Improved sports and open space infrastructure

Precincts such as Elwood Foreshore, Albert Park Reserve, and the future Sandridge Recreation Precinct are in need of investment.

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Public spaces, sports and recreation

Port Phillip’s sporting and recreational open spaces are vital community assets that support thousands of residents and millions of visitors each year. Precincts like Elwood Foreshore, Albert Park Reserve, and the upcoming Sandridge Recreation Precinct are central to community wellbeing, sport participation, and environmental resilience.

The opportunity

With population growth, aging infrastructure, and limited land availability, there is a legacy-making opportunity to invest in these precincts to meet current and future needs.

Council has already committed significant investment into these precincts and is ready to partner with State and Federal Governments to deliver infrastructure upgrades, land acquisition, and environmental improvements that will benefit the entire community.

A woman walking a dog on a trail in Alma Park, St Kilda East.

Why we're advocating

Port Phillip is experiencing a growing population, limited public open space, and a significant rise in participation in sport, particularly among women and girls. These trends are placing increasing pressure on our existing sport and recreation infrastructure.

Without coordinated investment and planning, our municipality risks falling behind in the provision of inclusive, accessible, and sustainable sporting and open space facilities. This could lead to reduced opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and community wellbeing.

Delays in funding and fragmented planning threaten the delivery of masterplans, the relocation of displaced organisations, and the development of new facilities to meet emerging and future needs.

Council is advocating to:

Secure strategic investment aligned with endorsed Council plans.
Ensure equitable access to sport and recreation facilities for all.
Strengthen partnerships with key agencies and stakeholders.
Protect environmental assets and enhance community resilience.

These precincts are more than just places to play, they are vital hubs of community connection, health, and wellbeing. Investing now will ensure long-term benefits for current and future generations.

Elwood Foreshore
Sandridge Recreation Precinct
Albert Park Reserve

What we're advocating for

Fishermans Bend is growing rapidly - this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a large, multi-purpose sports ground. The precinct will support multi-use sport and recreation, including a sportsground, informal sport, dog walking, and community events. Council is seeking:
- Confirmation of Development Contributions Plan (DCP) funding for the Australia Post site, North Port Oval, and Sandridge Sport and Recreation Hub.
- Formalised agreements on funding responsibilities and planning.
- Acquisition of land to support emerging needs.
- Support for relocation of organisations displaced by development.
Elwood Foreshore attracts over 2 million visitors annually, making it one of the most used precincts in Port Phillip. The precinct is the second largest sporting hub in the municipality and a key community asset. Elwood Park is home to numerous sporting clubs with high participation rates, including soccer, AFL, cricket, croquet, tennis, gaelic, sailing, angling, and lifesaving. Elwood also plays host to a number of elite sporting events, such as triathlons, whilst also supporting community events such as local farmers markets
Investment will enable Council to deliver on the priorities from the Elwood Foreshore Masterplan, specifically to enhance safety, accessibility, and environmental resilience. Council is seeking:
- Funding to implement the Elwood Foreshore Masterplan, including investment in sporting club facilities.
- Upgrades to Elwood Life Saving Club and Elwood Park Pavilion.
- Investment in open space enhancements, greening, accessibility, and playgrounds.
- Integration with coastal adaptation works (e.g. groynes, beach renourishment).
- Explore opportunities for improved ramps and water-sensitive urban design garden beds.
Albert Park Reserve is the largest public space in Port Phillip and caters to over 50% of the municipality’s sports grounds. The lake is a vital recreational and environmental asset.
Council seeks a collaborative governance model to ensure community needs are prioritised. and investment from State Government reflects the increased demands and costs to maintain and upgrade such a valuable asset.
Infrastructure upgrades will improve accessibility, environmental health, and long-term resilience and support our community to be engaged and active.
Events like the Grand Prix must balance operational needs with community access and compensation.
Council is seeking:
- Delivery of the Albert Park Open Space Masterplan.
- Endorsement and implementation of the draft Albert Park Sports Management Plan.
- Inclusion of Council in the Committee of Management.
- Delivery of infrastructure upgrades including fenced dog off-leash areas, improved lake access, enhanced sporting facilities and ecological enhancements
- Early consultation and genuine partnership with Parks Victoria and Australian Grand Prix Committee.

How to get involved

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The opportunity

Why we're advocating

Elwood Foreshore

Sandridge Recreation Precinct

Albert Park Reserve