Premier Denis Napthine announced the funding yesterday and said the community meeting space would be transformed into picturesque parkland.

“Today marks another milestone in the transformation of this picturesque community space for the growing Woodford community,” Dr Napthine said.

“This latest funding will provide better facilities to make this park an even more attractive meeting space which will be further complemented by a new playground and series of pathways and gardens.”

The member for South West Coast said the $566,000  project was expected to be completed by June 2015.

A footbridge will be built over the Merri River to provide a safer connection to the neighbouring Woodford Primary School.

“Importantly, the construction of a new footbridge will provide safer access for students linking from the park to the Woodford Primary School, whose students regularly use the space for outdoor activities,” he said. 

“The revitalisation of Jubilee Park is an ongoing collaborative effort between the Warrnambool City Council, Friends of Jubilee Park and the Woodford Primary School with support from local community groups.”

State government contributed $374,000 to the project while $190,000 was provided by Warrnambool City Council in addition to community contributions. Dr Napthine said final plans were now being made on the playground design, which had used ideas of local schoolchildren.

“Growth in this northern corridor has been rapid and continues to increase with more new homes being constructed and the school population swelling to 174 students this year,” he said.

“Currently the only option for parents with students at Woodford Primary is to drive their children to and from school. 

“Providing access via the footbridge will help to reduce bottlenecks that currently occur at peak pick-up and drop off times around the school.”

rhoulihan@fairfaxmedia.com.au