A proposed bike discovery area, new bowls pavilion and greater protection of Moonah woodlands all feature in the adopted master plan for the beloved Barwon Heads Village Park.
The plan will not only guide funding for the park over the next decade but ensure it’s a more enjoyable place to visit and that its character, Wadawurrung cultural heritage, open space and unique environment are protected.
The tennis pavilion will be revamped, an upgrade is proposed for the shared cricket, soccer and footy pavilion, a combination of dog on/off lead and dog free areas are recommended, and a potential site has been identified for a Petanque (similar to lawn bowls) piste.
Council has contributed $500,000 towards the Barwon Heads Bowls Club Pavilion redevelopment, supported by matching funding from the Commonwealth Government and $200,000 from the Victorian Government. The redevelopment of the Barwon Heads Tennis Pavilion is being funded with $285,000 from the Victorian Government.
The community embraced the consultation period starting in April for the draft master plan, resulting in 282 contributions through the Your Say survey, social media posts and attendance at drop-in sessions.
More than 80 per cent of survey respondents supported the plan’s vision and goals, while more than 70 per cent backed the management zones and recommendations.
The insightful feedback saw the preferred site for the bike discovery area moved to south of the playground, with the support of local children and their parents.
The park will be further protected from overdevelopment thanks to building design guidelines, protection of open space and a statement of significance now incorporated into the plan.
A multi-use hall for the 1st Barwon Heads Scout Group and 13th Beach Boardriders Club won’t go ahead due to a lack of support from the Scouts, but a feasibility study to explore other options has been recommended.
A project reference group made up of clubs at the park, the Barwon Heads Association and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation also reviewed the plan, and consultation with Traditional Owners will continue during implementation.
It’s estimated that it would cost more than $4 million over a ten-year period to deliver all the recommendations.
The designated bike discovery area is listed as a high priority item costing $100,000, with funding avenues to be explored by the City.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher, Bellarine Ward praised community members from Barwon Heads and surrounds for sharing their aspirations for this treasured park.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher:
I’ve spoken to a lot of young people and their parents about how a bike discovery area would be a popular place for kids to stay active, challenged and socially connected.
It’s great that the City has found a better location for this area and responded to feedback about other considerations.
Council is thrilled to contribute $500,000 for the new pavilion at the Barwon Heads Bowls Club and I’m really looking forward to seeing the overall transformation of the park.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan, Bellarine Ward:
The new master plan will replace the existing 2012 document, which no longer reflects the needs of the community.
The Barwon Heads Village Park is a special place to exercise, take the dog for a walk, get in touch with nature and make new friends.
The final plan supports a wider range of age groups and users from young people to the elderly, while protecting the Moonah woodlands and open space that we know and love.
