Community awaits next steps for Yarra Park master plan

The East Melbourne community is anticipating the unveiling of the long-awaited Yarra Park master plan, which aims to improve its recreational spaces as well protect and preserve its natural heritage.

Located adjacent to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Yarra Park is a treasured green space among locals with expectations running high as to what the master plan will deliver.

Among key aspects of the plan are proposed improvements to the park’s infrastructure, such as upgraded walking and cycling paths, picnic areas and playgrounds to enhance accessibility and encourage community engagement.

Stakeholder and community consultation was held in January with a final master plan development report expected to have been completed between July and August but it is yet to be publicly released.

According to the timeframe of the master plan on the MCG’s website, the next step would be preparing a planning scheme amendment which was to be submitted to the Minister of Planning between June and August.

The East Melbourne Group, which was part of the consultation earlier this year, said it was its understanding that further community participation for the master plan was needed.

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), which manages the park, has been contacted for comment including what stage the master plan was at.

“The MCC is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and management of Yarra Park. As part of its responsibilities and to guide future landscaping improvements in Yarra Park, a master plan for Yarra Park was prepared in 2010 and is now due for renewal,” the MCG stated on its website.

“The new Yarra Park Master Plan will provide a framework for the sustainable future use, management, and renewal of Yarra Park to ensure its long-term viability, while continuing to respond to the current needs of the Park and its function as a multi-purpose recreational resource within the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct,” according to a statement on the MCG website.

Questions raised by residents included what proposed lighting and shade would look like across the precinct, and whether this included in a picnic area. They also asked what recreation was anticipated and whether there would be live entertainment. •