 budget included $100,000 for the planning and design of a new Phillip Island Transfer Station.
According to the shire last year, the new transfer station and council depot would be housed on about 4.5 hectares on the property.
The use of the remainder of the site is to be “determined in consultation with the community”, but could include a solar farm or biodiversity offsets. It will not include landfill.
However in May the shire confirmed they had pushed the project out at least five years.
When asked by the Advertiser why the proposed new station wasn’t included in this year’s budget, the shire said funding had been allocated in 2027/28.
Shire CEO Ali Wastie confirmed the project had “moved out by a couple of years”.
In 1994 it was announced the Rhyll tip would eventually be closed, with the Cowes Recycling Bank on Dunsmore Rd built as an interim measure in July 2013.
In 2015 the shire acknowledged the island required a transfer station, comparable to Wonthaggi. It explained the Dunsmore Rd Cowes Recycling Bank did not adequately meet the needs of the community and was not a long-term solution, especially given the island’s growing population and international tourist status.
Community hospital
In 2019, the State Government announced it would buy the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre’s (PICAL, see below) existing Church Street site to allow for the construction of a community hospital.
The Government was set to start constructing the hospital last year but was been delayed, now set to open in 2024.
In June Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said plans were in the final detailed design stage, and she anticipated they would go on public exhibition within eight weeks
The new double storey hospital is to be built adjacent to the Health Hub in Cowes.
Plans show chemotherapy and renal dialysis facilities and specific dedicated areas allocated for both mental health and paediatric patients. A radiology precinct is included, enabling CT scans, Ultrasound and general X-ray services to be carried out in Cowes.
A much-expanded urgent care centre, and a pharmacy (not retail) is included in the design and the hospital will also have dedicated ambulance access and entry space. A new main reception area will be created connecting clients to public meeting rooms, which health groups can access for education and other purposes.
Another exciting, new (for Phillip Island) and very welcome facility will be the establishment of a public dental service in the new hospital.
