MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has adopted a master plan for Somerville Recreation Reserve following community consultation at the end of 2025.
At the 1 September council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to adopt the plan, which provides a long-term strategy to improve the reserve.
Cr Kate Roper, who moved the motion, said community consultation was well received and helped shape the finalised version.
“I’m very pleased to finally see the finalised master plan at council for adoption,” said Roper.
“They have a large percentage of young people playing at the ground, and the current facility is not fit for purpose, so I look forward to the Somerville Recreation Reserve master plan being funded and built as soon as possible.”
The shire received 103 submissions from the community, with 69 per cent in full support of the plan, and 31 per cent expressing overall support with a few concerns.
Key items raised by the community included the loss of netball courts and female amenities, traffic congestion and parking concerns, the proposed addition of a dog park, and the removal of one of the playgrounds.
Following feedback, the plan was updated to retain the third netball court, recommend sealing and formalising parking around the oval to increase capacity, and removing the dog park.
Roper said it was unfortunate the dog park wasn’t able to be included.
“It was unable to be included due to the wet nature of the site to the south, which is quite downhill and gets quite wet, but lots of new pathways have been added to enable workers and others the opportunity to exercise,” said Roper.
The plan also notes the future of the reserve’s playgrounds will be considered as part of the shire’s Playspace Strategy, which is currently in draft form.
Cr Michael Stephens said the adoption of the masterplan was an exciting step for the reserve that is “busting at the seams”.
“It’s very exciting to see this master plan finally get to this point,” said Stephens.
“The reserve really needs some major investment and attention.”
Cr Paul Pingiaro acknowledged community members who put in time and effort to help progress the plan.
“Just a huge shoutout to all the work that the community members do behind the scenes to bring this to us,” said Pingiaro.
While adoption does not guarantee immediate funding, the project will now be included in the shire’s Long Term Capital Works Plan and annual budget process.
Council can also pursue state and federal grants, with the master plan providing a strategic basis for future funding applications.
Roper said she hoped the upcoming state election would provide an opportunity to secure funding.
“Hopefully some of the candidates for the upcoming state election will have some money for this ground to get some things moving,” said Roper.
Some projects at the reserve have already received funding, including resurfacing the netball courts and renewal of the cricket nets.
First published in the Mornington News – 8 September 2026
