North Shore park plan seeks input, but funding uncertain

A LINEAR coastal park at North Shore is undergoing a masterplanning process that the City of Greater Geelong has now opened for community input.

But action to deliver improvements it identifies could be several years away, with a budget allocation to implement strategies squeezed out of Geelong council’s budget.

The city has released a draft Moorpanyal Park Masterplan to guide its decision making to improve the reserve.

The park hugs the Corio Bay shoreline from the new Spirit of Tasmania terminal to industrial sites further north and is bordered by North Shore’s The Esplanade.

It currently includes a recently updated playground, barbecue and table settings, public toilets and walking trails.

Identified improvements include continuing the Bay Trail to the park’s northern edge, improving access to fishing jetties and increasing tree canopy cover.

Moorpanyal Park was identified as a priority project in 2021 and has gained increased attention due to its location at the gateway to Geelong for Tasmania ferry travellers.

But a $600,000 funding allocation from two years ago was removed from the draft 2023/24 budget as the council shelved more than $80 million of capital works spending.

Cr Anthony Aitken said at last month’s meeting the council would aim to reintroduce the funding commitment in coming years.

“I fought very hard for $600,000 in financial forecasts, but I’ll have to roll my sleeves up and see if I can create affordability for another $600,000 in the next four years.”

Cr Eddy Kontelj suggested community members may lobby other levels of government or the private sector for future funding opportunities.

“Once are council-endorsed initiatives, we might see some of them go ahead even without being fully funded by council.”

The city’s consultation included an in-person event at the park on Saturday (May 13).

An online survey is also open until May 29, at https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/MPark