Cardinia Shire Council has approved the continuation of a master plan review for Emerald Lake Precinct, aiming to revitalise the park as a regional hub for tourism, arts, and community activities.
At the October 20 meeting, council unanimously voted to continue the review of the Emerald Lake Precinct master plan, allowing extra time and resources to ensure a thorough approach.
The scope of the original plan remains unchanged for now, with future priorities to be guided by community feedback and findings from the review.
Council officers are also investigating upgrades to improve accessibility, visitor amenities, and regional connectivity.
The master plan review follows a notice of motion raised by Cr David Nickell earlier this year.
Since then, signage projects have been rolled out, the café demolition paused, and the former café leased by the Emerald and Cardinia Art Societies, becoming a highly successful gallery for local artists.
Cr Nickell said the master plan review is now “beginning to gather momentum” but expressed concern about the disconnect between rural and urban Cardinia.
He told his fellow councillors: “we need to start re-pitching Emerald Lake Park as not just a jewel, but as a one pearl in a string of necklace pearls that are actually of state significance or greater”.
“The potential is here, but we need to reframe things. That’s what we’re looking to do in the new year,” he said.
He added that upgrades must be carefully planned within the $3.8 million three-year budget to balance economic benefits with the preservation of the park’s natural and cultural value.
Cr Collin Ross highlighted the park’s tourism significance, noting Puffing Billy brings 400,000 visitors annually, many of whom stop at the precinct.
He described Emerald Lake Park as a “jewel on the crown of Cardinia Shire” that must be preserved.
