Community help enlisted to protect Village Park

THE City of Greater Geelong is calling on residents to help shape the future of the Barwon Heads Village Park for future generations.

Council last week released the Draft Barwon Heads Village Park Master Plan in order to receive community feedback on how to protect the reserve’s character in future planning.

The park’s open space, sporting facilities, Moonah woodlands and Wadawurrung cultural heritage values make it a much loved reserve amongst resident and visitors.

The newly released 10-year draft will help guide future funding over the next decade and comes as an update from the previous 2012 Master Plan.

A key focus of the community consultation is to create a joint vision between the city and residents that protects the Village Park’s character while increasing the accessibility of existing facilities.

The master draft proposes a new bowls pavilion, the redevelopment of the tennis pavilion as well as shared cricket, soccer and football pavilion, greater protection of the moonah woodlands, a new bike discovery area and a combination of dog on and off-lead areas.

The Barwon Heads Bowls Club has allocated $500,000 from federal funding towards its new pavilion with concept designs already completed.

During last week’s council meeting the city agreed to seek further funding for the project through the state government’s Sport and Recreation Victoria Grants program.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the previous 2012 plan could no longer accurately take into account the growth in the area.

“The Barwon Heads Village Park is a special space, and this updated draft master plan aims to enhance, protect and improve what residents and visitors love most about the area,” she said.

“With population growth and increased demand on the park’s infrastructure, it’s important the reserve’s facilities are accessible to people of all abilities and more welcoming of women interested in playing sport.”

The city has undergone consultations with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to find opportunities to improve awareness and understanding of Wadawurrung cultural values.

A Project Reference Group made up of key stakeholders and community representatives has been implemented and consulted with to understand the future needs of the park.

Bellarine councillor Jim Mason said the 230,000 square metre park is a valued community asset that needs to be protected.

“The proposed vision and concept designs are well worth a read through to understand the potential opportunities available for the Barwon Heads Village Park,” he said.

“I encourage community members to share their thoughts during the consultation period on the Have Your Say page.”

To view the masterplan, head to the City of Greater Geelong’s website.