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More people than ever are using our open spaces for sport and recreation.
There is now greater participation in football and soccer by women and girls. While that is positive for our community, the additional change facilities and playing fields required are placing considerable pressure on our assets.
Retention of open land which can be used in the future to meet these demands is vital.
Koonung Creek Reserve
Koonung Creek Reserve will be impacted by the North East Link (NEL), losing approximately 20% of land for widening of the Eastern Freeway. Parts of the reserve will be used as a construction laydown and support site.
A concept design has been developed by the North East Link Project (NELP), in collaboration with Council officers, to guide the reinstatement of the reserve once NEL works are completed. The community will be consulted on the masterplan in September/October 2023.
The Boroondara Tennis Centre (BTC)
During the early planning and approval stages of the North East Link (NEL) project, we advocated to save the Boroondara Tennis Centre (BTC) and an 18-hole Freeway Golf Course (FGC).
This was our position at the Inquiry and Advisory Committee panel hearing in 2019. It was not supported by the panel nor the North East Link Project (NELP).
We were left with a difficult decision and sought to keep the open space that the FGC provides, although in a reduced footprint as an impact of the NEL. At no stage did we support NELP’s proposal to relocate the BTC to the golf course.
We know that Boroondara does not have any tracts of land equivalent in area to the 3.68 hectares occupied by the BTC, let alone the 6 to 7 hectares being acquired for the NEL in Koonung Creek Reserve.
Closure of the Boroondara Tennis Centre
NELP Boroondara Tennis Centre permanently closed on 22 December 2022 due to its acquisition by the Victorian Government for the North East Link.
The BTC has provided a regional competition and coaching venue for many in the east of Melbourne. The Victorian Government announced on 16 December 2020 that it will develop a replacement 18-court tennis facility in Glen Waverley. The new facility will be operational in 2024.