The City of Greater Geelong, with funding from the Victorian Government, has commissioned the development of a Master Plan for Portarlington Recreation Reserve. The Master Plan aims to assist in guiding the community’s vision for the site and to provide clear strategic direction for future investment and development.

With growing demand for improved sporting and community infrastructure, better pedestrian and vehicle accessibility and enhanced open space and passive recreation areas, a coordinated approach to development is required.

This report provides the supporting context to the Master Plan and a summary of the issues and opportunities that have been addressed as part of the process. Through the analysis of supporting information and consultation undertaken to date, the Master Plan will enable greater function, activation, and participation at the Reserve.

Plan objectives

Through broad consultation with user groups, the community, Council and other stakeholders, the objectives of the project are to:

• Provide a strategic vision and future direction for the Reserve which responds to community need
•  Understand the role Portarlington Recreation Reserve plays in the local community and its diverse range of uses including for active, passive and nature-based activities
• Highlight the most appropriate approach to the activation and programming of the Reserve so that capacity and utilisation is maximised.
• Understand improvement opportunities that enhance user experience, sentiment, and sense of place
•  Optimise sports facility and open space usage and increase multi-use of recreational facilities.
• Plan for the protection and enhancement of the passive recreation area of the Reserve.
• Identify infrastructure development opportunities for the Portarlington Recreation Reserve for the next 10 years
•  Provide a preliminary concept plan showing potential layouts and various options to address identified priorities.
• Identify the broad costs and staging opportunities associated with the implementation of proposed Master Plan recommendations
•  Identify areas where a soft transition in use, from active sport to informal recreation, can be achieved