Big Year for Capital Works

Big Year for Capital Works 

Southern Grampians Shire Council is on track for another significant year of investment in community infrastructure, with the 2024/25 Capital Works Program set to exceed last year’s $18 million expenditure—the highest in six years.   

The current forecast for this financial year stands at an ambitious $23 million, demonstrating a strong commitment to renewal and major projects that will benefit residents now and into the future. 

Councillors received an update at Wednesday’s Council Meeting on progress so far, revealing significant milestones already achieved and exciting developments on the horizon. 

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin welcomed the progress, calling it one of the most productive years in recent memory. 

“We’re seeing fantastic progress across the board, with essential infrastructure upgrades and long-term projects moving forward at a great pace. These investments will shape the future of our Shire, making it an even better place to live, work, and visit.” 

Several projects from the 2024/25 budget have been successfully completed, improving facilities and services across the Shire. These include: 

• Roof repairs and new heating/cooling at the Coleraine Mechanics Institute 

• Carpark upgrade and new footpaths at Pedrina Park 

• Drainage improvements at Pedrina Park soccer pitches 

• Leak investigation and repairs at the Hamilton Outdoor Pool 

• Sewage works at Coleraine’s Silvester Oval 

• Upgrades to the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange 

• Parking meter upgrades  

• Regional Town Road Safety Audit 

• Business case for a road link between Lakes Edge and Mill Road 

In addition to tracking progress, Councillors approved further investments using budget savings with $106,000 allocated for front-of-house or stage lighting at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre. 

Council’s capital works program covers a broad range of services, and great strides have been made across multiple sectors: 

• Buildings & Facilities – 42% of the budget is already spent on renewals and upgrades 

• Plant & Equipment – 70% of expenditure completed 

• Library Acquisitions – 50% of scheduled purchases finalized 

• Art Collection – 76% of planned acquisitions completed 

• Roads & Footpaths – 28% of road works completed, with 64.4% of footpath projects underway 

• Parks & Streetscapes – 46% of planned improvements completed 

Design works have also been progressing for the New Hamilton Gallery and Hamilton CBD revitalisation. The Melville Oval facilities Upgrade Project is now also 80% complete. 

With momentum building and a strong pipeline of works still to come, Council will keep community informed on projects progress. 

For more details on Council’s projects, visit sthgrampians.vic.gov.au. To stay informed, consider subscribing to our newsletter. 

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