WSUD stands for Water Sensitive Urban Design, a way to manage rainwater and stormwater runoff by directing it through landscaping and garden beds to clean the water, remove litter and pollutants, while beautifying the area. This improves water quality in our drains and waterways downstream. It also supports healthier trees and reduces flooding.

Examples of WSUD practices include rain gardens, permeable pavements and rainwater harvesting.

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 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:

• grassed areas to picnic with friends and family
• 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 very helpful insights from community and are being drawn on to inform the site's development.

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 Council's open space requirement, Council resolved on 27 January 2015 to rezone and sell McDermott Avenue Reserve for housing.

Over the past 12 months there has been strong community interest in reactivating the site for community social open space.

Earlier in 2025 a feasibility study was undertaken, including an updated assessment of open space provision in Mooroolbark, which determined McDermott Avenue Reserve was not considered surplus to local open space needs. Expert advice was also sought regarding the potential rezoning and disposal of the site.

The findings of this study are now summarised in the Draft Masterplan. These indicated that a Neighbourhood Level reserve of at least one hectare is still needed in this location.

The Draft Masterplan includes a concept plan that shows the potential layout of social recreation features focusing landscape development in the central and northern sections of the site. This design would meet the current and emerging social recreation needs of community well into the future.

The southern corner is hidden from view and has been subject to antisocial behaviour and overlooking of neighbouring backyards. This small pocket is still being considered for housing investigations.

The 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.

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 or dog off-leash areas
• Dedicated skate or bike park

Development of the master plan will provide the evidence base and strategic intent that will underpin future grant and Council funding applications. Typically, co-funding would be sought from State and/or Federal grant funding opportunities.

There is currently a small allocation of funds to carry out some early works and reduce antisocial behaviour on site, however the delivery of the masterplan concept will require separate additional funds. There are currently no funds specifically allocated for these improvements however having an adopted master plan will give a stronger basis to bid for future funds.

Early works could include (depending on funds):

• demolition of the old pavilion
• remove asphalt from the old netball court areas and excess asphalt in the old car parks,
• remove the retaining wall and earthworks to reshape the land.

These areas will be returned to grassed open space for community use in the interim, while waiting for an adopted master plan and subsequent delivery.

Council officers have undertaken background research and community engagement which has underpinned the development of the draft McDermott Avenue Reserve Master Plan. The draft Master Plan including a concept plan for the site is now open, running from 11 November to 14 December 2025.

Council would love to hear community feedback. Any updates to the plan will be presented to Council to consider for adoption.

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

• Project alignment with 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.
• Analysis of the open space provision in the area and catchments.
• Consideration of housing needs in the area.
• Structural assessment of the retaining wall.
• Consideration of community survey feedback.

Understanding the community's vision, issues and opportunities for the future of McDermott Avenue Reserve began with online consultation in late 2020.

Late in 2020 Council engaged with community and stakeholders to understand the issues and opportunities at McDermott Avenue Reserve. These insights informed the development of a draft Master Plan.

This 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.

In 2024-25, following a pause to the project, site investigations and review of the previous 2015 council resolution to commence proceedings for the sale of the land were undertaken.

In early 2025 we checked in with the Mooroolbark community to confirm what social outdoor activities, were most popular. This excluded formal sport, which is not planned for this site.

Thanks to those community members that came and spoke with us at the Chin Festival and Mooroolbark Community events held in February/March of 2025. Your comments and feedback have been considered as part of the development of this plan.

• 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 respondents 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.

For children under 12 years

• Playspace / activity area with climbing equipment.
• Nature play area.
• Open grassed area for informal social ball games, picnics etc.

For youth aged 12-18 years

• Open grassed area for informal 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%)