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Why we are developing a master plan

Myrtle and Macleay Parks form a major sporting and recreation precinct. The master plan will aim to meet the needs of the diverse user groups of Myrtle and Macleay Parks and consider:

  • organised sport
  • recreational use of the wider community, including dog walking
  • amenities like park furniture, shade, shelter, public toilets, lighting and paths
  • pedestrian safety
  • protecting the character of the park
  • improving access and wayfinding throughout the park.

The master plan was initiated after there was a Council report that responded to a request by the Boroondara Netball Association (BNA) for four additional netball courts at Macleay Park. This was presented to a Services Delegated Committee meeting on 28 June 2021.

The Services Delegated Committee resolved to 'Work with all MMP Stakeholders (including tenant sporting clubs and local residents) to develop a MMP Master Plan, pending the approval of funding in Council’s 2022-23 budget.'

Funding was approved to develop a master plan for Myrtle and Macleay Parks in the 2022-23 financial year.

Background studies

Technical studies prepared by specialists will inform the development of the master plan.

These include:

  • a parking and traffic study
  • a stormwater treatment and harvesting (or reuse) system proposal
  • a new tree assessment and report of recommendations.

Part of the master plan process includes the development of a background report. This report will summarise information about the site, including the information presented in the technical studies.

How we will develop the master plan

The master plan for Myrtle and Macleay Parks will be prepared independently by an external team of specialists, led by experienced landscape and recreational planners.

The master plan will be developed holistically using evidence-based assessments of technical specialists, and by considering the lived experiences of those who use the park and share with us through community consultation.

We will then invite feedback on the draft master plan to make sure it delivers on what is important for our community, including their needs and aspirations.

The resulting master plan will achieve objectives that align with our public strategies, plans and standards.

Existing grant — Boroondara Netball Association

In 2021, Boroondara Netball Association (BNA) proposed to add 4 courts and lighting to the existing 8 netball courts at the Myrtle and Macleay Parks location. The group secured $1.2 million in funding from the Australian Government for improvements and expansion.

Our Councillors reviewed the proposal and explored community feedback on options to co-locate the courts with the current 8 courts, as well as other opportunities to increase court time for the BNA. The details of the BNA proposal for additional courts at Macleay Park are in the minutes for the Services Delegated Committee meeting on 28 June 2021.

We remain committed to working with the BNA and Netball Victoria to upgrade lighting and resurface the existing courts at the Myrtle and Macleay Parks location using the existing Australian Government grant. Opportunities for increasing netball provision at other locations within Boroondara to support the long-term strategic growth of netball can be considered as they arise.