Enjoy your local rec reserve for years to come

Published on 15 December 2020

Footy, netball, cricket, jogging, a quiet stroll or playing with the kids? How do you use your local recreation reserve?

A 10-year master plan will ensure Corangamite Shire recreation reserves play an important role in communities well into the future.

The Recreation Reserves Masterplan Development project will assist the future planning of 17 reserves across the Shire. The reserves were identified in the ‘Great South Coast AFL Cricket Netball Strategy 2019 to 2033’ which aims to help attract additional funding for community facilities. The Master Plans will support committees of management operations and identify and prioritise future works.

The Pomborneit Recreation Reserve Committee is just one of the dedicated groups who are custodians of their communities’ reserves. Graeme Murphy is the secretary.

“Over the years we’ve replaced the pavilion; we've irrigated the ground and had to purchase a slasher and mower to maintain the ground; the nets were upgraded a few years ago” he said.

“It’s been a collaborative approach between the cricket club and the Rec Reserve Committee members. Overall, we're just striving to improve the facilities for the community in general.”

Mr Murphy said the committee had developed plans for the reserve’s use into the future and were looking forward to discussing with the consultant undertaking the project.

 “It’s good for people as a community to work together. The results are very rewarding and it’s an improvement you can actually see. The more people who get involved, the more the improvements will be over the years.”

Council Sports and Recreation Coordinator Jane Hinds said a strategic approach was needed to meet the long-term needs of all the Shire’s recreation reserve users.

“Each site has unique characteristics that will be considered. There is increasing demand for accessible sport and recreational facilities and community groups and peak sporting associations have their own specific needs,” she said.

“This master plan will guide development of facilities and delivery of structured and unstructured activities.”

Ms Hinds said the process would seek to address any gaps in sports-specific facility requirements. Fit-for-use facilities—including playing fields, change room areas, amenities, umpire’s rooms and first-aid facilities—and improving accessibility would be focus areas of the project. Increasing participation opportunities for the local Corangamite community will be a key objective.

A consultant with extensive experience has been engaged to develop the strategies, that will develop a vision for each reserve based on consultation with reserve committees and key users, with current and future demands and needs to be discussed.