Yarra Ranges Council has voted with the Mooroolbark community in mind to ensure the McDermott Avenue Reserve remains open space for the growing population.
Setting aside the 2015 resolution to “re-zone the properties…on the basis that they are surplus to requirement and are being made ready for possible future sale”, councillors unanimously voted to retain the land and release a draft master plan on 28 October.
The draft masterplan was based on community feedback from consultations, first in 2020 and again in late 2024 into early 2025.
Resident Cam Hunter, whose property backs onto the reserve, told Star Mail in February that the council’s reengagement with the community was a welcome step forward for the area.
“It’s time for it to be upgraded and improved, especially as a family residential area, providing a safe place for children and families to play would be a high priority for the community,” he said.
The decision to develop a draft master plan took into consideration the growing population of Mooroolbark and age demographics.
It’s estimated that Mooroolbark’s population will grow by 3550 people, from 23,349 in 2021 to 26,899 in 2046, with the largest age group being 35 to 39 years old.
Ten years ago, the council’s investigation found the McDermott Avenue Reserve to be surplus land, but recent assessments “indicated that there is no surplus of open space in this local area of Mooroolbark and that a neighbourhood level reserve of at least one hectare is still needed”.
McDermott Netball Court Parkland Redevelopment group member Mark Sheedy spoke on behalf of the growing number of residents advocating for the redevelopment at the council meeting.
“For many years, we’ve been actively urging the council to take action on this site. Although progress has been slow, the draft master plan presented tonight is a major and welcome step forward for the community,” he said.
“We want to see an open, inclusive reserve, a place where all residents can gather and connect. We envisage families playing sport, children learning to ride bikes, older residents walking pets and people of all ages enjoying a safe and well-designed common space.”
Mr Sheedy raised residents’ concerns that the council left provisions in the master plan for the potential sale of the southwest corner, with only 1.4 hectares of the total 1.726-hectare site marked for social recreation.
“It is essential the entire reserve is retained as public open space. Only by protecting the full site can we deliver a quality walking, riding and running track, something our community, including families and older residents, has consistently asked for,” he said.
“Splitting or reducing the site for housing undermines the vision of a continuous circuit and a truly inclusive, active recreational space for Mooroolbark.”
The council’s explanation in the agenda stated that it “gives flexibility to either proceed with the housing if the investigations are effective, or converting this to public open space to integrate with the remainder of the site if the investigations are not successful”.
Councillor Mitch Mazzarella said at the meeting these were only future housing considerations and not set in stone.
“That doesn’t mean Council will be selling off that portion of land. It means that we’ll be investigating, and it means what we want to hear from you,” he said.
The current site is still an asphalted area, with various levels, a disused pavilion and car parks on McDermott Avenue and Wyuna Walk.
The proposed master plan would retain the car parks, while adding a playspace, climbing space, barbecue and toilet facilities, walking paths, a half basketball court and a sensory garden.
The total estimated cost is $4.4 million, with initial demolition and minor improvements in stage one estimated at $1.4 million. Stage two costs are estimated to total $723,000, while stage three, the construction of new spaces, would cost approximately $2 million.
Ongoing maintenance costs were also factored into the overall total.
Cr Mazzarella said community feedback was essential to getting the development of this site correct for future needs.
“The input from the community to the master plan will be invaluable. Your feedback and submissions will determine the scope and scale of this site,” he said.
“How much or how little do you want to see? What amenities do you want to have? Do you want to learn to ride mini bike track, a barbecue, playgrounds, a half basketball court?
“This is the sort of commentary that we want to hear from the community, and I want to make sure your voice is heard loud and clear in the designing and the development of this project.”
Councillors Gareth Ward, who seconded the motion, Tim Heenan, Len Cox, Jeff Marriott and Richard Higgins all spoke, supporting the motion with true encouragement for keeping the land as open space.
The vote was unanimous.
Community feedback can be submitted via shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/mcdermott-avenue-reserve-mooroolbark-master-plan once the consultation goes live.
