shire of yarra ranges montrose recreation reserve masterplanmontrosecricketclub.org/pdf/montrose...
TRANSCRIPT
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Report by :
Michael Smith and Associates Landscape Architecture & Urban Design 5 Jervis Street, Camberwell 3124.
Tel : 9830 0414, 9889 6106
Fax : 9830 2555, Mobile : 0418 172 863
Email : [email protected]
In association with:
Adrian Fernon ASR Research 7/321 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181
Tel: 9510 4440, 0419 137218
Fax: 9510 4418
Email: [email protected]
April 2004
SHIRE OF YARRA RANGES
MONTROSE RECREATION RESERVEMASTERPLAN
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Table of Contents
SECTION ONE - INTRODUCTION............................................................................... 3
1.1 Purpose and Objectives of Study ...................................................................................................3
1.2 Montrose Recreation Reserve .........................................................................................................3
1.3 Masterplan Context ..........................................................................................................................4
1.4 Project Methodology ........................................................................................................................4
SECTION TWO – PROJECT DEFINITION................................................................... 7
2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Outcomes of Meeting.......................................................................................................................7
SECTION THREE - LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................ 9
3.1 Purpose of Review............................................................................................................................9
3.2 Documents.........................................................................................................................................9
3.3 Implications of Review for Masterplan .......................................................................................15
SECTION FOUR - LEISURE TRENDS/ DEMOGRAPHICS......................................16
4.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................16
4.2 Leisure Trends.................................................................................................................................16
4.3 Demographics .................................................................................................................................18
4.4 Implications for Masterplan ..........................................................................................................19
SECTION FIVE - THE RESERVE..................................................................................21
5.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................21
5.2 Development ...................................................................................................................................21
5.3 Users..................................................................................................................................................22
5.4 Contribution to Development of Facilities.................................................................................23
5.5 Occupancy, Management and Maintenance Arrangements.....................................................23
5.6 Conclusions......................................................................................................................................24
SECTION SIX - EXISTING CONDITIONS.................................................................. 25
6.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................25
6.2 Condition Assessment....................................................................................................................25
6.3 Summary...........................................................................................................................................30
SECTION SEVEN - CONSULTATION......................................................................... 32
7.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................32
7.2 Council Departments .....................................................................................................................32
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7.3 User clubs.........................................................................................................................................34
7.4 Associations .....................................................................................................................................37
7.5 Local Interest and Other User Groups .......................................................................................38
7.6 Local Residents................................................................................................................................41
7.7 Summary...........................................................................................................................................42
SECTION EIGHT – MASTERPLAN OPTIONS........................................................... 47
8.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................47
8.2 Assessment.......................................................................................................................................47
SECTION NINE - MASTERPLAN ................................................................................ 58
9.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................58
9.2 Priorities............................................................................................................................................58
9.3 Masterplan........................................................................................................................................59
9.4 Maintenance Regimes.....................................................................................................................59
9.5 Management of Reserve.................................................................................................................60
9.6 Other matters...................................................................................................................................61
9.7 Recommendations ..........................................................................................................................61
APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 66
Appendix A – Residents’ Survey...............................................................................................................67
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SECTION ONE - INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose and Objectives of Study
The purpose of the study was to produce a cohesive plan to guide the long term redevelopment
of the Montrose Recreation Reserve. The objectives of the study as indicated in the project brief
were to:
• Assess the condition of the Reserve and its facilities from a landscape, functional, access,
structural, environmental and safety perspective
• Identify whether there are any gaps in recreation provision in the Reserve and how they
could be addressed in the Reserve
• Identify the facility needs of existing users groups and how these needs can be addressed
• Investigate opportunities to consolidate existing facilities
• Use this research to prepare a masterplan for the Reserve which contains a costed and
prioritised list of development works, a recommended maintenance regime and a
suggested management model.
1.2 Montrose Recreation Reserve
Montrose Recreation Reserve is a 10ha park located on the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road,
Montrose approximately 500m to the south east of the Montrose Shopping Centre (see Map 1).
Access to and through the Reserve is well provided for. Vehicles can enter via Devenish Rd or
through the main entrance off Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd and travel through the Reserve on
sealed and gravel tracks. A number of tracks within the bushland area connect to the corners of
the site, enabling convenient access for pedestrian movement to and from Stradbroke Road,
Aileen Avenue, Devonish Avenue and Mt Dandenong Road.
The Reserve comprises a large area of bushland, one senior size football/cricket oval, a smaller
playing field which is used for sub-junior football training, seven tennis courts, two outdoor
netball courts, pavilion, tennis clubhouse, scout hall, playground, picnic areas and carparks. The
Reserve offers a diversity of active and passive recreation experiences from competitive and
social sporting activities to walking through the bushland.
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1.3 Masterplan Context
The decision by Council to undertake this masterplanning process resulted from a
recommendation in the Council’s Open Space Strategy and requests from user groups to improve
the condition of the playing fields and facilities at the Reserve. The masterplan will be the second
planning document that has been developed for the Reserve in the past 15 years. The first plan
was produced in 1987 and is discussed more fully in Section 3.
1.4 Project Methodology
The methodology for the development of the masterplan was divided into nine related stages. A
brief summary of the stages is as follows:
Stage 1 - Project Definition meeting
A meeting was held with the project manager and committee for the purpose of clarifying the
objectives of the masterplanning process and discussing in detail any key/sensitive issues that
needed to be addressed or taken into consideration during the masterplanning process.
Stage 2 - Literature Review
Council files, strategy documents, operational policies, funding policies, budgets, surveys etc that
had relevance to the masterplan were reviewed. The purpose of the review was to ensure that
the masterplan was consistent with the recommendations, strategic directions or policy positions
that had already been adopted by Council.
Stage 3 - History of development
The history of the development and use of Montrose Recreation Reserve was documented.
Stage 4 - Leisure trends/Demographic projections
The demographic characteristics of the Montrose area were analysed and the implications of
these characteristics for the future development of the Reserve were identified. General and local
leisure trends that have implications for the Reserve were also identified.
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Stage 5 - Existing conditions/use
The existing conditions at and use of the Reserve were described. This description had the
following components:
• An existing conditions plan which illustrates the components of the Reserve
• An assessment of the physical condition of the individual components of the Reserve
• An analysis of the regular and casual usage of the component areas of the Reserve
Stage 6 - Consultation
User clubs, relevant Council officers, other interested group and residents were consulted about
their use of the Reserve and the improvements that were needed.
Stage 7 - Findings/Major Issues
The findings of the previous research were documented in a progress report. Included in this
report was a list of the works recommended by key stakeholders and an assessment of the merit
of each works item. The project management team discussed the report and agreed on the
recommended works
Stage 8 - Draft Report
A draft report was compiled which drew together the information presented in the previous
stages and contained a masterplan which illustrated the proposed works. The report was
discussed in detail with the project team and suggested deletions and additions were noted.
Stage 9 - Final Report
The final report was compiled and included the changes suggested during the consideration of
the draft report.
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Map 1 – Location of Reserve
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SECTION TWO – PROJECT DEFINITION
2.1 Introduction
This section summarises the outcomes of the project definition meeting between the consultant
team and the project committee. The purpose of the meeting was to:
• Clarify the objectives of the study and formally agree on the project methodology
• Discuss the background to the study and the key issues that needed to be taken into
consideration or addressed in the masterplanning process
• Discuss plans that Council had for the redevelopment of the Reserve
• Discuss Council policies or adopted strategy plans that had relevance to the masterplan
• Receive preliminary feedback from the project manager and steering committee on the
strengths and weaknesses of Montrose Reserve and what improvements should be made.
2.2 Outcomes of Meeting
The outcomes of the meeting were as follows:
• The masterplan was to be a 5–10 year staged development plan. The plan should draw
and build on the findings and principles expressed in the Open Space Strategy and
Corporate Plan and achieve an appropriate balance between active sport and passive
recreation
• It was important that the plan contain practical and implementable recommendations
which are based on a detailed analysis of local recreation needs and an assessment of the
condition of the Reserve
• Key issues/questions that the plan should address in addition to the facility needs of
users were as follows:
– The need for public toilets in the Reserve and their most appropriate location
– The condition of the main playing field during the wetter winter months
– The function of the second training field. Is there a need for and is it feasible to
upgrade the field to make it suitable for senior training and a wider range of junior
games?
– The management of the bushland areas in the Reserve
– The safety problems associated with the entrance to the Reserve
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– The visual unattractiveness and lack of use of the picnic/BBQ area at the back of
the pavilion
– The lack of an appropriate and appealing playground
– The lack of skate/BMX facilities in Montrose as identified in the Skate/BMX
Strategy (2002)
• Council has no current plans to carry out any major works at the Reserve and was
looking for the masterplan to provide it with prioritised list of works.
• Council has established a formal policy which guides the general level of support that it
will provide for the development of facilities at Council owned or controlled sporting
reserves. This policy should be used as the basis for determining the funding sources for
any development works proposed for the Reserve
• The masterplan must take into consideration the current and projected demographic
characteristics of the local and district communities served by the Reserve
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SECTION THREE - LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1 Purpose of Review
The purpose of the literature review was to ensure that the masterplan’s recommendations were
consistent with and took into consideration the relevant recommendations, strategic directions
and policy positions of previous planning processes which have already adopted by Council.
3.2 Documents
The following documents/files were reviewed:
• Council operational files relating to the Reserve
• Montrose Town Centre and Reserve Study (1987)
• Vision 2020
• Corporate Plan 2003-2006
• Council’s Open Space Strategy (1998)
• Council’s Leisure Plan (1996)
• Getting Yarra Ranges Active (1999)
• Skate and BMX Strategy (2002)
• Playground Development Strategy (2001)
• Sportsfields policies – Capital funding of development works
The details of these documents and their relevance for this study are outlined below:
Operational files
The operational files contain information about the works that have been undertaken at the
Reserve over the past thirty years and the previous masterplan that has been developed for the
Reserve. The files were particularly useful in piecing together the history of the development of
the Reserve (see Section 5) and understanding the nature and breadth of concerns that the
users/residents have about the facilities at the Reserve.
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Montrose Town Centre and Reserve Study (1987)
The major recommendations of Montrose Town Centre and Reserve Study (1987) which related
to the Reserve were as follows:
• Restore/rehabilitate the natural vegetation by:
– Grading and stabilising the debilitated areas
– Creating a pond in the creek
– Re-introducing vegetation to the creek to restore wildlife habitats
– Fencing areas which are being rehabilitated
– Providing properly constructed trails
• Rationalise path access to the Reserve. There should be a hierarchy of paths which also
act as fire trails
• Erect perimeter fencing
• Relocate the clubhouse to the east/north east where it is more visible, requires less
expensive road access and can serve tennis, netball, playground users as well as the
footballers/cricketers. The existing clubhouse visually and functionally divides the
Reserve in half and prohibits clear views beyond the site
• Improve the oval drainage
• Provide a new multipurpose cricket/football practice area to reduce the load on the
existing oval. The practice area by virtue of its proximity to the town centre would also
act as the village green and provide space for other town activities such as carnivals,
markets, outdoor exhibitions etc
• Relocate the netball courts to an area close to the tennis courts to share carparking and
other infrastructure. Substantial tree planting would be needed to soften the visual
impact of the relocated courts
Vision 2020
This document provides the Council’s overall vision of the Shire in 2020 and its individual
visions for the key themes of social fabric and quality of life, environmental stewardship, the built
environment, the local economy, tourism and culture, a living and learning community and safe
and accessible Shire.
Of most relevance to this masterplan are the following visions relating to social fabric and
environmental stewardship:
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• By 2020, a range of recreation and cultural activities will be available to suit all ages,
interests and abilities. Community participation in passive and active recreation will be
steadily growing and contributing significantly to community health and wellbeing
• There will be opportunities for young people to undertake activities which provide a
productive and positive outlet for the energy and natural risk-taking needs of youth
• Major improvements to the environment will have largely been achieved through the
effort of local communities.
• Heritage value will be attributed not only to buildings but also gardens and trees and
broad landscapes. Valuing and preserving local heritage will be strengthening the identity
of local communities as well as providing a point of interest for residents and tourists
alike
Corporate Plan 2003-2006
The Corporate Plans details the vision, mission, and values of the Shire and the key actions that
will be taken by the Shire in achieving the vision during the period 2003-2006.
The vision talks of Yarra Ranges being a dynamic and vibrant municipality based on strong local
communities and sustained by a rich social fabric. The mission states that Council will work in
partnership with the community; encourage the viability of townships; foster a safe environment
with appropriate neighbourhood facilities; and provide community services and facilities that are
flexible and locally appropriate to the needs of the community.
The Plan indicates that Council, in achieving it vision and fulfilling its mission, will adhere to a
strict set of values. These include embracing the triple bottom line concept of sustainability;
adopting sound business principles in the management of assets; providing efficient, quality
services in response to community needs; and committing to excellence and best practice.
Yarra Ranges Open Space Strategy (1998)
The aim of the Open Space Strategy was to analyse the style, condition, type, quantity and usage
of Council’s open space network and outline policies, strategic directions and recommendations
about its future management and development.
The principles, findings and recommendations of the Strategy which have relevance to the
masterplan are as follows:
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Guiding principles
• The Shire will continue to provide a diverse range of open space to cater for community
needs
• Sports reserves should be developed with a ‘multi-use’ focus
• Maintenance and service levels will be monitored to ensure areas do not become
degraded, safe environments are provided and opportunities for raising standards are
pursued
• The Shire will be committed to the preservation, enhancement and sensitive
management of natural areas and sites of environmental and heritage significance to
ensure an ecologically sustainable environment. Where other types of open space are
linked to the natural area, there will be sensitive management in relation to use and
development
• Sporting trends will change and planning should be for the long term and facilities
should be flexible in design to enable a range of uses
• Any new development should identify and ensure funds are available for ongoing
maintenance
Strategic directions (General)
• Provide management prescriptions for sensitive areas where there is conflict of use
• Allocate more resources to less structured areas of open space, including picnic areas and
shelters, trails and pathways, activity areas for youth and improved playgrounds
• Provide high quality, safe open space and related facilities to increase appeal and
minimise risk
• Establish partnerships and networks with other agencies, municipalities and community
groups, recognising that Council does not have the resources to solely manage and
develop such major resources
Strategic directions (Sporting facilities, community parks, natural areas)
• Enhance the standard of sports reserves and improve the consistency of management
• Broaden opportunities for the development of sport
• Reinforce the community’s role in the management of parks
• Better understand conservation assets, issues, needs and opportunities
• Enhance the amenity and management of natural areas
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• Improve vegetation quality, wildlife habitats and general biodiversity
• Encourage greater community involvement in environmental management projects
Recommendations
• Identify opportunities for incorporating creative landscaping and art works linked to
open space facilities such as playgrounds or park furniture
• Upgrade regional and township sports grounds as the first priority for improving sports
reserves (upgrade of the Montrose Recreation Reserve recommended for 1998/99)
• Assess and prioritise options for providing and upgrading amenities at reserves
(changerooms, toilets and sporting structures)
• Undertake a detailed review of outdoor courts (i.e. tennis courts, netball courts,
basketball courts) regarding location, accessibility, use, gaps in provision, condition,
degree of multiuse, management and opportunities for consolidation
Yarra Ranges Leisure Plan 1996
The purpose of the Leisure Plan was to identify the leisure needs and priorities of the Yarra
Ranges community and provide a set of strategic recommendations to address these priorities.
The plan contains a number of general recommendations relating to sports field policy issues and
specific recommendations relating to certain reserves. The plan does not contain any specific
references to the Montrose Recreation Reserve or other sports facilities in Montrose.
Getting Yarra Ranges Active 1999
The strategy is aimed at increasing the participation of Yarra Ranges in recreation activities. A
major objective of the strategy is to encourage greater resident involvement in walking and
cycling. The Strategy recommends that Council achieve this objective through
organising/supporting community events and the provisions of suitable facilities.
Skate and BMX Strategy 2002
The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy for the provision of skate and BMX facilities
in Yarra Ranges. The strategy recommends a number of locations for the provision of skate and
BMX facilities. Montrose Reserve is a suggested location for a local level facility.
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Playground Development Strategy 2001
This document provides a strategic framework for the development and management of
playspaces in Yarra Ranges. The document contains the following recommendations which have
relevance to the provision of playgrounds in Montrose Reserve:
• That Council adopt an environment based playspace development model which provides
each of the following elements/features in the design - equipment for active play, open
space, explorative creative play; and caters for the adult caregiver
• That Council develop an action plan to promote appropriate playspaces and picnic spots
to visitors and tourists
• That shade, and where possible shade trees, be planned for in the design of all Council
playspaces
Sportsfields policies – Capital funding of development works
This policy outlines the principles that Council applies when determining the contributions that
Council would make to capital development works at sporting reserves. The principles are:
• Sporting and/or community groups seeking to establish new or upgraded sports facilities
will generally be required to contribute a minimum of 25% of the total cost
• The proportion of Council contribution will depend on the degree of benefit and access
to the community as whole
• Council will only contribute to facilities for which a need has been identified and/or
agreed to by Council
• Facilities that enhance the general amenity and appeal of an active sports reserve are
more likely to be supported by Council
• Funding allocations will consider the degree of support to women’s, junior and less
traditional sports
• Council is more likely to give support to shared use sports a facilities i.e. where a number
of groups are involved in planning and contributing to the facility and a range of groups
are catered for
• Council will only contribute to facilities in which development objectives and business
planning has occurred
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3.3 Implications of Review for Masterplan
The implications of the literature review for the masterplan are as follows:
• The outstanding recommendations from the 1987 masterplan should be examined and if
still relevant, be given consideration in this masterplan
• Council’s Vision 2020 statement speaks of more residents participating in active and
passive recreation, greater opportunities being provided for young people to recreate,
and facilities with conservation value being protected and enhanced. The Corporate Plan
speaks of Council working in partnership with local communities to improve facilities
and committing to excellence if facility and service provision. These goals and principles
should underpin the masterplan for Montrose Reserve
• Council’s Open Space Strategy and Leisure Plan contain a number of design and policy
principles relating to open space and sporting facility provision. To be consistent with
these principles, the Montrose Reserve masterplan would need to:
– Place a special emphasis on enhancing the less structured areas of the Reserve
– Provide a high quality setting which is safe and suitable for the users’ needs
– Ensure that the relationship between the bushland and active areas are sensitively
managed
– Ensure that the Reserve and its facilities continue to have a multiuse focus
– Encourage walking for recreational purposes by providing walking paths
– Identify opportunities for creative landscaping and artworks
• The principles expressed in the Playground Strategy should be used as the basis for the
designing and siting of the playground in the Reserve
• A local skate facility, as recommended in the Skate Strategy, should be included in the
masterplan
• Consideration should be given to using the draft Capital Funding Policy for Sportsfields
as the basis of apportioning costs for works identified in the masterplanning process.
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SECTION FOUR - LEISURE TRENDS/ DEMOGRAPHICS
4.1 Introduction
The purpose of this section was to analyse recent general and local leisure and demographic
trends and discuss their implications for the future use of Montrose Reserve. The information
contained in this section was collected from Council records and reports, leisure journals, and
ABS publications, and interviews with Council staff and representatives of peak and local
sporting associations.
4.2 Leisure Trends
There are a number of general sporting and outdoor recreation trends which should be taken into
consideration in the masterplan. These are as follows:
4.2.1 General Leisure Trends
Informal recreation
• Demand for leisure activities which require minimal effort and commitment is
increasing. There is also a growing interest in environment related activities such as
hiking and bush walking
• More people are choosing to recreate in informal and unstructured ways. As a
consequence, activities such as recreational cycling, jogging and walking in parks for
exercise and pleasure are becoming more prevalent
• The rate of pet ownership, particularly as companion animals for older adults, is
increasing. Therefore, exercising dogs in parks etc has become a more popular activity
• The popularity of activities that families can participate in together such as social tennis,
picnicking, camping and similar outdoor activities continues to grow
• Adult participation in structured recreation on weekends is significantly declining. This
appears to be caused by an increase in the time that men and women work on weekends,
men spend caring for children and undertaking their hobbies, and men and women
spend attending entertainment and cultural venues
• Generally, adults are remaining fitter and more active until later in life. This is leading to
an increased participation in veteran's sports and more frequent use of open space areas
for walking, relaxation and social activities
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Active sport (confined to sports played at Montrose Reserve)
Football
• Auskick club numbers (U10) and youth team (11-18 years) numbers in the Melbourne
metropolitan area have increased significantly over the past ten years (Auskick clubs 87%
increase and youth 60%)
• Senior team numbers were declining gradually until 1998 but have increased since that
time (26% over the past two years)
• The increase in participation has not been uniform across the metropolitan area. The
main growth has occurred in the residential growth corridors. In established areas,
junior and senior player numbers have slightly declined. Cricket
• Senior player numbers are stable. Numbers playing in veterans’ competitions are
increasing at a slow rate. Numbers playing traditional senior cricket are declining by a
similar rate
• Junior competition player numbers are increasing slowly (4% in 2000/2001 and 2% in
1999/2000)
• Veterans’ cricket is growing in acceptance with competitions run in the Eastern Suburbs,
including the Yarra Ranges, proving popular. Cricket Victoria predicts that veterans’
competitions will eventually be established in all the metropolitan regions resulting in a
greater demand for cricket facilities
• Women’s cricket is slowly increasing in popularity.
Tennis
• Participation in competition tennis has declined in recent decades. Weekend tennis, in
particular, has lost popularity. Conversely, night tennis has increased in popularity.
Participation in social tennis is stable but junior numbers are starting to increase as a
result of a stronger emphasis by clubs on coaching
• Participants in tennis tend to have higher than average household incomes. Therefore,
demand for tennis facilities is increasing in suburban areas which are experiencing
gentrification
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Netball
• The number of players affiliated with Netball Victoria is declining. The decrease is
mainly occurring in the senior competitions. Netball Victoria attributes this to:
− Some women preferring to play in private unaffiliated competitions which offer
childcare
− Difficulties in attracting voluntary coaches and club administrators
− Increasing female employment rates
• Junior competitions remain strong, particularly the netta program for beginners.
4.2.3 Local Leisure Trends
Council's recreation services staff and officials from local sporting associations indicated that the
following trends are occurring in the Yarra Ranges area:
• Non-structured recreational activities such as recreational cycling, walking and running
are continuing to grow in popularity.
• Participation levels in junior football and cricket are increasing slowly. Senior numbers
in football appear to be stable. Senior numbers in cricket are increasing. This is placing
pressure on Council to provide additional grounds
• Tennis numbers across the municipality are slowly declining. Clubs with strong coaching
programs, like Montrose Tennis Club, are defying this trend
• Junior soccer is growing quickly in popularity. Council cannot satisfy demand because of
a lack of suitable facilities
• The regional development officers for the major sports (cricket, football, tennis and
soccer) predict that interest in their sports will increase (particularly soccer which
anticipates a significant increase) over the next decade. However, they expressed a
concern that this interest may not translate into higher player numbers because of the
lack of playing facilities.
4.3 Demographics
An analysis of 1996 and 2001 Census data for the Montrose postcode area indicates the
following:
• In 2001, Montrose had a population size of 6451, a slight increase (12 people) since 1996
• The proportion of residents born overseas declined from 17.3% in 1996 to 16% in 2001
• The proportion of residents aged 17 years or less fell from 29.6 in 1996 to 27.7 in 2001
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• The proportion of residents aged over 65 only slightly increased from 8% in 1996 to 8.4
in 2001
Demographic projections for the Montrose postcode area indicate that the following population
changes will occur over the next 15 years:
• The total population size will increase by 150 people or 2%
• The children (0-9 years) and youth populations (10-19 years) will decline significantly –
20% and 23% falls respectively
• The young adult (20-29) and middle age cohorts (20-29 and 30-39) will also decline –
10%, 13% and 11%
• The elderly cohorts (60-69 and 70+) will increase significantly – 108% and 74%
Table 1 – Population projections
Age cohort Population size Increase %
2003 2021
0-99 7303 7451 2.0
0-9 876 704 -19.6
10-19 1156 887 -23.3
20-29 951 855 -10.1
30-39 988 856 -13.4
40-49 1222 1084 -11.3
50-59 1071 1130 5.5
60-69 387 806 108.3
70+ 652 1129 73.2
4.4 Implications for Masterplan
The implications of these leisure trends and demographics for the masterplan are as follows:
• The ageing of the Montrose community and the growing popularity of activities such as
walking for exercise and strolling will place increased demand on the bushland and other
passive areas of Montrose Reserve. This will heighten the need for improvements to the
passive areas, such as the construction of pathways and installation of park furniture, and
better control of people movement through the more sensitive bushland areas
• The population projections for Montrose and the general and local sporting trends for
the sports played at the Reserve present a mixed picture about future demand for the
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playing fields and pavilions. The fall in the population of the active sport age cohorts
indicates that player numbers in the clubs competing at the Reserve may decline.
However, the decline in player numbers may be counteracted by an increase in the
popularity of the sports played at the Reserve (which is occurring now with cricket and
football) or players being attracted to the clubs which play at the Reserve because of their
good reputations. This mixed picture suggests that Council should retain the status quo
at the Reserve in terms of its component facilities. Also, it should not undertake any
works at the Reserve which reduce its flexibility. It may be necessary in the future, to
change the use of areas in the reserve if demand for the different sports played at the
Reserve significantly increases or declines.
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SECTION FIVE - THE RESERVE
5.1 Introduction
The purpose of this section is to outline the history, use of and operational rules relating to the
Reserve and identify any issues which have implications for the physical development of the
Reserve.
5.2 Development
The following table outlines the history of the development of the Reserve and significant events
associated with the Reserve. The information has been gathered from Council files, interviews
with user clubs and discussion with local residents.
Table 2 – History of Development of the Reserve
Year Event
1907 Tennis Club establishes a 2 court facility at the Reserve. Tin shed used as a clubhouse 1930 Football Club forms and uses original oval at front of Reserve. A small timber room split
into 2 areas is used as a club room 1950 Weatherboard tennis clubhouse erected Mid 1960s Main oval developed Cricket club forms Mid 1970s 2 netball courts are constructed at the Reserve. Netball Club shifts from local schools to
the Reserve 1975 Cricket/football pavilion constructed Present tennis clubhouse constructed 1983 Council gives consideration to constructing a second oval in the bushland area.
Considerable opposition from residents and Montrose Environment Group. Council does nor proceed with development
1985 Management Committee formed under the provision of Local Govt Act to manage the Reserve
1987 First masterplan developed for Reserve 1995 Management Committee terminated after provisions relating to the operation of
Committees are removed from the Local Govt Act. Council takes on direct management role
1995 ‘D’ Men’s coterie group formed to raise money for works at the Reserve and support junior players
1998-2002 Drainage works are undertaken to improve surface of ovals. Clubs moved off oval during 1999 to allow redevelopment works to occur
1999 Montrose Reserve Users Committee established to lobby Council for capital upgrade of Reserve
1999 Cricket nets relocated to current site 1999 War Memorial moved from the front picnic area to Town Centre 2001 Small training field developed Mobile telephone tower and brick timekeepers’ area constructed
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5.3 Users
Long term users
The first long term user of the Reserve was the Montrose Tennis Club which established a tennis
facility at the Reserve in 1907. The other long term users began their occupancy of the Reserve
in the following years:
• Montrose Football Club – 1930
• Montrose Cricket Club - mid 1960s
• Montrose Netball Club – Mid 1970s
Current
Table 3 provides information on the regular users (active sport) of the Reserve, the areas they
occupy and their times of use.
Table 3 – Reserve users
Club
Player numbers
Teams Facilities used When used
Montrose Football Club
285 2 senior 1 colt (U/18) 8 junior
Main Oval Small Oval Pavilion
Training – Tue, Thu Games – Sat, Sun
Montrose Cricket Club
100 2 men’s 5 boys
Main Oval Practice nets Pavilion
Training – Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu Games – Sat, Sun
Montrose Netball Club
170 14 junior 2 senior
Netball courts Training 4.30pm - 6.00pm 4 nights per week between March – November
Montrose Tennis Club
260 - Tennis courts Tennis pavilion
Competition – Sat morning. Mon , Tues, Wed, Thurs Coaching – most days
The facilities in the Reserve are also regularly or casually used by a number of non-sporting
groups. These include:
• Montrose Scout Group (use Scout Hall)
• CFA as a staging facility during emergencies
• Local industry/community groups for Christmas parties
• Billanook Primary School for school sport
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5.4 Contribution to Development of Facilities
All the major user clubs have contributed to the development of facilities at the Reserve. These
contributions were as follows:
Table 4 – Contributions by User Clubs
Clubs/groups Contributions
Montrose Football Club (Includes contributions by Coterie Group)
Construction of scoreboard Erection of coaches’ boxes Development of rear training oval Erection of training lights on rear and main oval Laying of asphalt around main pavilion Erection of treated pine seating around main oval Concreting of spoon drain for drainage to tow perimeter section of oval Construction of a new visitors' changeroom Widening of original building by covering of verandahs Refurbishment of kitchen area and bar area Internal painting and carpet replacement Demolition of old scoreboard and cricket nets
Montrose Cricket Club
Erection of 3rd practice net
Montrose Tennis Club $5000 towards the construction of the clubhouse (total cost $40000 in 1975) Erection of floodlights over courts Construction of court 7 Resurfacing of courts
Montrose Netball Club $500 in the 1970s towards the cost of constructing the netball courts
Montrose Scout Club
Constructed and subsequently maintained the scout hall and surrounds
5.5 Occupancy, Management and Maintenance Arrangements
The playing fields and pavilion are currently allocated on a seasonal basis to the football and
cricket clubs. The tennis courts and clubhouse are leased to the tennis club. The term of the
lease is 5 years. The netball courts are treated as free to the public courts. There is no occupancy
arrangement between Council and the netball club. Irregular users like schools and social groups
are required to book the Reserve.
Council’s Recreation Unit is responsible for the allocation of the Reserve and dealing with
complaints relating to the sports components of the Reserve. The Parks and Bushlands Unit is
responsible for maintenance of the Reserve with the exception of the built facilities. The Asset
Management Unit is responsible for maintenance of built facilities including security lighting and
the cleaning of the public toilets. User clubs are responsible for non-structural internal building
maintenance and cleaning of built facilities. Council arranges for collection of litter and removal
of rubbish from park litter bins. The Tennis Club maintains the en-tout-cas court surfaces.
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5.6 Conclusions
The investigation into the history and use of the Reserve indicated the following:
• The Reserve is nearly a century old. Its development over this period has been typical of
most local recreation reserves – initially modest facilities which expand and are upgraded
as the clubs at the Reserve grow in membership and users’ expectations heighten about
the quality of facilities that should be provided
• The main user clubs have been operating from the Montrose Recreation Reserve for
significant periods. They are viable clubs which have grown significantly in membership
since their inception. There is no suggestion that they will not continue to operate
strongly in the future
• There has been considerable club and community input into the development of facilities
at the Reserve, particularly by the football and tennis clubs and the D men’s coterie
group. This input demonstrates the importance of the Reserve to the local community
• The main oval is heavily used, particularly in winter. As many as 6 football games are
played on the main ground on any weekend. This is an unsustainable load for a high
quality football ground, let alone a ground that has inadequate grass cover and drainage
• The picnic area near the entrance to the Reserve is a popular stopping point for people
travelling through the Dandenongs and in the lead up to Christmas, becomes an very
popular location for social group Christmas parties. The enhancement of the picnic area
needs to be given prominence in the masterplan
• Montrose Reserve is a staging facility for the police and CFA during emergences. This
role needs to be considered in the development of the masterplan (see Section 7.5.4 for
more discussion on this issue)
• The occupancy and management arrangements are typical of Council owned/club run
facilities. The only exception to this is the netball club which regularly uses the netball
courts but has no occupancy arrangement with Council. Council may wish to address
this anomaly.
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SECTION SIX - EXISTING CONDITIONS
6.1 Introduction
This section describes the condition of the various component areas and facilities of the Reserve
from a structural, landscape character/design and horticultural quality perspective. The
assessment has been made from inspections of the component facilities by the consultant team
and reference to condition reports already undertaken by Council.
6.2 Condition Assessment
Boundary fencing
The boundary fencing consists of a number of fencing types. These include:
• Mount Dandenong Tourist Road - Cyclone mesh fence to approximately 2 metres in
height between the corner of the Scout Hall to the access road. The fence is reasonably
old and is falling down in parts
• East boundary - The Mount Dandenong Tourist Road to Aileen Avenue boundary has
separate residential paling fences lining the site’s perimeter. They are in a fair to good
condition
• Southeast boundary - Aileen Avenue frontage has a wire strand and timber post fence
with breaks at the Reserve’s corners and a midway point to facilitate pedestrian access.
The fencing is in good condition and allows visual permeability
• Southwest boundary - The fencing along Stradbroke Avenue is wire strand and timber
post. The fencing is in good condition and allows visual permeability into the Reserve
• West boundary - Properties on Stradbroke Avenue with rear boundaries have post and
wire fencing associated with significant stands of trees (Pittosporum undulatum). Fences are
generally in fair to poor condition.
Entrance to Reserve
The main vehicular entrance is located at the midpoint of the reserve’s northeast boundary. An
asphalt road provides access to the Reserve’s clubrooms, pavilion, playing fields and bushland
reserve. The main entrance is poorly defined and traffic safety concerns have been identified as
part of this study. The access road reverts to a gravel track around the oval and near the toilet
block. In lower lying areas the tracks and turning areas are muddy in wet weather. The other
vehicular access is via Devonish Street, between the shopping centre and retirement village. This
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entrance is less defined and infrequently used. Pedestrian entry points at key edges and corners
of the Reserve provide a good diagonal flow for pedestrians.
Carparks and access roads
Car parking is currently available in five areas of the Reserve. These include:
• Near entrance - Gravel area north of the playground and barbeque area. Approximate
capacity 17 cars. The gravel surface is in good condition
• Tennis Clubrooms - Approximate capacity is 14 cars. The gravel surface is in good
condition
• Toilet block area. - A gravel turn-around area separates the toilet block and the main
pavilion. The gravel access road to the pavilion and parking area surrounding the toilet
block is poorly defined and becomes muddy in wet weather
• Around the oval - Parking extends the full circumference of the oval except for the
frontage to the pavilion. For the majority of the access track and parking, drainage is
reasonably good. Car parking at popular football games can encroach into the bushland
area with potential to compromise the health of perimeter trees. The distinct asset to the
perimeter parking is the complete loop or circuit route facilitating relatively easy access
and parking. Approximate capacity, excluding pavilion area is 130 cars
• Pavilion and netball court area - Approximate capacity 15 cars.
Picnic areas/Playgrounds
The picnic ground and playground are located on gently sloping ground (with a backdrop of
indigenous trees and Pittosporums) to the southeast of the main access road. The picnic ground
comprises a barbeque and limited seating. It has little shade and presents as an uninviting space.
The playground equipment is well maintained but layout and equipment design should be
checked against current Australian Standards. The playground is limited in the interest it would
provide to younger children and its capacity to cope with unsupervised use by large numbers of
children.
Sports fields
The Reserve has two playing fields - the main oval, which is used by the cricket and football
clubs, and a small field, which is used for junior training.
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The main oval is fenced and has perimeter parking. The field is 141m long (which is relatively
short for senior size ground) and 127m wide. There is a substantial longitudinal/diagonal fall of 6
metres, however, in spite of this, the oval is poorly drained, particularly in winter. Part of the
underlying drainage problem to both playing fields is that the Reserve was founded on a swamp.
This limits sub-surface moisture movement through the deeper soil profile as soil is likely to be
fine alluvial silt and constantly at saturation point.
Irrigation and drainage for sportsfields
The main oval has quick coupler irrigation and a history of poor drainage. Recently, additional
sub-surface agricultural drains were installed. The oval is still muddy in wet weather. The small
training field is also poorly drained in wet weather.
Grass cover/surface
A turf management company assessed the condition of the main oval in 1999. The findings of
the assessment were as follows:
• The turf cover was weak and patchy. The cover consists of rye, poa annua and couch.
The cover on the west side of the ground and the north goal was extremely poor. The
drainage lines were bare
• There was considerable wear and tear to the surface of the west side of the ground. This
area was receiving too much wear
• There are very few weeds in the surface
• The soil is compacted and would benefit from aeration
• The surface falls from east to west. Subsidence had occurred along the drainage lines
The assessment recommended that Council in the short term, monitor usage of the ground and
in the long term, completely reconstruct the ground. Since the condition assessment, Council
has installed more drainage and the second ground has been developed. This has helped to
reduce the problems outlined above.
Training lights and towers
Tall lighting towers provide floodlights to the main oval. The towers appear to be structurally
sound. The condition of the floodlights needs to be determined.
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Built facilities
The built facilities at the Reserve comprise the main pavilion, scout hall, the tennis clubhouse, the
toilet block, BBQ/rotunda, the scoreboard and the timekeeper’s facility.
The condition of the main pavilion, scout hall, bbq/rotunda, tennis clubhouse and toilet block
has recently been assessed by the Council’s building maintenance contractor. The works required
to upgrade these facilities to a sound structural and functional condition are outlined in Table 5.
Table 5 – Condition Assessment: Buildings
Facility Est total cost $
Works
Main pavilion
$15260 29 items, mostly small, such as repair of doors and lights, tiling, plumbing works etc. Main items are: • Installation of exit lighting - $4000 • Painting junior change room - $1200 • Treating for termites - $2500
Tennis pavilion
$845 9 minor items such as repair of doors and flywire
BBQ rotunda
$5585 6 items relating to painting and repair of roof. Main items are: • External painting - $2360 • Resurfacing cracked painting - $2500
Toilet block
$33315 11 items relating to general repair and replacement of plumbing items and disability access: • Provision of disabled access - $26500 • Repainting toilets - $2950
Scout hall
$8440 9 items relating to repair and painting. Main items are: • External painting - $4750 • Paint windows - $1350
Source – Council Building Maintenance Schedules 2003/4
The scoreboard is maintained by the football club and is in a good condition. The timekeeper’s
facility was recently constructed by Telstra (a mobile phone tower is erected on the roof) and also
is in a good condition.
Tennis Courts and lights
The seven tennis courts are well presented and maintained. The night lights are in good
condition and work effectively.
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Netball courts
Two asphalt netball courts are located to the west side of the cricket and football pavilion. The
courts’ surface has deteriorated over time causing a heavily textured and slightly uneven surface,
making competitive play risky to personal injury.
Bushland/trees
The bushland area is seriously degraded in most parts by environmental weeds. There is a
portion close to the main oval which has a more diverse lower to middle storey of indigenous
plants. Some large Eucalyptus obliqua, Eucalyptus cephalocarpa and Eucalyptus goniocalyx have reached
the point of senescence and others have died some time ago and remain as “stick-like” forms.
Whilst of habitat value, dead trees also pose safety risk.
The watercourse floodway system running through the park is overgrown with various
environmental weeds. In the more open areas of the Reserve, the various specimen trees and
group of trees are in good condition. The dominant species is Eucalyptus cephalocarpa.
Signage/security lighting
Generally, signage concerning park regulations such as dogs on leads is adequate, however
signage at the front entrance and within the main access route into the park is inadequate and in
one case not relevant to the park’s current usage. There is no information about the significance
of the bushland area and no directional signage within the park.
Lighting in the park is restricted to the sports ground training lights to both the main oval and
second playing field. In other areas, including the car parking area at the tennis court, lighting is
deficient.
Park Furniture
The park’s picnic tables located at the play area are dated. Recently, the football club constructed
a considerable number of platform bench seats either side of the pavilion. Other areas of the
park, including the bushland area, do not have any seating or rubbish bins.
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6.3 Summary
The condition assessment indicated that the Reserve has the following deficiencies which should
be addressed in the masterplan:
• The boundary fencing along Mt Dandenong Tourist Hwy is damaged and needs repair or
replacement
• The entrance to the Reserve is poorly defined and causes traffic safety problems
• The picnic facility at the font entrance is uninviting with poor landscaping, limited
seating and no shelter
• The playground is tired and lacks variety
• The gravel road to the pavilion and the parking area near the toilet block are poorly
defined and get muddy in wet weather
• The main sportsfield is short by senior football standards. The grass cover is patchy and
there is considerable diagonal fall.
• The toilet block is not wheelchair accessible and needs an upgrade. The pavilion has a
number of minor defects
• The surface of the netball courts is wearing and uneven in certain areas
• Environmental weeds seriously degrade areas of the bushland. Some of the large trees
have reached senescence and pose a safety risk
• The watercourse is littered and overgrown. Some of the pathways through the bush are
partially obstructed by shrubs and branches
• There is little signage, security lighting and park furniture through the Reserve
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Map 2 – Condition Analysis
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SECTION SEVEN - CONSULTATION
7.1 Introduction
The purpose of the consultation process was to identify:
• What key stakeholders (Council, users, residents, local sports associations etc) consider
to be the physical deficiencies at the Reserve
• The viability of the users clubs in terms of financial and administration capacity and
current and predicted player numbers
• The sports development plans and facility needs of the user clubs
• The improvements that the key stakeholders consider should be undertaken at the
Reserve over the next five to ten years
7.2 Council Departments
7.2.1 Recreation Unit
Relevant Officers from the Recreation Unit were asked to indicate that what they consider to be
the deficiencies of the Reserve and what works are needed. Their comments were as follows:
• Recent works have improved the drainage of the main oval. However, more
improvement is needed, particularly if the oval is to cater for a similar or increased load
in future years
• Poor drainage is a general problem throughout the Reserve. This problem needs to be
addressed in the masterplan
• A recent assessment by a turf contractor indicated that the main oval should be
reconstructed. This may be unaffordable. Additional drainage and re-profiling may be a
satisfactory solution given other priorities that Council has for upgrading township
grounds
• The public toilet is an eyesore and causes concern to all the user clubs. A new toilet that
is more accessible and attractive and can be better supervised is required
• The small training field is taking some of the training load off the main oval. However,
its capacity is limited because of poor drainage, lack of lights and small size. A decision
needs to be made about the function of the field and the feasibility and priority of
extending and upgrading it
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• User clubs consider the entrance to the Reserve to be unsafe from a traffic flow
perspective. Some design changes are needed
• The rotunda/BBQ area at the back of the pavilion is unattractive and appears to receive
little use. The facility should be demolished or relocated to a more suitable location
• Users have indicated that the carparking lighting is poor, particularly the tennis courts
carpark. This should be improved
• The passive areas of the park need attention. Attractive features such as the bushland,
the avenue of trees near the entrance and the grass play areas should be enhanced
7.2.2 Parks and Bushlands Staff
Relevant Parks and Bushlands Staff were requested to comment on the condition of the open
space areas in the Reserve and suggest any improvements to the facilities at the Reserve and the
maintenance regime. Their responses were as follows:
• Some of the bushland area is weed infested and damaged. The weeds should be
eradicated and damaged areas rehabilitated with suitable indigenous vegetation. Areas
which are being rehabilitated should be fenced off. Special attention should be given to
improving the creek environs
• Movement through the bushland area should be encouraged but better controlled.
Pathways should be more defined and consideration given to reducing the number of
entrances and rationalising the pathway network. Detrimental activities such as
horseriding and BMX riding should be restricted
• Subsurface drainage of the main oval has been improved in recent years but could be
improved further with the space between the drains being reduced.
• The perimeter fence along the Mt Dandenong Tourist Highway is getting old and in
some areas is falling down. A decision needs to be made about whether the fence should
be replaced or removed.
• The main oval suffers from over-use. Extending and improving the second oval (better
drainage, more appropriate grass cover, training lights) would help. However, this work
would be ranked lowly on Council’s list of sportsfield improvements as Council’s priority
is to upgrade the main oval at district and town level sporting reserves
• The picnic area at the front of the Reserve is popular, particularly in summer for
Christmas social functions. This area needs to be enhanced
• The playground at the front of the Reserve is getting old and should be upgraded
• The public toilet block should be removed
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• The netball courts are deteriorating. Consideration should be given to relocating them to
the area where the public toilets are now located
• Vehicle movement and parking in the Reserve should be better controlled.
Consideration should be given to asphalting the access roads and carparks in the Reserve
• The normal maintenance program for the playing fields, surrounds and amenities
consists of mowing the oval weekly, mowing the surrounds every 3 weeks, collecting
litter weekly, and cleaning the toilets twice weekly. The oval is topdressed, seeded and
fertilised annually and sprayed for weeds every 3 years. The Parks and Bushlands Unit is
satisfied with this program
• Council has engaged external contractors to maintain the bushland area. The contractors
submit a suggested plan of works and Council authorises part or the entire plan
depending on the available budget. Currently, the plan consists mainly of weed control
works and some follow up revegetation works. These works are performed at the time
of the year most suited to the particular weed or activity. The contractors are currently
moving through the better areas and are gradually working towards the more degraded
areas. Each year, they ensure that weed control is carried out in the previously treated
areas. The Parks Maintenance team picks up rubbish in the bushland area when doing
its regular maintenance in the rest of the reserve.
7.2.4 Building Maintenance Unit
The Building Maintenance Coordinator was asked to indicate what works he considered to be
required on the built facilities at the Reserve. He indicated that the condition of the individual
buildings ranged from good to excellent and that no major works were needed. He said the main
pavilion needed a number of minor improvements and these would be completed over the next
few years.
7.3 User clubs
Officials from the user clubs were asked to:
• Provide information about the history and current operation of their clubs
• Provide data on current player and predicted player numbers
• Comment about their use of the Reserve and the improvements they would like to see
occur at the Reserve.
Their responses are detailed in Table 6.
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Table 6 in here
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Table 6 in here
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7.4 Associations
Officials from the Associations in which the user clubs compete were asked to provide their
opinion on the condition of Montrose Reserve and advise whether they were considering any
changes to rules/facility requirements which may have implications for the Montrose Reserve
masterplan. Their comments were as follows:
Ringwood and District Cricket Association (RDCA)
The Association confirmed that the Montrose Cricket Club was a strong, viable and growing
club. It indicated that the only change to the rules of the Association which may have facility
implications was the recent decision to introduce competitions for every junior year level from
U/10s to U/17s (7 year levels) – previously there were 4 year levels. In theory, this could close
to double the number of junior teams in the competition which would obviously place more
demand on Councils for grounds and training facilities. In practice, the Association does not
anticipate a big rise in the number of teams but believes that the player retention rate through the
junior grades would increase. With respect to player numbers, the Association advised that
senior numbers had slightly increased in recent years and junior numbers had remained relatively
stable. It predicted that this trend would continue in the future.
The Association indicated that Montrose Reserve was considered to be a reasonable standard
cricket venue. The ground was a good size and the conditions for spectators and players were
satisfactory. It indicated that the playing surface was a little uneven and takes a long time to re-
establish after the football season. It also stated that the oval was poorly graded and in some
areas slopes uphill from the centre wicket.
The Association stated that it supported the cricket club’s request for the installation of a pitch
on the second ground for use by younger age juniors (say up to U/12s). It advised against the
ground being used for older juniors or senior cricket.
Eastern Football League
The League indicated that the Montrose Football Club is highly regarded and well run. In
particular, the club is renowned for its strong junior program.
The League confirmed that it would not be introducing any new rules or facility requirements.
However, there have been some recent operational changes that do have facility implications.
These are:
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• A growing number of women are taking up umpiring – field, boundary and goal. A
separate change area is needed for women umpires
• Competing teams are required to inspect and sign off on the safety of grounds before
they play a game. This is placing more pressure on club to ensure their grounds are
presented in a safe condition – no sprinkler heads showing, no subsidence over drainage
lines etc
The League stated that an ideal local football venue has the following features:
• Two well drained and graded ovals with good grass cover
• Sheltered and firm spectator areas
• Roomy and well maintained change areas
• Perimeter fences around the Reserve and grounds
• Firm carparking around the ground
• Dual sex changerooms for the umpires
• Scoreboard and time keeping facilities
It indicated that Montrose Reserve was deficient in the following areas:
• It does not have a proper second oval
• The main oval is poorly graded and drained and has an inadequate grass cover
• The carparking areas become muddy
• The condition of the changerooms could be improved
Eastern Region Tennis Association
The Association indicated that the Montrose Tennis Club was well run with a strong junior
program. With respect to tennis participation in the eastern region, it advised that junior player
numbers were strong and reasonably stable but senior numbers were declining. It predicted that
player numbers at the Montrose Tennis Club would reflect this trend. The Association described
the Montrose Tennis Club as an attractive venue with good facilities.
7.5 Local Interest and Other User Groups
7.5.1 Montrose Environmental Group
The aim of this group is to protect and enhance the natural environment in Montrose. Its
comments about the Reserve were as follows:
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• Significant areas of the bushland are weed infested and a concerted effort is needed to
eradicate this problem. The Group would be willing to help with this campaign
• All passive areas within the Reserve need to be retained. No further expansion of the
active areas should be allowed
• Football spectators are parking their cars in the bushland at the eastern end of the oval.
This is damaging the understorey. This needs to be regulated.
• Areas of the Reserve need revegetation. A revegetation plan should be developed and
implemented with an emphasis on local native trees and plants
• People should be encouraged to use the bushland. Consideration should be given to
installing seating for relaxation and erecting interpretive literature to inform people about
the significance of the vegetation. Movement in the bushland should be controlled.
Sensitive vegetation areas should be screened off and the path network rationalised
7.5.2 ‘D’ Men’s Coterie Group
The purpose of this group is to raise funds to improve the facilities at the Reserve and provide
financial support to disadvantaged youth playing for the local football and cricket clubs. Their
comments were as follows:
• The user clubs, coterie group and Council are continually rectifying minor defects in the
pavilion. These works are putting off the inevitable – a major refurbishment of the
pavilion
• Montrose needs a multipurpose community/recreation centre. Consideration should be
given to redeveloping the pavilion at Montrose Reserve into a community centre which
provides activity spaces for indoor sports and change and social facilities for the user
clubs
• The toilet block is poorly located and people are reluctant to use it because of concerns
about safety. Consideration should be given to relocating the toilets to a site closer to
the pavilion or incorporating them in the pavilion
• The rotunda/BBQ at the rear of the pavilion is unsightly and rarely used. The rotunda
should be removed or relocated to a more suitable site, e.g. the picnic area near the
entrance to the Reserve
• The bushland area is untidy in areas and poses a fire risk. A fire management plan is
needed for this area
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7.5.3 Billanook Primary School
Billanook Primary School uses the main oval about 15 times a year for sports activities. It says
that the Reserve is a great resource and complements the sports facilities at the school. Its main
concerns about the Reserve are as follows:
• The location and condition of the toilets. The school indicated that it was reluctant to let
students use the toilets because of their unsanitary condition and unsuitable location. It
suggested that a new set of toilets be constructed near the pavilion which were locked
when the Reserve was not being used by the sporting clubs or hirers like the school
• The condition of the oval during winter. The school indicated that on some occasions it
has been denied use of the oval because of its poor condition. The school recognises
that drainage of the oval has improved in recent years but believes that more work is
needed
• The condition of the netball courts. On most occasions when the school wants to use
the courts they are littered with broken glass. Also, the asphalt is breaking up in parts
making the courts unsafe
• Lack of access to the cricket nets. The school is prevented from using the nets by locked
gates across the nets. The school claims that it is an unusual practice for cricket nets at a
public reserve to be locked
7.5.4 CFA
The CFA and other emergency services use Montrose Reserve as a staging area. A staging area is
a site where resources such as firetrucks, police vehicles etc assemble during bushfires or like
events and where communication stations are set up. The CFA was asked to indicate what
improvements could be made at the Reserve to assist its operations. Its comments were:
• Improved toilet and shower facilities
• Extra power points on internal and external walls of pavilion (external points to be
weatherproof for SES)
• Improved perimeter lighting around oval for parking of appliances at night time
• Access for a computer link for email
• Widening of the entrance to the Reserve and upgrading and widening bitumen driveway
to allow 2 vehicles to pass each other safely
• Provision of bulk hot-water (washing utensils, tea making facilities). Installation of a hot
water tap on external wall.
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7.6 Local Residents
A mail out survey was distributed to 600 households situated in close proximity to the Reserve.
The survey asked householders to respond to the following questions:
• How long they had lived in the Montrose area?
• Had they used the Reserve in the last two years and how often?
• What they use the Reserve for?
• How important the individual facilities?
• How they would rate the standard of the facilities?
• If they were non-users, why they did not use the Reserve?
• What could be done to encourage them to make greater use of the Reserve?
• Whether they wanted to make any general comments about problems at or
improvements to the reserve?
A full analysis of their responses is provided in Appendix A. A summary of the main findings of
the survey is as follows:
• 222 households responded to the survey. 189 use the Reserve and 31 do not. 1 was
from vacant land and 1 from a church.
• The majority of respondents were aged 50+ (55%) and 40-49 (27%)
• 63% of the respondents had lived in the Montrose area for more than 15 years. 28% had
lived in the area for more than 30 years
• The predominant household types were couples with children living at home (40%) and
couples only (35%)
• 85% of the respondents had used the Reserve in the past two years. Of these 55% used
the Reserve on at least a weekly basis
• The popular reasons for using the Reserve were walking (70%), enjoying the
environment (37%), spectating/socialising (27%), informal play (25%) and
relaxation/contemplation (25%)
• The main mode of travel to the Reserve was walking (97%)
• The most important facilities at the Reserve (in order) were public toilets (71% of
respondents ranked them as very important), bushland (71%), seats (68%), pathways
(68%), grass around the fields (59%) and seats (50%)
• The least important facilities were the clubrooms (53% of respondents either did not rate
them or rated them as not important, tennis courts (53%), and netball courts (53%)
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• The facilities that were considered to be of the poorest standard/quality were the public
toilets (65% rated the toilets as being in poor condition), seats (62%), netball courts
(32%) and playground (32%)
• The popular responses to what improvements could be made to encourage greater use
were more improved maintenance (53%), more walking paths (50%), more seats (44%)
and additional planting and landscaping (44%)
• Of the 31 households that did not use Reserve, 27% replied that more walking paths
would encourage them to use the Reserve more often, 24% said improved bbq/picnic
facilities, 24% said additional planting and 24% replied improved maintenance
• The most popular response in the general comments section was enhancing the bushland
area (32 respondents), upgrading playground equipment (12) and enhancing the
appearance of the Reserve (11).
7.7 Summary
The major concerns about the Reserve expressed by the key stakeholders during the consultation
process were as follows:
• The inadequate length of the main oval
• The inadequate drainage and lighting of the playing fields, access roads and carparks
• The patchy grass cover on the main playing field
• The poor condition and unsuitable location of the public toilets
• The unsafe conditions for traffic at the entrance to the Reserve
• The degradation of the bushland areas caused by weed infestation, litter, uncontrolled
pedestrian movement and encroachment of cars
• The unattractiveness of the picnic/playground area at the front of the Reserve
• The deteriorating surface of the netball courts
• The declining condition of the pavilion and the lack of change facilities for women
umpires
• The lack of space in the tennis pavilion
• The lack of seating around the Reserve
• The unsightliness and unsuitable location of the rotunda
• The lack of shelters and firm standing areas for spectators
The improvements to the Reserve suggested by the key stakeholders are listed in Table 7.
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Montrose Recreation Reserve Masterplan Final Report
43
Table 7 – Recommended improvements to Reserve
Improvements Suggested by
Council staff
Scout Group
Football Club
Cricket Club
Tennis Club
Netball Club
Montrose Environ-mental Group
Assoc-iations
Residents Coterie Group/ School/
CFA