Community invited to comment on Port reserve’s future

A MAJOR redevelopment of the main pavilion and creation of a community garden and new bike jump area are among the improvements proposed in new draft master plan for Portarlington Recreation Reserve.

Construction of a new agricultural shed, playground improvements, improved access to the netball and tennis pavilions and redevelopment of the cricket nets are also detailed in the draft plan, which has been released for community feedback.

The draft plan, which is set to guide future investment at the reserve, was presented to councillors at this week’s City of Greater Geelong council meeting, who agreed to six weeks of public consultation before considering its endorsement.

The council received $50,000 from the state government in 2018 to revise and update the reserve’s existing master plan which had been developed in 2011.

A project reference group of key stakeholders and user groups of the reserve was established to provide input into the development of the new draft plan.

The wider community was also involved, with engagement initiatives in May and June last year, and identified the reserve’s importance for its active sport, recreational and environmental values.

A report to the council explained that the draft master plan proposed investments that responded to the community values for the reserve and would ensure future sport and recreation needs were accommodated.

In addition to key projects and upgrade, the plan addresses parking, access and amenity issues through additional planting, landscaping, more formalised parking and safer path connections.

The upgrade of the existing trail network to further improve the nature-based recreation opportunities and re-establishment of an improved, functioning wetland system are among the enviro-focused projects.

However, the draft master plan also retains open space to provide opportunities for growth and additional sporting infrastructure in the future.

The report also clarifies that all projects that rely on expansion or works in the passive recreation area are subject to complying with government policy and regulations regarding the removal of native vegetation.

Community members a encouraged to view the proposed Portarlington Recreation Reserve master plan on the council’s website and have their say by making a submission before the six-week consultation ends.