A critical gap in providing safe and inclusive playgrounds in Baw Baw Shire has been highlighted in a community petition.

The petition, signed by 185 people, called on council to fully fence the popular playground in Warragul's Civic Park.
Speaking to the petition, Elysha Clarke said she started the petition as a concerned mother of a five-year-old with autism who found it challenging to take her children to local parks.
She highlighted Civic Park due to it being a popular and central venue for families but posed a safety risk due to its proximity to the lake, roads and carparks.
The petition, which attracted an additional 515 online signatures, stated "it is vital that Baw Baw Shire Council acknowledged this pressing issue and takes cost-effective, yet lifesaving, measures of fencing parks."
Councillors unanimously requested an officer report on the matter. It will return to council by late May.
Cr Suzanne Allen said the petition highlighted a critical gap in our community, with 185 signatures representing the voices of families profoundly impacted by lack of safely fenced parks.
"Fencing around parks would not only provide piece of mind to parents but also to ensure that our playgrounds can fulfil their role as safe havens for all children to explore and enjoy," Cr Allen said.
Describing the matter as essential and urgent, she said families had diverse needs and those with young children or additional needs would directly benefit.
Cr Allen highlighted 2021 statistics showing the shire had more than 7000 children aged under nine years and 267 children needing assistance due to long-term health conditions and disabilities. Australians with autism increased from 205,000 in 2018 to 290,000 in 2022, she said.
She said 13 parks in Baw Baw Shire were fenced, with locations including Darnum, Trafalgar and three in Drouin. However, Warragul was notably absent from the list and fencing Civic Park's playground offered "a clear opportunity to serve our community better."
"Play is fundamental to children's development," she added. "It's vital that our public play spaces are welcoming and inclusive for everyone."
Cr Ben Lucas said he contacted Ms Clarke after seeing the petition on social media during last year's election.
Cr Lucas said "I was neither here nor there" on the issue, but having a one-on-one chat had immediately changed his mind.
He also noted disgusting and naïve comments online regarding the matter.
"We need to be inclusive and diverse," Cr Lucas. "Some of those buzz words rub up on people the wrong way, but we do. There are some challenging needs and everyone should be included in our community."