Thursday, 15 February 2018

Young people from Yarragon’s growing skateboard, rollerblade, scooter and BMX community will soon be able to showcase all the latest tricks at a new skate park thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing joined Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor Joe Gauci and members from the Yarragon Skate Park Committee today at the proposed site of the new skate venue, Yarragon’s Howard Park, to announce $221,250 to the develop the facility.

Skate parks are an integral part of today’s youth culture and provide a safe place for young people to connect, while also promoting active lifestyles.

Skating in Yarragon is more popular than ever with 87 per cent of the town’s primary school aged students owning a scooter or skateboard.

The new skate park will be a massive boost to the town’s youth who will no longer have to travel long distances like Trafalgar or Warragul to find a safe place to skate.

The facility will feature a quarter-pipe, china bank, volcano, rails, ramps, banks, bowls and more, providing an ideal space for local events, competitions, practice and play.

Ms Shing thanked project partners Baw Baw Shire Council and the Yarragon Skate Park Committee for their efforts to rally strong local support for the skate park.

This is just one of the many projects backed by the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community Facility Fund which supports community-led initiatives and projects that help make the region a great place to live and work.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“Skate parks make a real difference to young people’s lives. This new facility will not only benefit them, but provide a great place for the community to come together and enjoy the sports they love.”

“We’re delivering projects that ensure communities across the Valley and Gippsland remain great places to live, work and do business.” 

Quotes attributable to Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor Joe Gauci:

“The Shire is growing at a rate of 2.3 per cent per annum and is expected to hit 60,000 plus people by 2036, creating a strong demand for services and community and recreational facilities,”

“We are thrilled the State Government has seen the value in this project and have jumped on board with a wonderful funding offer.”