By Mikayla van Loon
A multi-million dollar 15 year plan for the upgrade and improvement of Lillydale Lake has been adopted, setting out the vision for the major recreational hub.
The master plan estimates a total cost of $6.1 million needed to enhance existing facilities and add to the Lake’s offerings.
Yarra Ranges councillors voted on Tuesday 9 April to approve the revised draft plan which included community feedback after a consultation period from April to June last year.
Much of the commentary from the consultation was based on more accessible pathways, more shaded picnic areas, better age-ranging playground equipment and more, as well as clean, toilet facilities.
Dog ownership responsibility was also raised a concern by those who answered the survey, with those items to be considered in another report being developed.
The report also noted the expected population increase for Lilydale by 2046 being 13,424 persons, with the Kinley estate set to be a large contributor to that growth.
As a regional park, the report noted the near one million visitors to the Lake per year and the suburban growth happening nearby in Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park, as well as the rest of the shire.
“This is a long time coming. It’s a 15 year strategy. It’s something that I believe is a fantastic asset for all of our population in and around Lillydale Lake, which we know by the document has been increasing exponentially in the last few years,” Councillor Tim Heenan said.
Pleased to see that the master plan took into consideration the entire Lake for upgrades, Cr Heenan said that would be something essential to cater to the future growth predicted.
“One thing that is sorely lacking… is the need to understand the needs of people on the other side of Lillydale Lake,” he said.
“That’s where we talk about the housing that abuts all those areas where they can walk to the Lake, we’ve never really catered for the understanding and how they want to have an input.”
Cr Sophie Todorov said she was impressed to see a master plan that was cost effective and focused on “accessibility to all different demographics of users”.
“It addresses many things that we can improve for everyone’s general health and wellbeing at no cost. So it’s not an extra expensive or fancy master plan, but it’s one that really suits most needs of the community,” she said.
“I was really pleased to see the detail in this plan and a few little special extras such as the parkour and hopefully we’ll see a half size basketball court there as well.
“But certainly many, many improvements earmarked for just general enjoyment and health and well being and just passive recreational activity too.”
Of the 385 contributors to the survey, 89 per cent said they supported the adjustments made to the master plan.
Councillors passed the motion unanimously.
