Work continues at Elsternwick Park North

The transition of the former Elsternwick Park Golf Course to an environmentally focused park is continuing. The park will now be known as Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve until the community is consulted on a new name.

This new reserve is classified as on-leash park for dogs. Officers have issued 14 warnings to pet owners whose dogs were off-leash in the designated on-leash park. Under Council’s Local Law, pet owners who have previously been warned about dogs off-leash, will be fined for subsequent offences.

Regular patrols will continue over the summer and Council may consider a potential ban if dogs continue to be observed off-leash in the Nature Reserve.  The primary focus of the Reserve is as an environmental refuge for plants and animals in our urban area.

Additional signage will be installed at park entrances to advise visitors of dog restrictions.

The removal of golf infrastructure such as the levelling of tees and greens is complete, with new signage, waste bins and park entrances installed.

A tree health inspection program was conducted, with tree removal and pruning undertaken where necessary. Additional habitat such as nesting boxes are being installed to encourage wildlife.

In preparation for longer term planning and design work for the new park, we are currently investigating soil conditions, underground infrastructure and groundwater depth.

We are also continuing to investigate opportunities for flood mitigation and improvements to water quality in the Bay with neighbouring municipalities and Melbourne Water.

Community consultation on a new masterplan for the environmentally focused park is planned for early 2019.