Draft recreation plan themes & issues

Planning for an active and healthy Yarra Ranges future What is the issue The Recreation and Open Space Plan is a land-use planning tool that provides direction to Yarra Ranges Council on key issues and opportunities. The strategy will be referenced in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and inform the Municipal Strategic Statement in relation to open space planning.

The plan recognises that areas within the municipality will experience population growth and provides a framework for assessing the open space requirements in these areas.

The plan broadly identifies areas that are underserved by open space and that Council aspires to improve. This includes expanding the trail network, achieving critical open space linkages and realising major recreation facility objectives.

Following this plan, an investigation will be done into the suitability, diversity and quality of existing local social recreation parks.

One of Council’s roles is to respond to planning referrals and manage public open space. An open space assessment of the demand and supply of open space in the area is provided, which lists capital improvement projects and plans for the future. Contributions collected through subdivision can be directed to these

future projects. These assessments are continually reviewed as master plans and recreation strategies are conducted, and as actions are implemented.

Council currently relies on the Subdivision Act to justify the collection of public open space contributions. The strategy provides the strategic justification for Council seeking the full five per cent contribution, recognising that future residents to Yarra Ranges will use the full network of open spaces including sports reserves and social recreation parks. The strategy notes that in the urban areas of Chirnside Park and Lilydale there is an under-served level of recreation and open space that warrant a greater share of the contribution funds.

A recent Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision in Stupak vs Hobson Bay City Council will act as a precedent for how public open space contributions are treated in Victoria. The decision supports Council’s approach as it links these contributions to the improvement of public open space; the decision supports no reduction in the maximum five per cent stated in the Subdivision Act if it can be demonstrated that Council has a plan for improving public open space. The decision comments that residents use a range of public open spaces across the municipality and that developers should contribute to improving the recreation opportunities available and quality of these open spaces.

“ an investigation will be done into the suitability, diversity and quality of existing local social recreation parks.”

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Planning for an active and healthy Yarra Ranges future

The upper limit of five per cent of the Subdivision Act is outdated and has never been reviewed. The alternative methods, Clause 52.01 of the planning scheme or through a Development Contributions Plan Overlay, have provided difficult to implement.

The plan supports Council using the full range of mechanisms available in legislation and through the planning scheme to improve the provision of open space in Yarra Ranges. However, it also recognises that Council will need to take direct action to achieve major open space objectives such as attributing funds in the Capital Expenditure Program to the purchase of land.

Though the role of the Recreation and Open Space Plan on public open space is for recreation purposes, the strategy supports and links to Council’s Environment Strategy and biodiversity offset management program.

The offset management program aims to fund the development of open space sites that are significant for Council’s to achieve its biodiversity objectives.

In addition to its role as a key land-use planning tool, the Recreation and Open Space Plan plays a strategic approach in developing recreation facilities and open spaces.

Recreation facilities in Yarra Ranges have been developed in a piecemeal way, and are ageing and require renewal. There is an increase in the range of recreation activities as well as an increase in the number of users. Existing recreation facilities and open spaces do not have the capacity to respond to current or future needs and expectations of users.

A strategic approach is required to meet future recreation needs and support the growth of participation in sport and recreation. This approach establishes a shared and agreed vision among stakeholders on how to improve recreation facilities and open spaces.

Future capital development will be linked to the strategic planning process. This means a verified need and a well worked through proposal is developed before funding is attributed.

What are we currently doing?

Council is implementing a program of master plans for all major recreation reserves. There are feasibility studies for major regional sports facilities. These plans provide a blueprint for improving recreation reserves and sports facilities in Yarra Ranges based on catering for current and future demand, optimising the use of facilities, and sustainability and viability. The plans have enabled Council to invest through the Capital Expenditure Program and external funds from partners to deliver priority projects.

Future projects will be guided by Council’s Capital Expenditure Program Process Guidelines. The guidelines provide a consistent approach to the development and consideration of capital works projects. It is based on best practice for the management of, planning, design and implementation of all capital works projects.

How will we meet the challenge?

Yarra Ranges Council is planning for a healthy and active Yarra Ranges to ensure that our community has access to the full range of benefits that recreation and open space provide, now and in the future.

We will do this through a number of initiatives: • Develop a long-term strategic approach to recreation facilities and open spaces and integrate into the municipalities other key strategic documents.

• Ensure that recreation and open space is a central element in Yarra Range’s land-use planning.

• Embed the Recreation and Open Space Plan in the Yarra Ranges planning scheme including the revised Municipal Strategic Statement.

• Link investment in recreation and open space to policy and strategy.

• Allocate and manage open space contribution funds as per the Public Open Space Contributions Policy.

• Conduct an analysis into the effectiveness of all open spaces identifying areas oversupplied or under-served that will inform future investment.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Quality and diverse sport and recreation facilities, parks and community spaces The issue

What are we currently doing?

The quality of most local parks is poor and the community is not being provided the expected benefits social recreation parks can provide.

These parks need to be improved.

Council is promoting greater shared use and multi-use of sports facilities through planning processes.

Social recreation parks are located within 400–500 metres of where people live and are an important place for relaxation, socialising and play. The local and district social parks provide a picnic area, play space and open park area for informal ball games and activities and a variety of settings from open parkland and gardens to bushland.

Sports reserves have ageing infrastructure that requires redevelopment to offer greater diversity in sports activity and to respond to participation demands. For example, most sports pavilions do not accommodate female participation.

The household survey indicated that the community strongly supports the provision and development of shared use and multi-use facilities. This includes sports clubs sharing with other sports clubs, schools and community groups to prevent the unnecessary duplication of facilities. Sports clubs, however, are reluctant to share facilities with others. There needs to be a shift in sports clubs’ expectations away from being the sole user of a facility.

With the emergence of new activities that require space and built infrastructure, multi-use of existing facilities is increasingly necessary to provide the diversity in recreation opportunities and quality in infrastructure.

It is important that master plans consider social recreation and sport use of reserves, the needs of the community and the role the reserve plays in the area.

Clustering functions of open space will increase the sphere of influence of open spaces through attracting multiple user groups and viability as a community recreation resource.

A new position has been created to manage the delivery of the neighbourhood parks and play space program. The position designs creative, imaginative and educational play space environments, embracing the benefits of connecting with nature.

Providing diverse open space opportunities is now central to planning processes, which includes discussions with developers.

How will we meet this challenge?

Yarra Ranges Council will provide a community that can access quality and diverse sport and recreation facilities, parks and community spaces.

We will do this through a number of initiatives: • Adopt principles to maximise use of reserves and shared use of facilities in master planning and building projects.

• Identify opportunities to diversify open space functions or settings to offer greater variety in recreation opportunities.

• Resource the delivery of the neighbourhood parks and play space program and prioritise the development of creative, imaginative and educational play space environments and embrace the benefits of connecting with nature.

• Ensure that the open space allocation taken as part of a subdivision are developable land that is suitable for quality sport and recreation purposes.

• Inspect annually and invest in the upgrade of park furniture, landscaping and trails in our parks.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

activating our community spaces The issue

What are we currently doing?

The quality of our public spaces has a significant effect on our communities. When they are designed for people and with an understanding of the unique characteristics of a place, they play a valuable role in fostering social interaction and engagement in community life. Welldesigned public spaces provide the opportunity for community participation, which increases social capital, supports community resilience and supports our health and wellbeing.

Council’s Vision 2020 By Design and Landscape Guidelines are used to guide the design of developments and public spaces throughout the municipality. These documents aim to preserve the character of Yarra Ranges and enhance the visual amenity by responding to local identity and sensitive landscapes.

Public spaces include areas such as streets, town parks, parks and gardens, playgrounds, the interaction between buildings and public space, transport connections, community facilities, and other spaces where people interact outside the private realm.

Yarra Ranges’ public spaces have changed over time as vehicle-dominated spaces have taken over pedestrian priority. This has had a negative effect as the opportunity for incidental social interaction in our streets is reduced, there is a greater reliance on cars, which affects physical health and household expenditure, and a general loss of public activity and amenity.

Well-designed spaces incorporate a number of design principles to create places that are well connected, inclusive, diverse, distinctive, walkable, safe, active and enhance local economy, community, environment and identity. This can be achieved through a variety of ways such as including art, culture, heritage, natural ecosystems, water sensitive urban design, events, activities, partnerships with private landowners, traders and business, and generating community participation in the design of spaces.

Private landowners have an important role to ensure high quality integration between the private and public realm. The interaction of the built form with community spaces and parks is important when activating public places and can significantly influence the financial success of business, feelings of safety in public areas, interest, vibrancy, activity and amenity.

Council’s guide Essential Engagement provides a framework to ensure that community engagement activities are meaningful, well planned and effective.

How will we meet this challenge?

Yarra Ranges Council will support community with the activation and improvement of their public spaces through Council programs, services and capital works.

We will do this through a number of initiatives: • Reflecting local art, culture and heritage in the design of public spaces • Designing spaces that encourage enhanced activity, social experiences and events in public spaces that include all people in a community • Creating partnerships with trader and township groups to design community spaces and encourage community use and activity within the spaces.

• Focusing on creating connected walkable spaces in our main streets that are pleasant, comfortable and interesting to walk in and move through.

• Designing environmentally sensitive spaces.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Supporting the development of connected community The issue Sports reserve, parks and community spaces have traditionally been developed in a piecemeal way and are often located where there is an opportunity to do so rather than where it is best located. In some instances, these issues have contributed to poor integration, access and connectedness within our recreation and open spaces, to other community precincts or to where people live.

Master planning and open space planning is pivotal to addressing existing access issues and connecting people with recreation and open space and participation opportunities to community.

The population in Yarra Ranges shows a high number of young people and young families. Access to sport facilities and family activities will therefore continue to be in demand.

There is also an ageing community within Yarra Ranges.

Accessible facilities, support infrastructure like seating and shelter and opportunities to participate in informal, social, unstructured activities will be in demand.

Recreation and open space can play a vital role in encouraging older adults to be out and about and keep active and healthy.

Walking and cycling are likely to retain high participation rates. The continued roll out of the Hike and Bike Plan and Footpath Strategy will be important connect the community to recreation and open space opportunities.

Planning and investment will improve recreation and open spaces so they are accessible; and trails and streetscapes that connect these spaces to where people live will encourage walkable communities.

Sports clubs have indicated that improved promotion of available support to clubs from Council and peak sporting bodies would be beneficial in promoting their activities and attracting membership and volunteers.

The consultation findings suggested that Council is in a position to support and promote new and emerging sports and activities within Yarra Ranges.

It was suggested that to do this, Council could regularly update its club database and provide links from the website.

The household survey results indicate that residents in Yarra Ranges preferred to access information on recreation and sporting facilities through their local paper and online. The survey also indicated that residents agreed (70 per cent) that more information is needed about sport and recreation clubs in Yarra Ranges.

A review of Council’s website and promotional material has identified the following issues: • Council does not adequately promote the full breadth of participation opportunities to the broader community and this could be done in more creative and fun ways.

• Brochures produced are now outdated and inaccurate.

• The distribution of the Recreation Newsletter is limited by cost of production and only in hard copy.

• The website has no channels for the sports and recreation clubs to access recreation-specific information relating to capital works, policy and planning, club development, funding and other related topics.

Recreation and open space facilities and services provide a wide range of participation opportunities to keep the Yarra Ranges community healthy, active and connected. It is important to connect the community to these opportunities via a range of media sources.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Supporting the development of connected community

• Club contact details are constantly changing, making it hard to keep track of current committee members — this makes it difficult to send information to new club committee members.

• There is a lack of knowledge within clubs of the resources available to them, which they can utilise to promote their club and activities. Such resources include the Recreation Newsletter and the events calendar on Council’s website.

Increasing community awareness and connectedness to recreation and open space facilities, services and opportunities is a key objective for Council.

We must do this in better and more creative ways, using new information technology and communicating in different ways so all people can access recreation and open space opportunities.

Updating the website is the highest priority. The website will be designed so people can search by the recreation and open space experiences they can access in Yarra Ranges. The website will be the central place for information and engagement with clubs and communities. Once updated, we can embrace new forms of media such as social media via Facebook, Twitter and iPhone applications. Social game-based programs aimed at connecting people with recreation and open spaces will be explored.

What are we currently doing?

The Hike and Bike Plan guides the investment and development of the off-road trail network in Yarra Ranges.

Council uses a number of methods to engage and communicate with the community. The partnership with disability providers in the Yarra Ranges facilitates participation opportunities for people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.

The following media sources are currently used for promotion and marketing by Recreation Services.

• The Recreation Newsletter is produced quarterly and made available to the broad community in particular sports and recreation clubs and schools.

The newsletter is also available at Council community links, tourist information centres, health centres, community centres and neighbourhood houses.

It is an effective way of notifying the community about the Recreation Services Team and to provide important information to sport and recreation clubs.

The newsletter is also a way that sport and recreation clubs can promote themselves to the broader community and to share ideas with other clubs.

• Media releases and a community update column are produced for the local newspapers to inform the community of successful funding announcements, the status of projects and upcoming events.

• The website has several web pages relating to recreation and open space facilities, services and opportunities.

How will we meet this challenge?

Yarra Ranges Council will connect our community with the benefits of recreation and open space through accessible facilities; services; and opportunities, a network of trails and footpaths and through a variety of media sources.

We will do this through a number of initiatives: • Adopt principles of access and connectedness in master planning park improvement projects.

• Implement the Hike and Bike Plan and roll out of footpaths, prioritising projects that connect communities to open spaces.

• Organise regular events in open spaces that encourage recreation participation for all segments of the community. Take advantage of State, National or International initiatives like World Parks Day and Ride to Work Day. • Widely promote recreation and open space opportunities with interactive opportunities.

• Introduce experience-based web pages, including social game-based programs, to connect residents and visitors to recreation and open space benefits.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Protect our environment The issue

Threats to the sustainability of natural assets include:

Natural assets and ecosystems play an important role in creating sustainable and healthy environments and communities. These include:

• vegetation removal and weed invasion

• fresh air and clean drinking water • climate attributes including temperature, rainfall, humidity, etc

• fragmentation of habitat through land clearing • pests and diseases • changed water regimes • urban development and recreation uses • bushfires

• mitigating climate change pressures through carbon sequestering and storage

• incremental changes in climate

• healthy soils and waterways

• domestic wastewater discharges

• plant pollination

• earthworks that damage tree roots and compress and expose soil to erosion

• insect pest control • shade and shelter • landscape values and living amenity • social values including cultural, recreational and tourism.

Yarra Ranges has large tracts of some of the most important biologically diverse natural assets in Australia, including Dandenong Ranges National Park and Yarra Ranges National Park. It is also home to all three of Victoria’s land-based state emblems, including the Common Heath, Helmeted Honeyeater and Leadbeater’s Possum.

There are 188 000 hectares of indigenous vegetation within Yarra Ranges, representing 76.2 per cent of the Yarra Ranges landscape. This is largely made up of national parks, state forests and crown land reserves.

• pollution.

The role that ecosystems play and the diversity, quality and quantity of significant environmental, landscape and cultural values in Yarra Ranges highlights the importance of managing natural assets in a holistic and integrated way. Sustainability is central to Council’s policy and actions for flora and fauna management.

Yarra Range’s unique natural environment and landscapes currently provides opportunities for bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching and nature appreciation. There is an opportunity to explore further nature-based recreation and tourism activities in collaboration with other land managers e.g. Parks Victoria, and to partner with other open space providers to improve natural areas, e.g. partnership with Melbourne Water in the management of riparian corridors.

Across the municipality, there are 75 sites of botanic significance, 39 sites of zoological significance and 107 bio-sites. There are also over 2300 flora and fauna species recorded, of which 82 per cent are indigenous to Yarra Ranges.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Protect our environment

What are we currently doing?

Council’s Environment Strategy sets out the goals and objectives, policy positions and program of actions that guides Yarra Ranges Council in its improvement and responsible management of flora and fauna assets.

Council’s Tourism Strategy and Action Plan supports the development of nature-based recreation and tourism opportunities.

Low energy and efficient water use features and technologies are embraced in new recreation facilities and open spaces.

How will we meet this challenge?

Yarra Ranges Council will protect our significant and unique natural environments and landscapes, while exploring opportunities for people to experience and connect with nature.

“ COUNCIL’S TOURISM STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURE-BASED RECREATION AND TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES.”

All decisions and initiatives for recreation and open space will: • Respect Yarra Range’s unique and significant natural assets.

• Take a holistic and integrated approach to managing Yarra Range’s natural assets with our partner land managers to deliver a sustainable future.

• Explore opportunities for nature-based recreation and tourism activities.

• Integrate environmentally sustainable design and water sensitive urban design features in capital works improvement projects, where practical.

• Encourage tenants of recreation facilities and open space to develop a sustainable facility management practices.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Support the sustainability of sport and recreation clubs The issue Council’s Recreation Services Team plays a key role in allocating sporting grounds and facilities, club development, management and issue resolution.

There is an opportunity to expand the role that Recreation Services plays in club development through either hosting events or facilitating access to initiatives hosted by peak sporting bodies, focused on club capacity building.

Many organisations and clubs are required to undertake more complex management tasks to administer their activities, which means volunteers are expected to do more. As a result, clubs are seeking assistance for a range of club administration and management activities.

This issue is further exacerbated by issues of volunteer burnout, ageing committees, low recruitment levels particularly from younger members, inadequate skill mix to cope with the expanding responsibilities of club committees, growing competition for sponsorship dollars, increasing affiliation fees and public liability risks.

The lack of volunteers is further compounded by sports and activities that are volunteer intensive such as athletics, which requires several organisers, track and field marshals, coaches, trainers and volunteers to run and operate the canteen.

The community is very conscious of the value of volunteers and the results of the household survey indicate that 75 per cent of residents agree that encouraging people to volunteer should be a priority and 81 per cent of residents indicated that volunteers require more support in an increasingly complex environment.

Sports clubs in Yarra Ranges have indicated that seeking funding and sponsorship is a high priority in club administration and that this is a challenge within voluntary organisations that rely on the skills and expertise of their members.

Clubs also indicated in the survey that they would welcome support in developing business plans and other relevant plans. This support is available from time to time through various associations and/or Council.

Training, information and assistance in developing business plans and preparing funding applications would assist clubs and committees to plan for the future and to obtain funding support for capital improvement projects and participation programs.

“ ACTIVELY PROMOTE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CLUB VOLUNTEERS WITHIN COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA.”

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Support the sustainability of sport and recreation clubs

The Cost of Delivering Sport (2001), commissioned by Sport and Recreation Victoria and undertaken by an Independent Taskforce, investigated factors affecting the delivery of sport and recreation to the community.

This report found that the time commitments of those responsible for delivering sport had increased while many of the associated costs had also risen significantly.

Other challenges were: • Insurance: Public Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Professional Indemnity and Personal Accident and Injury premiums have all increased in recent years, by a figure far in excess of CPI. While premium costs are rising, the ability to obtain adequate cover is becoming increasingly difficult.

• Legal issues: The role of the volunteer is becoming more complicated by operating in an increasingly complex legal environment. Many groups felt that they did not have the expertise to properly handle legal matters and the costs involved in obtaining professional legal advice were prohibitive.

• Water charges: For organisations using turf facilities, the imposition of water charges on a user pays system involves an annual cost of $4000 to $6000.

This burden has required sporting organisations to reassess their water usage and maintenance practices and has certainly affected their expendable income.

• Club administration and compliance with statutory regulations: Expectations on clubs are increasing as is the level of knowledge needed to satisfy an expanding range of administrative requirements.

• Pricing policies: There has been an increase in costs passed on to sporting organisations when compared to the days of ’peppercorn agreements’ offered to traditional sports. Many organisations are dissatisfied with the inconsistencies associated with either a lack of clear policy or through a comparison with similar groups residing in another municipality.

What are we currently doing?

Council manages the use of facilities by clubs and associations via seasonal allocation or lease/license agreements. The fees and charges policy outlines the conditions of use so that it is equitable across the municipality. The policy identifies a list of incentives to encourage developing clubs and to promote recreation opportunities for young people and specific groups, e.g. women.

Council through the Sports Field Management Group and Recreation Services liaise directly with clubs to resolve any issues that may arise regarding use, maintenance and development of facilities and grounds.

Council hosts seasonal tenancy meetings to inform clubs of who to contact within Council and to pass on important information and advice regarding planning, maintaining and management of recreation reserves and sports clubs.

How will we meet the challenge?

Council will support clubs and organisations in being sustainable advocates for participation in sport and recreation.

We will do this through a number of initiatives: • Facilitate training opportunities for volunteers to administer and manage sporting and recreation groups and clubs.

• Actively promote the achievements of club volunteers within Council publications and media.

• Assist clubs to develop and implement volunteer recruitment strategies.

• Work with associations and peak sporting bodies to coordinate the development of targeted club development programs.

• Develop a tool kit to assist committee members improve club administration.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

A partner to community The issue There are a large range of partnerships available for Council and community to explore when developing or managing sport and recreation facilities, parks and community spaces.

Council has partnerships with sport and recreation clubs and associations, friends and environment groups, contractors, public land authorities and managers, government departments and agencies, traders and township groups and the broader community.

These partnerships harness creative ways to improve the diversity of recreation opportunities in Yarra Ranges and to managing our sport and recreation facilities, parks and community spaces.

They are also a great way to build resilient socially connected communities.

The relationship with associate land managers in Yarra Ranges, including Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water, provides opportunities for integrated planning and development of nature-based recreation and tourism activities, that are unique to the natural physical characteristics of Yarra Ranges.

Almost half of the schools surveyed in Yarra Ranges indicated that they allow some form of community access and use of their facilities. This varies significantly from school to school — generally the school council or administration makes decisions, rather than the Education Department. The Education Department has, however, released guidelines to promote appropriate shared use to school facilities.

Council and the community have the opportunity to seek greater partnerships and joint development opportunities with schools for providing quality facilities and services. Partnerships could be between a numbers of stakeholders but anecdotally partnerships appear to be more successful when there is a three-way partnership between Council, school and community.

Council should also explore partnerships for schools to fund developments and include schools in the pricing structure for use of facilities.

The partnership with state and federal government is valued and important. A good relationship with government departments, who are major funding partners, has been established, and there is a confidence in the ability to successfully deliver projects with external funding.

Private sector partnerships could also be investigated and sought in the planning, development and operation of a range of facilities. These partnerships could potentially lead to facilities that have benefits for both the community and business.

Peak and industry bodies provide opportunity for Council to connect with other professionals in the field to explore best practice models and partner in state wide initiatives. Council’s involvement with these bodies will help improve the level of service delivery in Yarra Ranges and bring new ideas to the region.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

A partner to community

What are we currently doing?

Council’s Engagement Framework promotes an integrated planning approach with the Yarra Ranges community and is a valuable tool to building effective partnerships.

The partnership that Council has with clubs and associations is integral to developing sport in Yarra Ranges and managing the use of facilities. This partnership is demonstrated by the clubs’ relationship with the Sports Field Management Group and Recreation Services. These engagement opportunities are a club’s main avenue for discussing issues like access to facilities and maintenance of grounds. In addition, the partnership continues to grow through Council proactively advertising club activities, achievements and events and guiding clubs in the long-term strategic planning activity.

Council’s Recreation Services manage the contract for the management and operation of aquatic facilities in Yarra Ranges. Council conducts a number of key tasks in relation to contract supervision, including:

How will we meet this challenge?

Council will partner the community and stakeholders when developing recreation and open space opportunities.

We will do this through a number of initiatives: • Connect the full range of stakeholders and peak interest groups with Council departments through all forms of engagement including informing, consulting, involving, collaborating and empowering.

• Actively use Council’s Engagement Framework as a tool in delivering an integrated planning approach to projects with key stakeholders and community, other land authorities and government departments and agencies.

• Support the development of sustainable clubs and organisations in Yarra Ranges by partnering and skilling volunteers.

• Regular meetings with a contractor to review contract performance and service delivery and identify maintenance issues and minor improvement proposals.

• Support the management of sustainable aquatic and recreation facilities in Yarra Ranges by partnering contractors and responding to centre performance.

• Regular pool inspections including the completion of performance monitoring reports and assessment of Occupational Health and Safety and risk management issues.

• Explore joint use development proposals with schools and private partnerships.

• Coordinate repairs and maintenance of facilities.

Friends and environment groups are great partners of Council in protecting and maintaining Yarra Range’s natural bushland reserves, waterways and primary trail network. A number of joint programs are delivered across our large bushland reserve system.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Issues Action Sheets

Field sports There are 65 playing fields spread over 47 reserves throughout the Yarra Ranges. These facilities are home to a range of sporting and recreation activities, the main ones being Australian Rules football, cricket, soccer, softball, athletics and dog obedience.

Facilities that are provided across the municipality in sporting reserves include sports fields, pavilions, practice nets, lighting, car parks, toilets, halls/meeting rooms and storage.

For the traditional sports of football and cricket, infrastructure is ageing and in many cases is reaching the end of its life. Replacement and upgrade of assets remains a major challenge for Council with master plans identifying the need for significant capital infrastructure.

While the number of ovals is generally sufficient to cope with relatively static average participation trends, improvements to playing surfaces and the use of alternative training venues, like school ovals, remains a priority. Continuing to invest in sport field improvements program is a priority, as is consideration of a funding program for the development of upgrade of pavilions.

In the past, soccer has not been well catered for with only 14 fields for over 1500 players.

As growing national and state trends are reflected in local participation demands, particularly with the increase in junior and female players, it is evident that improving the facilities for soccer should be a priority for Council. A Regional Soccer Strategy recommends significant investment to provide synthetic surfaces to regional, district and local facilities, to assist with the capacity and sustainability of playing surfaces.

A regional soccer centre at Monbulk is recommended and this is a priority for Council.

Athletics is another sport that has been the subject of a feasibility study in the past 12 months. A regional facility is located in Mt Evelyn, but it is in relatively poor condition with a partial synthetic track (straight only) and inadequate infrastructure for its catchment and use. A strong case has been developed to justify an upgrade

of this facility as it is the only regional athletics facility in Yarra Ranges, catering for a large community and school catchment, tournaments and competitions, as well as multi-use training for various sports.

Council needs to encourage the optimum use of facilities. On one hand this will ensure that facilities are not overused and that the set level of maintenance is sufficient to maintain a good standard throughout the year. On the other hand it will ensure that grounds are adequately used and that there is not unwarranted demand for additional sporting fields and infrastructure.

Any future development or redevelopment of field sport infrastructure needs to consider: • multiple use and multiple users • environmentally sustainable design • artificial synthetic surfaces • adequate storage provided in support infrastructure • water/stormwater harvesting / treatment / storage.

One of the key issues that needs to be addressed is balancing scheduling against capacity of sports fields.

Council has increased the awareness of club and association of the need to balance the use of sports fields to ensure the grounds sustainability throughout the year. Council’s priority is to continue to improve club and association knowledge about the role they play in capital improvement and maintaining sports fields and facilities.

Priorities • Preparing, investing in and implementing master plans for significant sporting and recreation reserves to manage assets and replace ageing infrastructure.

Including completing a Major Pavilion Audit.

• Providing suitable facilities for soccer to cater for increased demand.

• Completing the regional athletics facility to provide a full synthetic track and suitable infrastructure.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets

Aquatic and fitness facilities Swimming is the second most popular activity in the Yarra Ranges, and this highlights the need to provide regional and district level facilities.

There are eight swimming pools and one water play facility which are open to the public on a seasonal or year round basis. These are: 1. Belgrave Outdoor Pool 2. Healesville Outdoor Pool 3. Lilydale Outdoor Pool 4. Olinda Outdoor Pool 5. Kilsyth Centenary Pool 6. Monbulk Aquatic Centre 7. Yarra Centre 8. Jack Hort Memorial Pool (Healesville High School) 9. Seville Water Play.

With significantly ageing infrastructure, Council’s Aquatic Facilities Strategic Review 2007 prioritises future needs across the four district areas, with each district offering a range of aquatic services to meet local needs. This includes consideration of indoor pools, summer leisure and aquatic programs, lap swimming, competition, youth programs and tourism.

Fitness facilities and programs have primarily been provided by the private sector, with only two of Council’s aquatic facilities offering health club/fitness services. Consideration of future fitness facilities will be an important aspect of upgrade and redevelopment of facilities.

Implementing the aquatics strategy to improve provision of aquatics facilities should be complemented by: • developing initiatives to assist ‘isolated’ residents with increased transport options • promoting regional facilities in neighbouring municipalities.

Priorities • Seeking external funding, designing and building the new aquatic and leisure centre in Lilydale.

• Completing the construction of the Monbulk Aquatic Centre Redevelopment.

• Undertaking a feasibility study and business case for aquatic facilities in the Yarra Valley (Healesville and Yarra Glen).

A business case supports developing a new aquatic and leisure centre in Lilydale to cater for the urban areas of Yarra Ranges. Council recently approved $15 million towards the project. The facility will offer a greater range of aquatic, health, fitness and leisure opportunities not provided by existing aquatic facilities in the urban district.

In addition the design provides recreation, marketing and childcare benefits to the Swinburne University.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets

INDOOR SPORTS Indoor sports are provided primarily eight community and school stadiums and a range of privately owned facilities. Activities at the indoor sports centres include basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, squash, martial arts, gymnastics, futsal and cricket.

Participation trends in these sports are relatively stable, with activities like futsal and basketball experiencing some growth. Any application to increase the number of facilities across the region and in neighbouring municipalities needs to consider potential partnerships with schools.

The eight stadiums are:

Ageing infrastructure, the need to improve/upgrade car parking, storage and change/toilet facilities will keep the asset management of stadium facilities on Council’s capital works agenda.

1. Kilsyth Sporting Complex –six basketball courts (two configured for netball), badminton and table tennis courts

4. Wandin East Stadium – badminton courts

Developing two additional basketball/netball courts at Kilsyth Sports Centre has been Council’s priority to support the growth of basketball and provide access to indoor netball courts for the Lilydale Yarra Valley Netball Association.

5. Gary Cooper Pavilion – basketball court

Priorities

6. Upwey High School Stadium – two basketball courts

• Consider the demand for indoor sports when considering the recreation and open space requirements for the Quarry site.

2. Lilydale Basketball Stadium – four basketball courts 3. Yarra Centre – basketball courts

7. Healesville High School Stadium – two basketball courts 8. Monbulk High School Stadium – two basketball courts.

The privately owned facilities are: • indoor tennis centre in Mount Evelyn • two squash centres in Lilydale • five martial arts schools throughout the municipality • one gymnastics school/facility in Lilydale.

“ Providing access to indoor courts for basketball and netball is a priority.”

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets

Outdoor Courts and Greens Courts and greens that cater for netball, tennis, lawn bowls, croquet and golf are provided through numerous public and private facilities.

Within Yarra Ranges there are: • 32 tennis clubs providing a total of 149 courts • 14 outdoor netball facilities, providing a total of 36 courts • 7 lawn bowls clubs • 4 privately owned golf courses • 1 croquet facility.

Considerations are: • There has been resurgence in demand for netball courts. Football and netball clubs and leagues have been operating together in the outer-eastern area for six years. This has increased participation and made sport more of a family affair as it creates one sport’s destination. Yarra Ranges has been successful in attracting state governmentassistance for developing netball facilities through the Country Football Netball program.

• A number of tennis clubs have been experiencing difficulty due to shortage of water, high maintenance demands and declining memberships. Support needs to be given to clubs to amalgamate with other nearby clubs, conversion of tennis courts to joint tennis/netball courts for increased multi-use and other initiatives that address under-utilised facilities.

A Regional Tennis Strategy is recommended to explore the provision of tennis facilities into the future.

• The Netball Feasibility Study (2008) and subsequent investigations examines the development of a 12-court outdoor facility at Pinks Reserve, relocating the Lilydale Yarra Valley Netball Association from the McDermott Avenue, Mooroolbark site. The popularity of netball, significant membership and regional nature of this facility make this project a Council priority.

Priorities • Construct the Pinks Reserve Netball Facility • Conduct a Regional Tennis Strategy.

“ A REGIONAL TENNIS STRATEGY IS RECOMMENDED TO EXPLORE THE PROVISION OF TENNIS FACILITIES INTO THE FUTURE.” Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets

TRAILS Council’s Hike and Bike Plan (2005) acknowledges the significant participation in walking (the most popular activity) and cycling and provides a range of directions and recommendations for: • shared trail networks • walking circuits • footpath networks • on-road cycling networks

“ Yarra Ranges will improve and develop the trail network.”

• tourism routes and destinations.

Priorities • Careful planning to alleviate conflict and address safety needs of competing users.

• Lead an integrated development, management and maintenance model across numerous land owners, managers and neighbouring councils.

• Improvements to existing trails and advocate for the continued development of trail linkages mapped out in the Hike and Bike Plan.

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets

Social Recreation Parks The open space system includes a range of local social recreation parks with play spaces, skate and BMX facilities, picnic facilities, pathways, gardens and event areas.

There are some gaps in the provision of local parks for some communities that should be addressed as populations increase through residential development.

These gaps are identified in the precinct open space strategies and land purchase or development on vacant council land.

The quality of social recreation parks needs to be improved. The local parks have ageing play equipment and picnic facilities and require renewal. The access to local parks is poor because they have been developed in a piecemeal. The continued and increased investment into neighbourhood playground improvements program is supported as well as employing a Park Planner to design and project manage local park improvement works.

Priorities • Increase investment and progressively improve the accessibility, quality and diversity of play and park experiences in Yarra Ranges social recreation parks.

• Develop a Playground Strategy.

“ Increase investment and progressively improve the accessibility, quality and diversity of play and park experiences.”

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets

Equestrian A range of equestrian activities occurs at public and private facilities, riding grounds, showgrounds and racecourses. This activity is generally self-sufficient due to the specialised nature of the requirements, but some funding support is provided by Council primarily to pony clubs to support local level facilities.

Within Yarra Ranges there are: • 13 pony/adult riding clubs • 9 privately owned equestrian centres • 2 showgrounds

Further investigation of regional equestrian facilities should be undertaken and Council is well placed to support this process in partnership with the equestrian community.

Council’s future role in equestrian provision may be to support projects in principle and advocate on behalf of clubs/associations to secure funding while continuing to support local facility projects for pony/adult riding clubs.

Priorities • Review the Equestrian Strategy.

• 2 racing facilities.

“ COUNCIL IS WELL PLACED TO SUPPORT THIS PROCESS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY.” Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets

Motor and Shooting Sports There are shooting, archery, aero modellers and model car facilities that offer a range of motor and shooting sports.

These sports are offered opportunities in suitable locations in Yarra Ranges via a lease agreement with Council.

Considerations for dealing with issues including noise, visual amenity, planning controls, potential for site consolidation, infrastructure requirements and management are considered in the lease agreement.

Priorities • Continued review of conditions on leases for motor and shooting sports to insure issues are managed.

“ THESE SPORTS aRE OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES IN SUITABLE LOCATIONS IN YARRA RANGES VIA A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH COUNCIL.”

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets

Natural Areas Natural areas include forests, national parks, wildlife reserves, creek corridors, flora reserves and bushland areas. Council works in partnership with land management agencies and Friends Groups to ensure that natural values are recognised and preserved.

The protection and management of natural areas and sites with flora and fauna and cultural heritage significance is critical in the planning scheme and park management plans.

The management of natural areas will be governed in most cases by legislation and regulations for national parks, State Forests and Crown Land Reserves.

In addition, park management plans will be prepared and adhered to. This will ensure natural areas are managed so they primarily protect the natural asset, while providing recreation and tourism benefits to the community and region as a secondary purpose.

Council’s Tourism Strategy supports the development of nature-based recreation tourism activities in Yarra Ranges. The region’s significant bushland, ranges and rivers are able to support nature-based recreation tourism activities and this should be explored by Council.

Priorities • Explore opportunities for nature based recreation activities.

“ Nature-based recreation activities are supported in yarra ranges.”

Yarra Ranges Council Recreation and Open Space Plan – Themes Action Sheets