Following early community consultation undertaken in December 2020, in late 2024 we started to reengage with the local community and started site investigations to inform detailed site analysis and site opportunities plans. These are nearly ready to share with community and will be uploaded here in the next couple of weeks, and will form the basis of a Master Plan for the future development of McDermott Avenue Reserve, Mooroolbark.

Historically the site was the home of local netball clubs, however in 2015 they were relocated into a new Netball Centre at Pinks Reserve. This has freed up the site to be explored for other community uses and outcomes.

Priorities identified by the community in 2020, and reinforced more recently through correspondence and conversations, include the provision of:

  • a playspace
  • youth and adult activities including a variety of social and recreational activities,
  • path network with lighting to walk, exercise and learn to ride a bike.
  • open grassed areas for kickabout ball activities, picnics, social gatherings and events
  • shelter and barbeque with supporting toilet facilities
  • landscaped design and plantings to enhance the experience of the space and define the edges.

These have been very helpful insights from community and are now being drawn on to inform a suite of design ideas into a concept plan.

The development of a Master Plan for McDermott Avenue Reserve will provide the strategic framework for the delivery of projects over the next 15 years to create a welcoming and inclusive space for community.

Follow this page - by clicking on the link at the top of the page - to be kept updated on this project as it develops.

We have nearly finished a Background study for the site along with a feature and levels survey and some site analysis diagrams that show what opportunities and issues need to be considered in the design stage. This will be uploaded to this Shaping Page, so follow this page so you will receive a notification when updates occur.

We will also progress with a first draft of a design that we will bring this to community soon for discussion and feedback.

What we have previously heard from the local community

Late in 2020 Council engaged with community and stakeholders to understand the issues and opportunities that existed at McDermott Avenue Reserve. These insights were to inform the development of a draft Master Plan for the site. After a hiatus Council have reactivated the project and have received good support from both community and Councillors to progress a Master Plan. The original feedback has been reinforced through letters from community and more recent onsite conversations. We have carried out:

  • Letterbox drop: 600 local residences were invited to provide feedback on usage and vision for the site.
  • Online Surveys: Over 340 responded to questions.
  • Internal Consultation. Stakeholders from across Council were invited to provide insight to understand issues and potential opportunities for the site.
  • 73% walk to the park, 34% drive and 24% cycle to the reserve
  • 71% Mooroolbark residents, further 23% from neighbouring suburbs
  • 63% of respondents were female, 72% aged 25 – 54 years, from families with one or two children
  • Currently use the reserve for:
    • walking (51%)
    • bike riding and skill development (48%)
    • health and fitness (48%)
    • social ball games (37%)
    • Exercising the dog (33%)
  • 61% of respondants currently don’t use the area because it lacks activities and infrastructure that invites use.
  • 93% reported they were very likely (74%) or likely (19%) to be regular users of the reserve if improved.
  • Whilst Council had resolved previously to use the land for housing, community still desire to see it used for open space.

Top community suggested inclusions

  • For children under 12 years

    • Playspace / Activity area with climbing equipment
    • Natureplay area
    • Open grassed area for social ball games, picnics etc

  • For youth aged 12 – 18 years

    • Open grassed area for social ball games
    • Basketball half-court
    • Other equally popular activities including skate/BMX, multi-lined sports court, climbing wall and exercise equipment.

  • For adults over 18 years

    • Circuit walking path / running track
    • Open grassed area for community picnics, gatherings, events etc.
    • Picnic shelters / BBQ area (66%)

FAQ's

In 2015 netball was relocated to a new netball centre at Pinks Reserve Kilsyth. To supplement the cost of developing the new netball centre, and in recognition of it being surplus to requirement, Council resolved on 27 January 2015 to rezone and sell McDermott Avenue Reserve for housing. The report also recommended consideration of a partial sale with retention of some land for social recreation and purchase of alternate land to ensure ‘no net loss’ of open space.

There has been no progress on sale of the land since the resolution, and over the past 12 months there has been strong community interest in reactivating the site for community social open space. Officers have recently carried out a site survey and site analysis to support discussions with community about the future of the site. The discussions would consider what proportion of the site is allocated to open space, and would take into account ‘no net loss of open space’ objectives and the changing demographics in Mooroolbark.

Community will be engaged throughout the planning of the site and updates will be provided through this Shaping Yarra Ranges website. You can stay up to date by clicking on the link at the top of the home page to follow this page and receive updates.

Should part of the land require rezoning as part of a future sale the community will be notified and invited to provide feedback in accordance with statutory procedures under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Should part of the land require rezoning as part of a future sale the community will be notified and invited to provide feedback in accordance with statutory procedures under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

The following will not be included:

  • The reserve will not be developed as a sporting complex or be planned for formal sport.
  • Large-scale developments such as swimming pools or stadiums
  • Waterplay facilities
  • Dedicated dog park - any feedback received around this will be reviewed as part of a People and Dogs in Parks Plan which is being developed.

The development of the master plan will underpin future grant and Council funding applications. Typically, co-funding would be sought from State and/or Federal grant funding opportunities. There are currently no funds specifically allocated for potential improvements that may be identified through the master planning process for this site. However having an adopted master plan will give a strong basis to bid for future funds to deliver projects.

Council will be looking for funding opportunities to undertake an early works program to remove asphalt from the old netball court areas and excess asphalt in the old car parks. The areas will be returned to grassed open space for community use in the interim, before the master plan, once adopted, can be funded and implemented.

Council officers are currently undertaking the background research to underpin the development of the draft McDermott Avenue Reserve Master Plan. Once developed, the master plan will be open for community feedback, revised as appropriate and presented to Council to consider for adoption.

Activities involved in the research phase include, but are not limited to:

  • Consideration of community survey feedback.
  • How this project links to Council’s other relevant policies, plans and objectives.
  • Specialist site investigations including features and levels survey and geotechnical studies.
  • Site condition reports including arborist, environmental, soil, drainage, parking etc.
  • Site landscape assessment to inform the development of a concept plan (proposed layout) for the site.