Feedback sought on infrastructure plan for Stanley Park

Last updated on 27 March 2024

Council is inviting community feedback on the draft Infrastructure Master Plan (IMP) for Stanley Park in Mount Macedon.

The six-hectare forest, grassland and passive recreation park has been used by residents and visitors for walking, picnicking and nature study for more than 100 years.

This is the second stage of consultation for the popular reserve following previous community consultation for the Stanley Park Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in mid-2023, and its endorsement by Council at the December 2023 Council Meeting.

The EMP provides recommendations to protect the site’s flora and fauna values and has helped to guide the draft IMP.

Council’s Director Planning and Environment, Rebecca Stockfeld, said the key aim of the draft IMP was to balance the needs of the reserve’s users, while safeguarding its ecological values through considered infrastructure design.

“It’s important we provide opportunities for the community and visitors to enjoy everything Stanley Park has to offer, while making sure we protect the natural environment which makes it so unique,” she said.

“We will continue to work closely with the community to find out what they would like to see for Stanley Park and how they would like the park to be managed going forward.”

Key features of the draft IMP include updated interpretive signs and provision to update or maintain existing infrastructure such as footbridges, stone steps, toilet facilities, the car park and fencing near waterfall vegetation.

A long-term vision for the park includes consolidating all infrastructure to focus passive recreation in the north-east corner of the site. This involves the staged removal of existing infrastructure in the north-west section as it reaches its end of life, and rehabilitation of the former playground, picnic area and car park in accordance with the EMP.

The draft IMP proposes the new north-east passive recreation zone, including a nature play area and other recreation infrastructure that celebrates the site’s natural values. 

Feedback is invited until 19 April. View the draft plan and have Your Say.