Long-awaited upgrades at St Helens Reserve in the works

CONSTRUCTION has started this month on new facilities at St Helens Reserve in Rippleside, providing long-sought upgrades.

The reserve, which overlooks Corio Bay and acts as the access point to St Helens Jetty, is set to receive a new picnic shelter with decking and ramps.

Landscaping between the new shelter and an existing concrete shelter will also be completed.

Brownbill Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj said St Helens Reserve was one of the region’s hidden treasures.

“It’s a beautiful place to visit and the new shelter will mean there’s extra undercover space for people enjoying barbecues or a picnic,” he said.

“This is a project the council has been looking to deliver for quite a while and we’re happy we now have the funding to do that thanks to the federal government.”

The $435,000 St Helens Reserve project will be funded by the federal government as part of the city’s phase three allocation under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

Community consultation to upgrade the facilities at St Helens Reserve was first undertaken by the city in 2022, but was last year placed on hold alongside several other projects due to rising construction costs.

At the time the city said it would continue looking for ways to fund new facilities for the reserve, including finding savings within its budget or seeking external funding.

“St Helens is such a fantastic spot for fishing and families alike,” Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles said.

“The Albanese Government is pleased to contribute to these new facilities, that will invigorate the area and ensure its continued enjoyment for the future.”

Work on the picnic shelter is expected to be completed by the end of June.