Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging community members to provide feedback on the Draft Master Plan for Morrison Reserve in Mount Evelyn.
The draft Master Plan maps out the next 15 years for the reserve and includes improved walking tracks, upgrades to toilets, netball, soccer, and open space facilities, as well as advocacy for an improved sports stadium at Yarra Hills Secondary College.
Consultation for the initial phase of this Master Plan has already been completed, with community feedback forming the basis of a successful application by Council to secure approval and funding through the Growing Suburbs Fund for the development of a Youth Activity Hub.
This Hub will include the construction of a bike park, toilet, social spaces and revitalised play space at Morrison Reserve. Community consultation specific to the development of the play space and bike park areas are being undertaken separate to the Master Plan.
To guide the development of the remaining aspects of the Draft Master Plan, Council proactively sought feedback through surveys and discussions with key stakeholders whose priorities for reserve included:
Improved path connections for walking, dog walking, cross country running and inclusion of extra seating and shelters.
Upgrading of soccer pavilion and conversion of the sports ground to a synthetic surface.
Minor improvements to the netball and athletics facilities.
Improved parking options to support increased usage of the reserve.
Upgrading of the Yarra Hills Secondary College oval to support community use.
Advocating for the development of a four-court stadium at the Yarra Hills Secondary College.
Councillor Heenan invited residents to provide further input on the proposed Draft Masterplan, which aims to develop quality facilities that respect the site’s environmental significance.
“This Draft Master Plan is our roadmap for the next 15 years, aimed at creating a space that aligns with the diverse needs and aspirations of our residents,” said Cr Heenan.
“We’ve got so many different communities involved in this masterplan, including a regional athletics facility, existing soccer groups, netball, football, men’s shed, CIRE Services, a secondary college and a special development school providing excellent educational opportunities for young people. The Master Plan takes all these groups into account, ensuring their needs and interests are considered and included.”
“The success of our initial consultation phase has been encouraging, and our communities valuable insights have already led to the approval and funding of the Youth Activity Hub, so I encourage our community to please take a look at this masterplan which looks at the entire reserve and provide any feedback you may have to make sure we’ve captured everything we need to.”
Community members can provide feedback on the draft Masterplan until 24 September 2023.
https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/morrison-reserve-project/draft-morrison-reserve-masterplan
