By Matthew Sims
Star Weekly has looked back through our archives for 2022 and selected some of our favourite stories, including this story on the council approving the draft master plan for McIvor Reserve and the Yarrraville community’s response.
Friends of McIvor Reserve spokesperson Miles Gilbert has expressed the Yarraville group’s disappointment in Maribyrnong council’s approval of a draft master plan for the reserve, which includes a new six-court indoor sports centre.
The decision followed on from months of public consultation during which a number of community members expressed their opposition to the stadium due to its impact on green space and the existing dog park facilities.
During its meeting on Tuesday, November 15, council passed a motion to note the significant community interest in the master plan for the Yarraville reserve, approve the release of the draft master plan for community comment and request a further report on the final McIvor Reserve Master Plan in March 2023.
A new six-court indoor sports centre and recreation and leisure facilities were among 31 proposed projects outlined in the approved McIvor Reserve Draft Master Plan.
According to council’s 2018 Indoor Stadium Strategy, up to a dozen new indoor sports courts need to be built to meet growing demand across the municipality.
Mr Gilbert said the approval of the draft plan was an “unfortunate and frustrating outcome“ for parkland at the reserve.
“It’s disappointing that the majority of our councillors who were present believe a plan that has caused such division in the community is worthy of delivering to the public for further consultation,“ he said.
“From the first round of public consultation, we have been concerned about the sincerity of the council’s engagement process with the community.
“Going forward, we will look at alternative options and compromises that better fulfil the needs of all users at the park and we plan to contribute to the ongoing consultation with council.“
Councillor Michael Clarke said the draft master plan and its recommended projects aimed to encourage more physical activity and social linkages, especially within the younger population.
“Whether it’s part of an indoor game…or outdoor, we need more opportunity for community interaction,“ he said.
Cr Simon Crawford opposed the motion, citing a preference to address the Indoor Sports Stadium Strategy before looking at the McIvor Reserve Master Plan.
“I think we’re sort of putting the cart before the horse a little bit here,“ he said.
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said she would dispute Cr Crawford’s stance on the issue.
“We have followed due process,“ she said.
Maribyrnong council is hosting five community engagement sessions at the McIvor Reserve hockey pavilion on Thursday, December 1 (5pm to 6pm and 6.15pm to 7.15pm) and Saturday, December 3 (10am to 11am, 11.15am to 12.15pm and 12.30pm to 1.30pm).
Details: www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/mcivor
