Cardinia Shire Council unanimously approved the final Upper Beaconsfield Reserve Master Plan at its September 15 meeting, setting the stage for a 10-year program of upgrades and improvements.
The endorsement followed two stages of community and stakeholder consultation over the past year, with councillors thanking the Reserve Committee, local clubs, the primary school, and residents for their feedback.
The master plan provides a long-term vision to guide improvements at the Crown Land reserve, which is managed by a Committee of Management appointed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). A section of the land is also administered by the Department of Education.
The 10-year strategy aims to support the future sport, leisure, and environmental needs of Upper Beaconsfield and surrounding communities, while also acting as an advocacy tool for the committee to secure external funding.
Community consultation shaped the final plan. Residents strongly backed retaining current traffic circulation around the oval during school pick-up and drop-off times, and councillors confirmed the plan preserves this arrangement. A new pavilion, funded by council, is already scheduled for construction next year.
Equestrian facilities emerged as another key priority, with survey responses and submissions calling for upgrades to the public arena, resurfacing works, improved seating, and the addition of accessible amenities.
Cr Brett Owen described the master plan as “a very positive way forward” and “ a 10-year strategic plan”.
“The committee of management is extremely pleased,” he said. “They are thankful that the council has undertaken this process, funded the master plan process.”
While the council can support through community capital works grants, much of the delivery will rely on small grants or other levels of government funding. As reported in the Gazette in July, a grant of $500,000 from the federal government has yet to be delivered.
“We know it’s Crown land, so it’s up to the committee of management to seek other government grants to fulfill what’s proposed in this master plan,” Cr Owen said.
Cr Alanna Pomeroy backed the plan but stressed the importance of clear expectations.
“We do rightly aspire to see our local spaces evolve to meet the growing needs of sport, recreation, community connection and environmental sustainability,” Cr Pomeroy said.
“Although we have funded the master plan, there’s a lot of work still to be done to fund this.
“It’s really important that we understand that we have a lot of master plans that aren’t funded.
“I just hope the expectations around these are very clear that these are a long-term plan and not an immediate outcome.”
Mayor Jack Kowarzik was pleased the plan was adopted amid tributes to the late Bob Taylor AM, a long-time advocate and contributor to the reserve.
