Matt Hewson
Geelong residents will have further opportunities throughout the year to have their say on the future of the city’s iconic Kardinia Park precinct.
The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) announced they were working together to “set the future vision” of the precinct through the development of a new, 30-year masterplan in a joint statement this week.
The masterplan will not include the future development of Kardinia Park Stadium itself, but will focus on the future of the 22ha precinct surrounding the stadium and the influence its development will have on the rest of the park.
Having held a 64-day public engagement process between November 2022 and January 2023, CoGG and KPST met last week with a range of precinct stakeholders for a “future-focused visioning workshop” to discuss what the next three decades will look like at Kardinia Park.
The precinct is home to a range of sporting clubs and other organisations, including Geelong Central Netball Association and Netball Victoria, Geelong Cricket Club, Geelong Football Club, Geelong Football Umpires League, Kardinia Aquatic Centre, Kardinia Senior Citizens Club and St Mary’s Sporting Club.
Sports House at Kardinia Park also houses a range of tenants from organisations from the sport and recreation industry, such as Barwon Sports Academy, Basketball Victoria, Cricket Victoria, Football Victoria, Geelong Cricket Association, Golf Australia, Leisure Networks and Tennis Victoria.
Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said hearing from all stakeholders was essential to the success of the masterplan.
“The City of Greater Geelong manages 65 per cent of Kardinia Park; it’s a very significant place for both elite and community sport in our region, and this comprehensive process will give everyone the chance to have input on the reserve’s long term future,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“We’re looking forward to productive discussions with all the stakeholders, and the broader community to create this new vision to support the community for the next 30 years.”
KPST Chief Executive Gerard Griffin said he looked forward to creating a vision that “works in the best interests of this growing community” in the long-term.
“This process will look to meet the growing needs of the precinct, tenants and our community,” Mr Griffin said.
CoGG and KPST will soon begin preparing the draft concept plan, beginning another engagement period with stakeholders and the broader community from around the middle of the year. A final report on the plan is expected to be completed by September 2024.
Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/KPMP to stay up to date with the Kardinia Park Masterplan project.
