Families will soon be able to enjoy a safe and modern new playground at Waubra thanks to the drive and energy of a passionate group of local mums.
The playground will feature climbing structures, swings, slides designed for toddlers to pre-teens, safety fencing, a BBQ area, and picnic tables.
The Western Renewables Link project has partnered with local groups to identify, plan and deliver the community led project.
The $200,000 funding is part the Western Renewables Link’s Community Benefits Program.
AusNet’s funding will complement $27,000 raised by the local community through sheep sales, bingo and trivia nights, and $100,000 from the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund and the Waubra Wind Farm Community Fund.
The new playground will be located close to The Springs Hotel on the Pyrenees Highway encouraging visitor spend by providing a rest stop for travelling families.
Gerard Carew, AusNet General Manager, Major Projects and lead for the Western Renewables Link project, said the playground is being funded in response to strong community feedback emphasising the importance of delivering early benefits.
“A group of local mums and the Recreation Reserve Committee have driven the playground initiative and AusNet is proud to support their dedication and commitment,” Mr Carew said.
Mr Carew said AusNet’s contribution enabled the project to evolve from a basic upgrade into a more contemporary design with additional features. Social and economic benefits include improved child safety, enhanced community engagement, and increased local spend from visitors.
The playground project was also backed by local groups including Waubra Kindergarten, Primary School, CWA, Football and Netball Clubs, Mount Bolton Lions Club, Community Hub, and Mothers’ Group.
The project is anticipated to start shortly with updates available via the Waubra Community Facebook page.
Local mother Lucy said she hopes the new play space becomes the heart of Waubra where families come together and lifelong memories and connections are made.
“As three local mums, myself, Bree, and Molly started this new playground idea over 14 months ago with one simple goal: to create a new safe, fun, and imaginative place for our children and families in the wider Waubra community to play, connect, and grow. Thanks to AusNet’s generous contribution, that goal is now closer and more exciting than ever,” Lucy said.
“This additional funding means we can include even more features in the new play space – extra play equipment, an enhanced nature play area to spark imagination and creativity, and the all-important community BBQ area for locals and visitors to gather and enjoy.”
The WRL project recently completed the public exhibition of its Environment Effects Statement where the community was invited to make submissions. The joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC), which was appointed by the Minister for Planning, will now evaluate the impact of the project and review the written public submissions. The IAC will hold a Directions Hearing on 15 September 2025 to set out procedures, timelines, and expectations for the upcoming Hearing, with public hearings expected to begin in week commencing 27 October.