Following extensive engagement with reserve users and key stakeholders, Council is pleased to release draft master plans for Colac's Eastern Reserve, Western Reserve, Lake Oval (Colac Cricket Ground) and Central Reserve, with a public exhibition period from 1 August to 11 September 2022 to seek feedback from the broader community.
The master plans map out a vision for the future development of Colac's city reserves, and will support future funding applications to the state and federal governments.
"Our reserves are important places for our community to connect and enjoy the health benefits of sport and recreational activities," said Mayor Kate Hanson, after Council endorsed the draft master plans for exhibition at the July Council Meeting.
"Having master plans across all four Colac city reserves is an important long-term step to guide facility development and to prepare for future community needs as sporting facility guidelines and community expectations evolve."
The draft master plans recommend more than 54 separate, but interconnected, projects across the four reserves and include high, medium and low priority items.
Features of the draft reserve master plans include recommendations for playing surface upgrades to provide safe and compliant facilities, planning to ensure future upgrades of off-field facilities deliver gender-neutral change rooms, and shifting some of the key features of reserves to accommodate elements such as additional netball courts or expanded cricket facilities.
The draft master plans – prepared by recreation and leisure planners Insight Leisure Planning, were made possible thanks to $30,000 funding received from the Victorian Government under its 2020–21 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF) Planning category, which was added to Council's $50,000 contribution allocated in the 2020–21 financial year.
