Destination-level open spaces, use changes for existing sites and new open space areas are among plans highlighted in the draft Macedon Ranges Open Space Strategy.
Last week, Macedon Ranges Shire Council endorsed release of the draft document for community consultation for four weeks, launching in early October.
The strategy outlines how the council plans to manage and improve parks, reserves, sporting grounds and other public spaces over the next 10 years with consideration of population growth.
The strategy states that between 2021 and 2036, the population of Macedon Ranges is forecast to increase by 12,985 people (25.17 per cent), at an average annual change of 1.51 per cent. The majority of this growth is expected to be in the Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Riddells Creek districts.
The strategy maps out several project proposals to improve open space, ranking them from high to low priority.
A high priority projects for Gisborne is urban design framework for the town centre including identifying civic open spaces and social gathering opportunities.
Another high priority is continuing to enhance the Stephens, Bunjil and Howey creek corridors to provide open space access to southern parts of Gisborne.
In Riddells Creek, a high priority project is a master plan for Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve, while medium-priorities include monitoring the need for a destination-level open space as the township grows, and investigating opportunities for a civic open space.
Woodend’s highest priority listed is a master plan for the Woodend Racecourse Reserve. Medium-priority projects for the town include improving the connectivity of open space land uses near the library, and seeking sites for a further local-level social recreation open space to be provided south of the railway line, west of High Street.
Romsey has several medium priority projects identified including developing open spaces in Romsey growth areas, investigating either Regan Drive Reserve or Metcalfe Drive Reserve to serve a local-level social recreation function, and investigating acquiring a civic open space in the town centre.
Kyneton has several medium priority projects identified including investigation into a community-level open space at Bluestone Rise Park, investigating alternate uses for Hurry Reserve, and assessment of Gasworks Park for a local-level social recreation open space.
For Lancefield, the council has ear-marked assisting to undertake a review of management arrangements and responsibilities in consultation with the Victorian Government and the Committee of Management of the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve, Subject to initiation by the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve Committee of Management.
Medium-priority projects for Lancefield include investigating the suitability of a dedicated civic open space in or near the town centre, including opportunities to upgrade the central median for formal civic use.
Macedon and Mount Macedon medium-priority projects include a Tony Clarke Reserve master plan, and potential development of a new civic or social recreation open space at 39-43 Victoria Street, if a strong linkage to Ash Wednesday Park can be achieved.
For a comprehensive list of the proposed plans, including shire-wide proposals, view the document via the council’s website in early October.
