Maryborough Major Reserves Master Plans adopted

Following an extensive community consultation period, the Maryborough Major Reserves Master Plans was adopted at last night’s meeting of Council (27/09).

Developed with input from user groups, stakeholders and the wider community, the Draft Master Plan for Princes Park, Jack Pascoe Reserve and J.H Hedges Memorial Park was available for community feedback between Monday 2 May 2022 until Thursday 2 June, 2022- with multiple consultation sessions taking place.

The development of the Draft Plans has been led by Otium Planning Group.

Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor Gerard Murphy said the Maryborough Major Reserves Master Plans establish clear direction for the further development and management of Princes Park, Jack Pascoe Reserve and J.H Hedges Oval.

“The Master Plans ensure that the reserves remain relevant and sustainable community assets that meet contemporary needs. Each Master Plan provides a strategic direction for each reserve with prioritised recommendations for the short, medium and long term.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the plans.

“All of the feedback received was considered and discussed. Amendments were then made to each of the master plans as required, taking into account demand, feasibility and cost implications.”

Cr Murphy said the plans highlight more than 50 high, medium and low priority building and site works across the three reserves, with a cost of $25,495,000.

“Determining the priority of projects will take into consideration factors such as facility compliance standards, asset condition, health and safety requirements, usage and demand, improved accessibility, greater provision of female friendly facilities and ensuring facilities are fit for purpose.

“The funding for identified high priority projects will be pursued as a matter of urgency.”

The Draft Plans suggested the placement of a Splash Park to be located within the Outdoor Pool grounds, to ensure attendance to the pool is not reduced.

Feedback received highlighted that the community wants the Splash Park to be free, unfenced, and available for much longer dates/times than the outdoor pool.

A separate, detailed piece of work will be undertaken by Council in collaboration with the local community to arrive at a final set of options and recommendation for the best possible site for a Splash Park in the Shire.

These Plans will provide a guide for Council and community decision making for the next ten to fifteen years.

They will also be a key document in leveraging grant funding for planning, facility development and programming initiatives.

Frequently asked questions

The Maryborough Major Sport and Recreation Reserves Master Plan Project will establish clear direction for the further development and management of Princes Park, Jack Pascoe Reserve and J.H Hedges Oval.

The Master Plans will ensure that the reserves remain relevant and sustainable community assets that meet contemporary needs.

Each Master Plan will provide a strategic direction for each reserve with prioritised recommendations for 3 to 5 years.

The master plans are based on Council’s strategic approach to recreation reserves and the outcomes of a comprehensive community engagement process which:

  • identifies opportunities based on the needs of the community and stakeholders
  • increases community understanding of the value of master planning and sustainability issues such as whole of life costings
  • ensures community support for the final plans, and
  • supports the community in identifying ways to contribute to implementing the master plans.
  • In 2020, Council adopted the ‘Active Central Goldfields’, Council’s Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2020-2029. One of the key actions in the Strategy was to update the existing master plans for all of Council’s major sport and recreation reserves
  • In the 2021/22 Budget, Council allocated $60,000 for the Master Plans to be carried out, as part of the implementation of the Active Central Goldfields – Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2020-2029
  • In August, 2021 Council engaged Otium Planning Group and Michael Smith & Associates to undertake the Master Plan project
  • Between August and November, 2021 community feedback was invited
  • Feedback was collected from August to Wednesday 3 November, 2021 via online surveys and consultation sessions with local sporting groups.
  • Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback
  • The Draft Maryborough Major Sports and Recreation Reserve Masterplans was out community feedback between Monday 2 May 2022 until Thursday 2 June, 2022- with multiple consultation sessions taking place.

Through the engagement process in 2021, feedback was provided by:

  • The Central Goldfields community
  • Central Goldfields Shire Council internal business units
  • Clubs and Associations that are based at and/or are users of the facilities
  • Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
  • Senior Citizens clubs
  • Disability services and support agencies
  • Country Fire Authority
  • State Emergency Service
  • Victoria Police
  • Local residents near each of the three (3) reserves
  • Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) Regional Office
  • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)
  • Sports Focus
  • Relevant regional sporting associations
  • Relevant State Sporting Associations
  • Maryborough Skate Park Committee (informal)
  • Secondary and primary school students
  • Neighbouring Local Government Areas (LGAs)
  • Heritage Advisor

The Draft Master Plan has identified a potential location for the development of a Splash Park in Maryborough. We are keen to hear your views on the potential location – within the outdoor swimming complex at Princes Park.

A separate, detailed piece of work will be undertaken by Council in collaboration with the local community to arrive at a final set of options and recommendation for the best possible site for a Splash Park in the Shire. This work will form part of the Play Spaces Strategy which is planned for financial year 2022/23. Information gathered through the master plan project, including community feedback will help to inform the Play Space Strategy – including the recommended location for a Splash Park.