Sporting facilities top the community’s votes for a range of exciting options in the draft precinct plan to transform the old Hurstbridge High School (many Kinglake residents attended ‘Hursty High’) site into a valuable open space precinct.
Expanding the stadium, outdoor courts and improving the use of the east oval are the top three priorities the community wants to see within the Graysharps Road Precinct.
This follows extensive community consultation on 15 exciting proposals by the community for the 10-year draft precinct plan for the site.
Economic development and marketing portfolio chair Councillor Karen Egan said the consultation provided clear guidelines as to what the community wanted to see at the site.
“We will use this feedback to shape the way forward. We will push hard for external funding, but some projects are more affordable and will be easier to achieve than others,” Egan said.
The draft plan was sent out to 2730 households in Hurstbridge and surrounding areas, and displayed at clubs and the community hub. Information sessions and stands were held, including at sports matches and the Hurstbridge Farmer’s Market.
Feedback revealed the separation of the playground and the road, followed by a new natural amphitheatre and leasing land so the Men’s Shed can have a new home, were also popular elements of the draft plan.
Enhancing the paddock and creating a contemplative space followed by celebrating heritage and history, and water-based play were also popular.
The football community gave clear direction in favour of expanding the stadium and the courts.
Mayor Peter Clarke said the proposal was truly for the people by the people. The vision stems from over 300 community-generated ideas, further refined by a community Project Reference Group down to the top 15 ideas recently put out for feedback.
Cr Clarke said the draft plan when realised would also serve as the gateway to the start of the Diamond Creek Trail, which when completed should attract 380,000 visitors annually.
“The Open Space Precinct plan will ensure this area remains a cherished precinct to be enjoyed by current and future generations,” Clarke said.
“It will go a long way into making Nillumbik the most liveable Shire in Australia.”
Photo supplied by Lost Hurstbridge.
