North Shore park plan adopted

NORTH Shore’s most frequented public space now has the green light to begin undergoing a comprehensive upgrade, with the City of Greater Geelong’s council adopting the site’s final master plan.

The council adopted the Moorpanyal Park Master Plan at the end of June, following multiple rounds of community consultation.

The city says it has allocated $600,000 from its 2024/25 budget to deliver items identified in the master plan, which will include safer pedestrian access, new parking, a new picnic area, the retention of the Bay Walk Path and play space upgrades.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the feedback from the community and North Shore residents had been valuable in finalising the master plan.

“Some of the amendments made to the final master plan include improved beach access, improved waste management, improved stormwater management throughout the site, and the protection of views thanks to revegetation initiatives,” Cr Sullivan said.

“These changes were made in response to suggestions from the community, so it is important to thank and acknowledge everyone who provided feedback during the community engagement period.”

Other amendments include improved shelter, seating, rubbish bins and drinking fountains, revegetation of sensitive coastal environments, and public place lighting to improve reserve safety and amenity.

Moorpanyal Park serves as a district level foreshore reserve north of Corio Quay and sits on 5.7ha of Crown land. The reserve is managed by the city and extends around 1.4km along the Corio Bay coastline near the Spirit of Tasmania port.

“The master plan guides the future use and development of this hidden gem on Corio Bay,” deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said.

“With identified projects within the plan having an estimated overall cost of $4.5 million it will be important Council works with federal and state governments to identify grant opportunities, as well as local businesses who may wish to contribute to upgrades of the park.”

To view the full Moorpanyal Park Master Plan, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/MPark