August Update

Bass Coast Shire Council is getting ready to deliver the Greening of Graham Street as part of the Wonthaggi Activity Centre improvements. As part of this project, 13 Crepe Myrtle trees are being planted along Graham Street, bringing colour, shade and vibrancy to the town centre while maintaining Wonthaggi’s unique character and history.

Preliminary works such as site setup and locating underground services will begin on Wednesday 27 August, with construction starting on Monday 1 September. Works are expected to take around 13 weeks to complete. To minimise disruption to local businesses and traffic, most of the activity will occur at night between 9pm and 8am, although some daytime concreting will be required due to material supply.

During construction, you can expect to see machinery and crews on site carrying out pavement removal, excavation, and installation of new tree pits with specialised underground support systems. Once complete, the road surface will be reinstated, parking bays realigned, and line marking refreshed. While there will be some temporary restrictions to car parking and short periods of noise and vibration, every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times, and traffic management measures will be in place throughout the project.

We appreciate the patience of businesses and the community while these works are underway, and we look forward to delivering a greener, more people-friendly Graham Street for everyone to enjoy.

This project is jointly funded by Regional Development Victoria through the Regional Development Fund and Council’s Capital Works Program 2024 - 25.

For further details, please click the Notice of Upcoming Works – Tree Planting in Graham Street in the document library and continue to follow this page for updates.

A concept drawing showing the positions of the trees which will be planted along Graham Street
An aerial image showing the project site which extends along Graham Street from the roundabout at Bilson Street to the roundabout at McKenzie Street in Wonthaggi.

About The Project

Bass Coast Shire Council have a long-term vision for the Wonthaggi Activity Centre. The project will address the following key objectives:

  • Re-create ‘Streets for people’
  • Reinvigorate the character of Wonthaggi
  • Activate centre of town and connect to the four ends
  • Shift the transport mode hierarchy from vehicle first to pedestrian first
  • Flexible design solutions to meet short term and long-term goals
  • Future proofing through innovative solutions and smart city infrastructure

The project addresses incentives to ride and walk, protected bike lanes which will provide safe and comfortable environments to travel, ensuring safe access to all pedestrians, ample carparking and shared streetscapes.

The streetscape improvements, achieved through creatively landscaped areas will provide a physical and community connection to multiple spaces throughout the town.

Master Plan Actions

Stage 2

  • The Greening of Graham Street

    This part of the project will see 13 Crepe Myrtle trees planted along Graham Street improving the look and feel of the street.

Stage 1 (Complete)

  • Watt Street Car Parking Formalisation

    This initiative enhances accessibility with 26 car parking spaces and will include rectification and resealing of Watt Street, ensuring a comprehensive transformation.

  • Schematic Designs of Streetscape Master Plan

    The schematic design stage is complete. The designs present a vibrant, connected town centre with an emphasis on walking, biking, and inclusive shared spaces.

  • Wonthaggi Activity Centre Plan

    The Wonthaggi Activity Centre Plan is a 20-year vision, providing guidance to enhance the centre's character and liveability.

    More information here 

  • Wonthaggi Activity Centre Streetscape Master Plan

    This Plan will revitalise the town, prioritising pedestrians, connecting key areas, and shifting to sustainable transport. With protected bike lanes, ample parking, and innovative solutions, it fosters a vibrant and future-proofed community.

  • Wonthaggi Access and Movement Study

    A 30-year vision with a focus on 'doing more with less.' As Wonthaggi's population is expected to double, the project looks at designing a transport system that is space and environmentally efficient, providing access to healthier transport modes and creating people-focused streets.