Korumburra Station precinct plans on track

THE INTENDED removal of sections of railway track and construction of a skate park in the Korumburra railway precinct have moved closer to realisation.

South Gippsland Shire has applied for a planning permit to enable it to carry out works.

Those works are required to implement stage 1 of the Korumburra Railway Precinct Renewal project, which also includes additional and upgraded car parking.

The skate park is intended to be a beginner to intermediate level facility to encourage youth engagement with the site and promote physical activity, with funding obtained through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Community Sport Infrastructure Fund.

The skate park is expected to be 10 metres wide and 25 metres long, situated between the existing goods shed and barbecue shelter and to be of concrete construction with steel balustrading and coping. 

A heritage impact assessment, submitted with the planning permit application, mounts a case in favour of the planned removal of some of the railway tracks.

It argues tracks have been previously reconfigured, that removal of portions of the track will enable the skate park works and overall expansion of the Great Southern Rail Trail at a later stage of works.

Furthermore, it is stated those changes will lead to increased public use of the site and boost its long-term sustainability.

“Portions of the track closest to the railway station utilised for the passenger service are to be retained, with the tracks proposed for removal primarily utilised as sidings,” the heritage impact assessment says.

It also notes sections of the tracks proposed for removal are to be distributed to tourist and heritage railway groups for ongoing display and use.

As well as the removal of track, the existing small playground consisting of a swing is intended to make way for the skate park.

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit can object or make other submissions to the responsible authority in writing.

The application and associated documents are available for viewing at southgippsland.vic.gov.au and the application reference number is 2021/493.