Proposed changes at Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh

Council recently sought community views on proposed security and asset protection measures at Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh.

The consultation closed on Friday 29 May 2015.

Council will consider everyone’s views before deciding, at its meeting on 30 June 2015, whether to proceed with some or all of the proposals. 

The proposals are aimed at protecting the reserve’s new $1.5 million synthetic sporting pitch, which was recently damaged by vandals. Here is a media release about that vandalism.

Community views have been sought on proposals including:

• erecting a 2.1 metre fence (with crank) around the pitch
• banning dogs from the synthetic pitch
• changing the reserve from being a dog off-leash reserve to being a dog on-leash reserve
• installing a network of CCTV cameras
• restricting use of the carpark to cars, motorbikes and bikes
• locking parts of the reserve between dusk and dawn.

It is proposed that the general public will only be able to access the synthetic pitch between dawn and dusk, with the pedestrian gates to be locked overnight. Bookings could be made outside of those hours. The natural turf areas of the reserve would remain open for community use at all times, outside of sports games and training. However, it is proposed that this area be changed from a dog off-leash area to a dog on-leash area.

Council decided at its 28 April 2015 meeting to undertake this consultation.

Here is Council’s resolution from that meeting:

Council resolution

That Council:

1. Considers improving security at the Jack Edwards Reserve by installing:

a) a 2.1m fencing with crank around the synthetic pitch, and

b) Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras with motion sensors monitored by Council’s security contractor, to provide security footage of the synthetic pitch;

2. Undertakes community consultation with regards to:

a) the proposed change of classification of the entire Jack Edwards Reserve to be a dog on-leash reserve at all times. Dogs will not be permitted on the synthetic pitch,

b) the proposed change to the off street car park to allow access for motor vehicles, motor bikes and bicycles only. Large vehicles including trucks and buses will not be permitted access, and

c) the proposed fencing and reserve access times; and

3. Receive a further report in the June 2015 Council meeting cycle detailing the outcomes of the community information and consultation process.