Illyarrie Reserve - revised location for proposed indoor training facility

Council decisions/outcomes

During the consultation held in September 2023 about the revised location for this facility, 46 feedback form responses were received. Of these responses, 52% (24 people) indicated they were in support of the indoor training facility and 48% (22 people) were opposed. One email submission was received noting no issues with the proposed revised location. Overall, the feedback from this second round of engagement did not differ significantly from the first round conducted in June/July 2023.

On Saturday 10 February 2024, Council staff held a meeting at the Civic Centre with local residents and the Golden Grove Central District Baseball Club to see if a preferred location for the indoor training facility could be identified that was supported by the club as well as local residents. A location in the northwest corner of the car park off Illyarrie Avenue was chosen by both parties.

At its meeting on Tuesday 26 March 2024, Council considered the feedback received from the community about the revised location (consultation held in September 2023) and the recommendation from staff to approve community engagement be undertaken to consider the new proposed location for the indoor training facility. The decision that Council made in relation to this matter was:

• That an updated masterplan be developed that continues to address the entirety of the site, and which would inform a full community engagement process for the whole reserve, including the following:
  1. The proposed new location of an Indoor Training Facility
  2. Indication of future works proposed by Council staff to accommodate any future growth of the Golden Grove Central District Baseball Club at the site, including the club rooms and field areas
  3. Assessment of on-site parking and options to improve parking capacity on or around the site, noting the potential loss of car parks involved in the new proposed location of the Indoor Training Facility
  4. Proposed improvements to areas of Illyarrie Reserve, in particular the section of the reserve adjacent the playground and Surrey Downs Community Centre

Community engagement on the updated masterplan for Illyarrie Reserve is anticipated to be conducted 1-2 months. We will provide more information about the draft masterplan and let you know how you can provide feedback once it becomes available.

Read the community engagement outcomes report

Read the Council report (Council Meeting - Notice, Agenda & Reports - 26 March 2024 - see pages 191 - 264)

Read the Council Meeting minutes - 26 March 2024

Background

Illyarrie Reserve is located in Surrey Downs and is the current home of the Golden Grove Central Districts Baseball Club (GGCDBC). Council undertook community engagement in June/July 2023 regarding a proposed new indoor training facility on Illyarrie Reserve. In response to some concerns raised, Council is proposing an alternative location for the facility to minimise impacts on green space and views.

The facility is now proposed to be located next to the existing clubroom over the footprint of an existing storage shed (to be relocated in front of the clubroom) and the existing practice nets (see the aerial map showing the revised location)

The proposed new location will reduce the visual impact of the facility, making it appear as an extension of the existing clubroom. The building would also be cut slightly into the slope of the land to help reduce the overall sense of height of the structure, and the façade of the building facing Illyarrie Avenue would have vegetated screening to help further reduce the visual impact of the facility. The proposed facility is positioned on an angle to maintain site lines from the clubroom to the main baseball diamond.

The new location will require the removal of one regulated tree, but will give back approximately 180 square metres of usable green space, compared to the original proposal which would have reduced usable green space by 375 square metres.

The proposed new option is expected to cost an additional $100,000 due to shed relocation, excavation, and retaining. If Council were to support this proposal following community engagement, this amount would need to be budgeted for.

Construction of an indoor training facility/shed on Illyarrie Reserve would require an amendment to the Surrey Downs: Illyarrie Reserve Community Land Management Plan (CLMP). Council is required to consult with the community for such an amendment. A draft CLMP is available to view

For more information please refer to the Information Sheet, which includes a map showing the revised location, an example image of the facility/shed and proposed colour.

To get involved and have your say:

• Register here (if you haven't already, otherwise you can sign in when prompted)
• Provide feedback by completing the online feedback form
• Have a question? Ask us here
• Onsite event:

  • Come along to our 'drop in' session on Saturday 16 September 2023. Join us at the Surrey Downs Community Centre (Room 2), 6 Zanoni Crescent, Surrey Downs anytime between 9.30am to 10.30am where you can talk to Elected Members and Council staff.

All feedback received will be presented to Council for its consideration before any further decisions are made about this proposal. If you need assistance to participate in this consultation, please call us on 8397 7444 or send us a message