Council is seeking further input from the community following endorsement of the Smythesdale Gardens and Brewery Dam Reserve Draft Masterplan (the Draft Masterplan) at its meeting on Tuesday 25 July.
The Draft Masterplan was developed following an extensive community engagement process which included the Smythesdale Progress Association/Committee of Management (CoM) taking part in a site walk through and a consultation session where they shared their views on site issues and constraints, and identified opportunities for improvements.
Key objectives of the Draft Masterplan include improving and enhancing the reserve landscape, establishing options for additional facilities and infrastructure, improving recreational opportunities for reserve users and resolving access issues.
The Draft Masterplan also aims to establish further consultation with user groups and residents to identify current and future needs and issues while also providing clear direction for the responsible development of each reserve within resource constraints. Council will seek community feedback from Wednesday 26 July to Wednesday 23 August. All feedback received will be considered before the Masterplan is finalised and presented at a Council meeting later this year.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the Draft Masterplan would establish a robust framework to guide strategic planning for the reserves from 2023 to 2033.
Both Smythesdale Gardens and Brewery Dam Reserve present fantastic natural spaces for the community to enjoy now and into the future, and it’s important for Council to maximise recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, while also maintaining the reserves unique environmental features.
This planning will assist the Smythesdale Progress Association/Committee of Management and Council to prioritise capital project upgrades, explore new opportunities to activate the reserves and increase recreational activity which aligns with Council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2020 to 2030.
The Draft Masterplan can be viewed online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations and community members can also provide feedback through an online survey until 5pm, Wednesday 23 August 2023.