Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have unanimously adopted the Somerville Recreation Reserve Master Plan, setting the long-term direction for major upgrades to the heavily used sporting precinct.
The plan was approved at Council’s 1 September meeting and outlines 29 interconnected projects across the reserve. Individual projects will still require funding through future Council budgets or external grants.
Cr Kate Roper moved the motion, seconded by Cr Michael Stephens.
“I’m very pleased to finally see the finalised master plan at Council for adoption.”
Cr Kate Roper
Proposed improvements include an expanded oval, a new pavilion, improved parking and vehicle access, additional pathways and a new tennis clubhouse.
Community Feedback Shapes Final Plan
The Somerville Recreation Reserve Master Plan follows years of advocacy by local sporting clubs.
In 2023, the clubs secured $250,000 through the Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects Funding Program to deliver new cricket nets and prepare the master plan. The nets were completed in August 2024, with work on the master plan beginning in January 2025.
Public consultation attracted 103 submissions, with 69 per cent expressing full support and the remaining submissions supporting the plan overall while raising some concerns.
Community feedback resulted in the third netball court being retained, along with plans to seal and formalise parking around the oval and provide an additional Clarinda Street exit on game days.
The proposed dog park was removed after it was found not to meet the Shire’s minimum 3,000-square-metre standard. The future of playground facilities will be considered through Council’s broader Playspace Strategy.
Reserve ‘Busting At The Seams’
Cr Roper told Council the reserve accommodates 56 registered sporting teams, including football, netball, cricket, tennis and bowls, with Scouts also using the grounds.
“The current facility is not fit for purpose.”
Cr Kate Roper
Cr Stephens said the reserve was “busting at the seams” and needed major investment and attention.
Cr Paul Pingiaro also praised the community effort behind the plan, singling out long-standing Somerville sporting community steward Peter Alp for his advocacy and work with local clubs.
Cr Roper also acknowledged Alp when closing debate, along with the sporting club committees that had pushed for improvements and contributed to the master plan.
Funding The Next Step
Adoption of the master plan provides an agreed strategy for future investment, but does not immediately fund all 29 projects.
The projects will be considered through Council’s long-term capital works and annual budget processes, while the adopted plan can also strengthen applications for external government funding.
Closing debate, Cr Roper pointed to the upcoming Victorian state election and called for candidates to support investment in the reserve.
“Hopefully some of the candidates for the upcoming state election will have some money for this ground to get some things moving.”
Cr Kate Roper
The motion was carried unanimously.
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