Emerald’s eye on space

A LONG-term plan that identifies future sites for community facilities in Emerald has been adopted by Cardinia Shire Council.
At its 21 July meeting, council considered public feedback and adopted the Emerald Community Facilities Spatial Plan which provides a blueprint for future provision of community, sporting and leisure infrastructure.
Mayor Graeme Moore said the spatial plan was the product of extensive research, investigation and community feedback.
He thanked the local community for the input provided to council during recent public consultation.
“This plan looks 15 to 20 years into the future to identify the issues and needs of the Emerald community in relation to the type and location of council-owned public facilities,” Cr Moore said.
“It will help provide a blueprint for provision of community facilities in key locations including Worrell Reserve, Pepi’s Land and Chandler Recreation Reserve.
“The plan looks at the future of netball and skate facilities, the need for further community facilities, and takes into account the significant community feedback we received.”
Cr Moore said the plan was not intended to provide specific detail in regard to facilities, rather it acknowledged that further work would be required into planning and design including consultation with the community. Council had also decided as part of the development of the plan to progress the issue of potential future aquatic facilities separately, he said.
Ranges Ward councillors Tania Baxter, Brett Owen and Leticia Wilmot thanked the community for its feedback on the plan, which included 27 written submissions, 44 responses to an online survey and other feedback from a community forum conducted by the Emerald Community House.
“We have had a wide range of suggestions and comments, all of which have been considered in the finalisation of this plan,” Cr Moore said.
Completion of Pepi’s Land masterplan and an upgrade of the playing surface at Chandler Reserve are two projects already in progress as part of this year’s budget.
Future consideration will be given to an upgrade of Worrell Reserve playing surface and relocation of netball courts to Pepi’s Land, among other improvements.
For more information or to view a copy of the Emerald Community Facilities Spatial Plan, contact council on 1300 787 624.
What do you think about the plan?