Active Monash Recreation Strategies & Policies
Regional Feasibility Study: Melbourne Outer East Hockey Feasibility Study
Regional Strategies:
Active Recreation Opportunities Strategy
Active recreation (non-competitive physical activity undertaken during leisure time) accounts for the majority of physical activity in the community and has become increasingly important due to work, education and lifestyle commitments. Monash provides a network of parks and reserves across the municipality that provide space for sport, recreation and play. Parks and reserves have traditionally been developed to cater for organised sport and play, but facilities that create opportunities for active recreation are only now becoming prominent due to increasing demand, for example: outdoor fitness equipment, circuit paths, public basketball and tennis courts, table tennis tables or bouldering walls.
The Monash Active Recreation Opportunities Strategy aims to create more opportunities for the residents to ‘in their own way’ and to increase the diversity of opportunities for physical activity and balance the provision of facilities across the network. The establishment of a series of ‘key active recreation sites’ will increase the diversity of facilities, creating destinations for active recreation and providing new opportunities for residents to become active.
Active Recreation Opportunities Strategy(PDF, 3MB)
For more information refer to https://shape.monash.vic.gov.au/active
Active Reserves Facility Hierarchy
The Active Reserves Facility Hierarchy creates distinct facility provision categories based on a 4-level hierarchy system applied to Monash sport facilities.
Council adopted this policy at its 27 February 2018 meeting.
Active Reserves Facility Hierarchy(DOCX, 812KB)
Active Monash Capital Works Priorities Framework
The Active Monash Capital Works Priorities Framework is a prioritisation model for identifying capital projects. This is an important step in ensuring Council delivers robust asset management through sound and transparent principles and processes. The process ensures we effectively deliver on Council’s vision and supports the implementation of future asset management plans across Council’s many asset classes.
Active Monash Capital Works Priorities Framework(PDF, 71KB)
Active Monash Fees and Charges Policy
The City of Monash Fees and Charges Policy has been developed to ensure Council has a fair and consistent rationale underpinning the fees and charges for facilities, which is based on recouping a consistent percentage of maintenance costs from all tenant clubs.
Council adopted this policy at its 27 February 2018 meeting.
Active Monash Fees and Charges Policy(PDF, 202KB)
Active Monash Sports Club Framework
The Active Monash Sports Club Framework was adopted at the 25 August 2020 Council meeting.
The Framework has been developed as a tool for clubs and Council to work together to achieve a shared vision for community outcomes through sport. The five-year program (2022 – 2027) seeks to support and incentivise clubs to achieve all proposed governance and management requirements within a five-year time period, and become more sustainable, resilient, accountable and welcoming.
Active Monash Sports Club Framework 2022-2027(PDF, 566KB)
Central Reserve Masterplan
Central Reserve is a suburban recreation reserve situated at the intersection of Waverley and Springvale roads, Glen Waverley. The reserve currently provides facilities including a skate park, accessible playground, two sports ovals and associated pavilions, cricket nets, athletics track, bowling club, community centre, toilets and a picnic/BBQ area.
The development of the Masterplan involved a consultative methodology that provided key stakeholders, including residents, tenant clubs and community groups, with an opportunity to contribute to the plan through workshops, meetings, and online and written submissions.
Please see below a copy of the Masterplan. If you have any further queries, please contact Recreation Services on 9518 3581.
Central Reserve Masterplan(PDF, 1MB)
Community Sport, Premier League & Elite Sport Framework Policy
(April 2022)
This policy was endorsed by Council at the 26 April 2022 Council meeting and details Council’s position in relation to the provision of community sport facilities and infrastructure at community sport venues. The purpose of this Policy is to:
- Define community, premier level and elite sport.
- Ensure community sports facilities and infrastructure are fit-for-purpose and appropriate for the level of sport being played.
- Ensure junior, female and Monash-based community clubs are not disadvantaged or displaced by elite sport.
- Ensure continued and sustainable investment into community sport as a priority to encourage active local communities and sports clubs.
Policy: Community Sport, Premier League & Elite Sport Framework Policy (April 2022)(PDF, 227KB)
More information: Council Meeting Report - 26 April 2022(PDF, 225KB)
Cricket Participation Plan
The Monash Cricket Participation Plan establishes key principles to strategically address critical challenges in the sport. Key focuses of the plan include fair access and increasing participation opportunities for women and girls in cricket, providing accessible and fit-for-purpose cricket infrastructure, and building sustainable cricket clubs for the benefit of the Monash community.
Council adopted this policy at its 28 May 2024 meeting.
Monash Cricket Participation Plan(PDF, 682KB)
For more information refer to Shape Monash.
Cricket Wicket Policy
The Cricket Wicket Policy outlines the guidelines and fees for cricket wicket usage, preparation, maintenance and provision throughout the City of Monash.
Council adopted this policy at its 30 November 2021 meeting.
Cricket Wicket Policy(PDF, 196KB)
For more information refer to https://shape.monash.vic.gov.au/cricket
Dog Off-Leash Policy
Council endorsed a new Off-Leash Policy at its 29 November 2022 meeting.
The changes to dog off-leash areas came into effect on 1 July 2023.
Monash Dog Off-Leash Policy(PDF, 2MB)
More information:
Report - Dog Off-Leash Area Review Consultation Findings & Off-Leash Policy(PDF, 4MB)
Decision - includes amendment (item 2.2)(PDF, 299KB)
Watch Council meeting video recording (item 2.2)
The Policy was endorsed following extensive consultation with our community. This policy provides the rationale for the provision of off-leash areas in the City of Monash, including detailing the site assessment methodology and key principles to be applied when determining and assessing off-leash areas in Monash. Read more: Consultation - Dog off-leash areas
Following this, at the September 26 2023 meeting, Council endorsed changing the dog off-leash area classification at Jack Edwards Reserve after further evidence of dog-related damage to the reserve's playing surface.
Eastern Region Trails Strategy
The Eastern Regional Trails Strategy has been prepared with the goal of providing the strategic direction required to allow local government and other land management authorities to work together towards an interconnected and well-used trail network over the coming decade.
The project study area comprises 7 local government areas within Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne, being the cities of Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges, with Sport and Recreation Victoria being a funding partner.
Eastern Regional Trails Strategy(PDF, 7MB)
Freeway Reserve Masterplan
Freeway Reserve is located at 361-415 Wellington Road, Mulgrave. The perimeter of the reserve is bounded by major roads including the Monash Freeway and Wellington Road and is also referred to as the Mile Creek East Retarding Basin (Melbourne Water).
Council funded the development of the Freeway Reserve Masterplan as part of the 2015/16 Capital Works program.
Freeway Reserve Masterplan(PDF, 9MB)
Gladeswood Reserve Masterplan
Gladeswood Reserve is a district-level reserve in Mulgrave, bordered by Gladeswood Drive, Maygrove Way and Haverbrack Drive.
The reserve provides a mix of facilities for sport, active recreation and passive uses. The site also provides facilities for early years services and is adjacent to Mulgrave Primary School.
The Gladeswood Reserve Masterplan establishes the priorities for the development of Gladeswood Reserve over the next ten years.
The Masterplan aims to balance the needs of existing and future users, create new opportunities for participation and activation, increase integration with Mulgrave Primary School, and improve amenity and landscape character across the site. It has been developed via a staged approach and is based on consultation with key stakeholders and the community.
Please see below a copy of the Masterplan.
Gladeswood Reserve Masterplan(PDF, 19MB)
Liquor Licensing Policy at Council Recreation and Sporting Reserves
The Department of Justice - Liquor Licensing is responsible for the effective licensing and regulation of the sale and distribution of alcohol in Victoria. As the majority of sporting reserves and facilities within the municipality are located on Council-owned land, Council becomes a key stakeholder for any liquor licensing applications.
Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, Council as the landowner has the opportunity to object to submissions that may detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area.
Liquor Licensing Policy at Council Recreation and Sporting Reserves(PDF, 57KB)
Melbourne Outer East Hockey Feasibility Study
The Outer East Region includes 4 of the 7 LGAs that make up the broader Melbourne East Region. The cities of Maroondah, Knox and Monash, along with the Shire of Yarra Ranges, have partnered on this project to understand the current and future needs for hockey in the outer east.
Melbourne Outer East Regional Hockey Feasibility Study(PDF, 5MB)
Melbourne East Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy
The Melbourne East Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy has been developed to support and guide councils and stakeholders in the Eastern Metropolitan Region in the planning and delivery of regional-level sport and recreation facilities and shared recreation trails. Regional level sport and recreation facilities play an important role in contributing to the health and wellbeing of communities, as they generally serve a broad catchment and cater for a diverse range of activities.
The purpose of the Strategy is to undertake a regional planning approach that supports the development of current and new sport and recreation infrastructure for the Melbourne East Region for the next 10 to 20 years.
Melbourne East Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy 2022-2032(PDF, 2MB)
Council Meeting Report and Decisions - 13 December 2022 (item 2.1)
Also included in the Strategy is a planning framework to support councils and other regional stakeholders to prioritise, plan and deliver regional facilities and shared trails collaboratively and effectively.
Benefits for the Melbourne East councils:
- Increases participation in sport and recreation activities
- Provides facilities that can accommodate future demand
- Provides increased opportunities to bid for and host regional, state and national sporting events resulting in economic benefits to communities
- Provides access to a wider range of quality facilities
- Avoids duplication of facility service provision across Council boundaries
- Ensures sports facilities are financially viable and sustainable
Melbourne East Region Sport and Recreation (MERSR) Fair Access Policy
The 7 Local Government Authorities that comprise the Melbourne East Region have developed an overarching Melbourne East Region Sport and Recreation Strategy - Fair Access Policy.
The Policy addresses known barriers experienced by women and girls, transgender and gender diverse people in accessing and using community sports and recreation infrastructure.
It aims to progressively build the capacity and capabilities of the Melbourne East Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy (MERSRS) Group and associated stakeholders in identifying and eliminating systemic causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications, and delivery and allocation of community sports and recreation infrastructure.
This policy has been developed in response to the 2022-2032 MERSRS recommendation to implement the Victorian Government Fair Access Policy Roadmap consistently across the region.
Melbourne East Region Sport and Recreation (MERSR) Fair Access Policy(PDF, 341KB)
Council endorsed the Melbourne East Region Sport and Recreation (MERSR) Fair Access Policy at its 26 March 2024 meeting.
Read more: Council Meeting Report and Decisions - 26 March 2024 (item 7.2.2)
Monash Football (Soccer) Plan
Please read: Monash Football (Soccer) Plan(PDF, 460KB)
Monash Sports Floodlighting Policy
The Monash Sports Floodlighting Policy has been prepared to improve the quality of sports infrastructure across Monash to increase community benefit and facilitate greater participation, reduce the exposure of risk and to give clarity and certainty to clubs which occupy Council sporting facilities.
Council adopted this policy at its 23 February 2021 meeting.
Monash Sports Floodlighting Policy(PDF, 211KB)
Monash Tennis Plan
The Monash Tennis Plan has been developed in collaboration between Council and Monash tennis clubs to establish key principles and strategically address important issues through the development of an action plan to guide the future of tennis in Monash.
The Plan was adopted at the 25 May 2021 Council meeting:
Monash Tennis Plan(PDF, 967KB)
More information:
Watch Council meeting video recording (item 2.1)
Mount Waverley Reserve Masterplan
Mount Waverley Reserve is a sport and recreation reserve situated at 8-26 Charles Street, Mount Waverley. The reserve currently provides facilities including public tennis court, tennis hit-up wall, basketball half court, sportsground and pavilion, practice cricket nets local playground. The Masterplan will inform development priorities at the reserve over the next 10+ years.
Mount Waverley Reserve Masterplan(PDF, 9MB)
For more information refer to https://shape.monash.vic.gov.au/mount-waverley-reserve-masterplan
Mulgrave Reserve Masterplan
The Mulgrave Reserve Masterplan is consistent with relevant Council's policies, strategies and plans including the Council Plan and A Healthy and Resilient Monash: An Integrated Plan 2017-2021.
Council adopted the final masterplan for Mulgrave Reserve at its 29 May 2018 meeting.
Mulgrave Reserve Masterplan(PDF, 866KB)
Report to Council Meeting - Mulgrave Reserve Masterplan(PDF, 149KB)
Consultation Summary on Draft Mulgrave Reserve Masterplan(PDF, 67KB)
Naming of Council Sport & Recreation Facilities
Clubs, organisations and community groups from time to time seek to recognise people who have supported them and the community through distinguished effort and commitment by naming facilities in their honour.
While requests are rare, Council recognises the importance of this practice and has developed guidelines to provide a consistent and standard procedure for naming Council facilities.
The Community Requests for the Naming of Council Sport & Recreation Facilities Policy adopted the 28 April 2020 Council meeting is currently under review pending consideration of the new State Government Naming Rules guidelines expected to be released in 2022.
Playground and Playspace Strategy
The Monash Playground and Playspace Strategy has been developed to ensure a planned, equitable and sustainable approach to the provision and management of playgrounds and playspaces in Monash.
Monash Playground and Playspace Strategy 2025-2035(PDF, 8MB)
Council endorsed the Monash Playground and Playspace Strategy at its 26 March 2024 meeting.
Playground design and classifications
Playspace designs should be prepared in accordance with the following design principles and standards to ensure consistent quality and functional performance is delivered across the playspace renewal program.
Playspace Design Principles and Considerations(PDF, 83KB)
Playground hierarchy is used to provide a diversity of play experiences for the community and classify the scale and primary design focus for each playground.
List of Monash playgrounds(PDF, 100KB)
Playground classifications and supporting infrastructure(PDF, 83KB)
Waverley Women's Sport Centre Precinct Plan
At its 30 March 2021 meeting, Council:
- Noted the further consideration of the matters raised through the community consultation and discussed with Councillors at a meeting on 11 February 2021.
- Endorsed the Waverley Women’s Sports Centre Precinct Plan, noting that Package 1 (Outdoor Netball Courts Upgrade) works are underway, and the remaining packages 2 to 6 are subject to Council budget approval and/or external funding, detailed design and community consultation.
Waverley Women's Sports Centre Precinct Plan(PDF, 7MB)
More information:
Council Meeting Report and Decisions - 30 March 2021 (item 2.1)