Draft Kerang Active Recreation Corridor Masterplan feedback sought
Published on 21 November 2023
Residents and visitors who use some of Kerang’s major public recreation spaces are encouraged to have their say on the Draft Kerang Active Recreation Corridor Masterplan, which will guide future development of key locations in the west of the township.
Developed following engagement between Gannawarra Shire Council, local community groups and other key stakeholders, the draft masterplan focuses on four key locations – Atkinson Park, Kerang Regional Park, Riverside Park and the Sir John Gorton Precinct.
“These four locations are used by residents and visitors for recreational purposes throughout the year, whether it is for organised events such as football or netball competition, or unplanned social gatherings,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.
“The draft masterplan aims to improve connectivity within the four individual sites and Kerang itself, as well as ensuring facilities are accessible and cater for different age groups, genders, abilities and financial capabilities.”
The draft masterplan recommends proposed improvements at the following locations:
- Atkinson Park (page 17 of the masterplan): Refurbishing the cenotaph, additional lighting and trees, installing a basketball half-court, upgrading the gym equipment and updating facilities at the adjoining Kerang Lawn Tennis Club.
- Kerang Regional Park (page 22 of the masterplan): Installation of new entry, directional and educational signs to promote locations within and outside the riverfront precinct, new resting areas, barbecue spaces, creation of a dog park and the relocation of the Kerang Pistol Club to a new location, to be determined between the club and Council.
- Riverside Park (page 29 of the masterplan): Improvements to occur across two stages. Stage 1 would involve the reconfiguration and realignment of the park’s two ovals, improved sports lighting, formalised car parking areas and installation of an outdoor fitness area. Stage 2 would involve the creation of a new indoor sports stadium on the Kerang Basketball Stadium site and moving the netball courts to the area near the corner of Wyndham and Murray streets.
- Sir John Gorton Precinct (page 36 of the masterplan): Upgrades to the Sir John Gorton Library via The Glasshouse @ The Gannawarra project, upgrading car parking and the potential location for a new swimming pool, as identified in the recently adopted Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy.
“All of the improvements and aspirations outlined in the Draft Kerang Active Recreation Corridor Masterplan will require external funding from other levels of government and sporting bodies, with support from user groups and Council,” Mr Rollinson said.
“Many of the recommendations outlined in the draft masterplan are based on Crown land, and as Council is not the land manager of these sites, our role will be to advocate for improvements in these areas."
Residents are able to provide feedback on the document any time before 5pm Tuesday, 19 December by visiting www.gsc.vic.gov.au/KerangCorridor, or you can attend an in-person community consultation session to be held on Thursday, 30 November between 10.30am–12 noon in Victoria Square, Kerang where there is an opportunity to speak with Council staff about this draft masterplan.
“All feedback received will assist Council with the development of the final version of the Kerang Active Recreation Corridor Masterplan, which will guide the future of these important precincts,” Mr Rollinson said.
For more information regarding the Kerang Active Recreation Corridor Masterplan and to view the document, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/KerangCorridor