July 2005

Community hub opens in Morwell

Morwell’s new, purpose-built, energy-efficient Neighbourhood House was unveiled as part of the State Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal initiatives in the area.

Housing Minister Candy Broad said Neighbourhood Houses played a vital role in strengthening their local communities through the opportunities for learning and the engagement that they offered.

‘It is appropriate then that the local community should have played such an integral part in the planning and design of an asset that will be a community hub.’

The Morwell Neighbourhood House is part of the Government’s successful Neighbourhood Renewal program.

The Government provided funding of $680,000 for the project with local businesses and government agencies providing in-kind support.

The land is owned by the Office of Housing.

The new building has a five-star energy rating as well as an innovative rainwater flushing facility.

Rainwater catchment tanks, donated by Gippsland Water, will collect water from the roof.

The water will be used to help flush the building’s toilets, saving the community both money and water.

Latrobe City Council has also contributed to the project by streamlining the permit process.

Latrobe Shire contributed $64,000 worth of traffic safety measures, while many local businesses have supported the project.