General News
3 October, 2022
Council releases plans for major upgrades to three Maryborough sporting precincts
“Each master plan provides a strategic direction for each reserve with prioritised recommendations for short, medium and long term. “Determining the priority of projects will take into consideration factors such as facility compliance standards...
A $25.5 million wish list of improvements to three of Maryborough’s sporting precincts and reserves has been adopted by council, with funding to be urgently sought for more than 50 priority projects.
The Maryborough Major Reserves Master Plans was adopted by Central Goldfields Shire councillors at last week’s ordinary council meeting, following extensive community consultation.
Developed with input from user groups, stakeholders and the wider community and led by consultants Otium Planning Group, the three master plans cover Princes Park, Jack Pascoe Reserve and JH Hedges Oval.
The master plan for Princes Park also covers the tennis centre, Jubilee Oval, the hockey oval, Energy Breakthrough track, new skate and scooter facilities, the outdoor pool and surrounding public spaces.
Combined, the plans highlight more than 50 high, medium and low priority building and site works across the three reserves and precincts, with a total estimated cost of $25,495,000.
Councillor Gerard Murphy said funding would be sought urgently for high priority projects.
“The master plans ensure that the reserves remain relevant and sustainable community assets that meet contemporary needs,” he said.
“Each master plan provides a strategic direction for each reserve with prioritised recommendations for short, medium and long term.
“Determining the priority of projects will take into consideration factors such as facility compliance standards, asset condition, health and safety requirements, usage and demand, improved accessibility, greater provision of female friendly facilities and ensuring facilities are fit for purpose.
“The funding for identified high priority projects will be pursued as a matter of urgency.”
Key projects listed for Princes Park include improving walking trails, seating and signage, updating playspace equipment, improving drainage and irrigation of the main oval, upgrading clubrooms at Jubilee Oval and upgrading the grandstand, among many others.
Projects for Jack Pascoe Reserve include a full redevelopment of the netball courts, clubhouse, coach and player shelters, addition of a soccer pitch and an expansion to car parking, while JH Hedges Oval would see resurfacing to the netball court, an expansion of the clubrooms, resurfaced car parking and new lighting to the main oval, among others.
Speaking during the council meeting, councillor Geoff Lovett described the master plans as a wish list for the three reserves.
“This has been a very interesting read for all of us who have read the report, but it’s a very challenging read,” he said.
“I have to say that the major reserves master plans are in many ways a wish list — it’s a wish list of what we want right here and right now.
“Just a week ago I attended the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League Grand Final held at Princes Park which is our premier sporting facility in the shire.
“Sitting on the side of the oval opposite our magnificent grandstand reminds you of how impressive it is, but the reality is it’s also 117 years old.
“When I went into the clubrooms after the game, all the facilities for all the participants are at best what I call 1940s standard — hot water is not a given, the facilities are very old and there are no facilities for females.”
Adoption of the plans followed extensive community consultation, where both face-to-face and online engagement sessions were held with members of the public, user groups and consultants
Cr Lovett said the community owned the master plans, as they had all been shaped by what the community wanted.
“Sport plays a very important role in Central Goldfields Shire and if we want to continue that trend, we have to do something about this,” he said.
“This report is not our report, it’s what all the sporting bodies have told us they need.
“I see this master plan as being very aspirational and it will take many years to achieve — this council won’t see it achieved, but it must be achieved.
“A big part of getting this done will be consultation with the State Government and trying to get grants because it is beyond our ability to fund this.
“I think it’s absolutely fabulous and we must do everything in our power to see this report come to fruition.”
According to the report tabled to council at last week’s meeting, the draft plans suggested the placement of a splash park to be located within the outdoor pool grounds to ensure attendance to the pool was not reduced.
Feedback received highlighted that the community wanted the splash park to be free, unfenced and available for much longer dates/times than the outdoor pool.
As a result, a separate, detailed piece of work will be undertaken by council to arrive at a final set of options and recommendations for the best possible splash park site.