Community feedback invited on two major projects for West Wimmera

Published on 23 May 2025

West Wimmera Shire Council is inviting community feedback on two significant projects that aim to strengthen local infrastructure, support economic growth and improve liveability across the shire.

The Kaniva Tourism and Wellbeing Precinct and Wetlands to the Desert: Connecting West Wimmera are being considered for funding under the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

Council is preparing to submit applications to the program and is seeking input from residents to ensure both projects reflect local priorities and community needs.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Council agreed to apply for up to $17 million for the Kaniva Tourism and Wellbeing Precinct. The scope of work in this application is combining multiple projects that could be delivered as one major project or as separate packages in the future should we not be successful with this large application.

Council also agreed to apply for $1.5 million for the Wetlands to the Desert: Connecting West Wimmera project.

West Wimmera Shire Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said community input was important for both these projects.

“These projects are designed to respond to what we’ve heard from our community - that people want to see improved infrastructure, better public spaces, and long-term planning that supports our towns to grow and thrive,” he said.

“We want to make sure these plans continue to reflect the values and aspirations of our residents, and we’re encouraging everyone to have their say.”

The Kaniva Tourism and Wellbeing Precinct includes a complete redevelopment of the Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool, including new amenities building, splash park, accessible ramp, wet deck pool surrounds, pool enclosure, and plant and equipment upgrades.

The Kaniva Poolside Caravan Park is also set for major improvements, including the removal of the old scout hall, and new cabins, powered and unpowered sites.

Other works will include restoration of the war memorial and cannon at Band Park, a new inclusive playground, silo art illumination, pedestrian improvements, and upgrades to roads, kerbs, and footpaths across the precinct.

The Wetlands to the Desert: Connecting West Wimmera project focuses on detailed design and planning work across Edenhope, Kaniva, Apsley, Goroke and Harrow.

It includes the development of detailed streetscape design for each township, industrial estate planning for Edenhope, and detailed design for the Lions Park in Edenhope.

Community feedback can be submitted online at https://www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Regional-Precincts-and-Partnerships-Program-projects.

For further information, contact Aaron Shalders on 13 99 72.