Hepburn Shire Council has adopted a revised masterplan for Victoria Park in Daylesford, setting out an ambitious long-term vision for upgrades to sport, recreation and event facilities at the reserve, while acknowledging that delivery will depend on future funding and budget decisions.
Mayor Tony Clark said the updated masterplan followed two rounds of stakeholder and community consultation and reflected feedback from sporting clubs, event organisers, informal users and residents.
The plan supports existing uses of the park including soccer, netball, table tennis and major community events, while introducing new elements aimed at improving accessibility and the visitor experience. These include a regional playspace with picnic facilities, new public toilets incorporating a Changing Places facility, a dedicated dog off-lead area and improvements to pedestrian and vehicle circulation throughout the reserve.
Major sporting upgrades are proposed across several precincts. The soccer area would gain a second pitch, supporting infrastructure, a new pavilion and improved parking. The netball and table tennis precinct would be expanded with a second netball court, DDA-compliant toilets and heating and cooling upgrades to the table tennis building. Event infrastructure upgrades include a new public address system, renewal of the ticket office, improvements to the event-day office and additional power outlets to support large gatherings.
An engineering assessment of the main entry and exit is also proposed, along with an expanded and upgraded path network to improve safety and accessibility.
Council officers advised that the masterplan carries an estimated total cost of $12.6 million, including design and contingency allowances. Of that amount, approximately $7.5 million is expected to come from external grant funding if successful, leaving a projected council contribution of just over $5 million.
The largest component is the soccer precinct, estimated at almost $8 million, with $6 million already identified through secured or potential grant funding. Other major cost items include pedestrian and vehicle improvements at $1.76 million, the playspace and Changing Places facility at $1.27 million, and netball and table tennis upgrades at just under $1.2 million. Smaller allocations cover event infrastructure and the dog off-lead area.
Cr Clark said the adoption of the masterplan provided a framework for seeking state and federal funding, but stressed that it did not commit council to immediate construction. He said individual projects would need to be considered through future budgets with appropriate community consultation.
The timing of any works remains uncertain. Hepburn Shire Council continues to face financial pressure from rising construction costs, constrained rate revenue and a growing list of competing capital priorities across the shire. Council is currently balancing major spending needs in roads, bridges, buildings, pools and community facilities, many of which involve essential renewal rather than discretionary upgrades.
As a result, most elements of the Victoria Park masterplan are expected to be delivered, if at all, in stages over a long period, and only as funding becomes available. Officers have indicated that some smaller items may align with existing capital or asset renewal budgets, but larger projects will be heavily reliant on external grants.
The masterplan was jointly funded by council and the Victorian Government through the Tiny Towns grant program and replaces a previous plan adopted in 2015. It also incorporates collaboration with Djaara representatives, supported by Djandak landscape designers, particularly in shaping the future playspace. That work highlights the cultural significance of the area as emu country and proposes that a future playspace reflect Djaara history and values.
Council voted unanimously to endorse the masterplan and to request officers pursue funding opportunities, with any future projects to be considered through the budget process and further community engagement.
While the plan provides a clear vision for the future of Victoria Park, councillors acknowledged that progress is likely to be gradual, with delivery dependent on grant success and council’s broader financial capacity.
Read more about the project at www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/vicpark-masterplan
This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.
