Elliminyt Recreation Reserve Master Plan released for comment
Published on 23 August 2018
Elliminyt Recreation Reserve Master Plan released for comment
Proposed redevelopment of Elliminyt’s recreation reserve took another important step forward on Wednesday night when Councillors gave in-principle support for a draft master plan and released it for public comment.
The draft master plan was prepared by consultants for the South Colac Sports Club and associated user groups at the recreation reserve, with funding support received from Colac Otway Shire Council.
It details more than $4.8 million worth of projects – the delivery of which would require financial contributions from all levels of government and the community over future years.
Mayor Joe McCracken said the master plan, once finalised, would be an important document that would add weight to future grant applications to the state and federal governments.
“The key projects in the draft master plan include redevelopment of the main pavilion and change rooms, an additional netball court, renewal of the velodrome, playing surface renovations and improved lighting,” he said.
“The community should be congratulated for leading this project, which addresses the ageing facilities at the reserve that now don’t meet Australian standards or relevant sport minimum standards.
“In addition to the identified upgrades required, the sports club and the Council were keen to explore how the reserve can be utilised more – particularly as Elliminyt is the fastest growing area of Colac.”
Manager Arts and Leisure Ian Seuren said the draft master plan therefore included aspirations to incorporate new sporting and recreational activities for broader community use.
“Community engagement throughout this project has been really strong, with more than 100 questionnaires completed in addition to feedback from nine key user groups,” he said.
“The draft master plan recommends more than 35 separate projects, including the redevelopment and repair works, but also new internal roads and parking, a path network, landscaping, improved stormwater, seating, shelters, irrigation and improved social recreation experiences.
“A major challenge once the master plan is finalised will be the cost of implementation and there would certainly be a reliance on state and federal government support to realise many of the projects.”
Cr McCracken said the recreation reserve was the social hub of Elliminyt and brought together a wide variety of community members from a range of demographics to participate in health and social activities.
“It is important for the Council to continue to provide quality, fit for purpose community facilities that maintain and contribute to health and wellbeing outcomes for our communities,” he said.
The Draft Elliminyt Recreation Reserve Master Plan will be on public exhibition from Monday, August 27 to Monday, October 8 seeking feedback from community members. For more information and to view the Master Plan, visit:
http://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Community-consultations/Elliminyt-Recreation-Reserve-Master-Plan