The Phillip Island Recreation Reserve Master Plan was adopted by Council in September 2023 to guide the future development of the Phillip Island Sporting Precinct. The Precinct will address the current and future recreation and sporting needs of Phillip Island and its surrounding communities.

The Master Plan was created using the following Planning Principles:

• Diversity: Provision of a range of sporting and recreation facilities to ensure a variety of sporting and recreation opportunities. Facilities will cater for different levels of ability and need, be accessible to and encourage people of all ages, genders, interests, abilities, and cultural backgrounds
• Adaptability: Facilities will be designed and managed to meet specific user requirements whilst also being flexible to meet changing community needs and aspirations. Provision of sport and recreation facilities are multi-use and support shared use
• Participation: Development of facilities and spaces that will facilitate increased sport and active recreation participation
• Sustainability: Prioritise sustainability through efficient water management, biodiversity enhancement through native plants, green spaces and revegetation, and the sustainable design and management of sport and recreation facilities.
• Strategic Alignment: Sport and recreation facilities are strategically supported by local or regional sporting plans and developed in accordance with peak bodies’ preferred standards and guidelines
• Partnerships: Collaborative partnering approach with community, government agencies, peak sporting organisations and private sector for the planning, provision and management of sport and recreation facilities

The precinct site is situated on the corner of Ventnor Road and Phillip Island Road in Cowes and consists of two parcels of land: the Hilton Chadwick Reserve and an adjoining parcel to the east.

The name "Phillip Island Recreation Reserve" was from the Master Plan. Since then, it was decided to change the name to the "Phillip Island Sporting Precinct" to reduce confusion between this project and the Cowes Recreation Reserve. The name "Phillip Island Sporting Precinct" also aligns more accurately with the future facilities and the overall project.

Due to this change in name after the adoption of the Master Plan, the old name will be used when referring to the Master Plan and the new one will be used when referring to the overall project.

The master plan includes various facilities such as:

• The Phillip Aquatic and Leisure Centre
• Football and cricket ovals
• Soccer pitches
• Netball and tennis courts
• Multipurpose and flexible use sports fields
• Athletics Facilities
• A skate park
• A fenced off leash dog park
• A playspace
• Bushland areas with walking tracks and picnic facilities

Click the Master Plan Concept in the Documents Library to see the map and list of facilities.

Works to date include:

• Appointment of Master Plan Consultant, Simon Leisure (2022).
• Key stakeholder consultation (2023)
• Community consultation (2023)
• Draft Master Plan Review (2023)
• Master Plan Adopted at September Council Meeting (2023)
• Cultural and Heritage Due Diligence (2023)
• Flora and Fauna Report (2023)
• Feature and Level Survey
• Traffic Impact Assessment and Speed Limit Review (March 2024)
• Stormwater Management Strategy (2024)
• Revegetation works (2024)
• Detailed Designs Ventnor Road Entryway (Designs awaiting DTP approval) (2024- 2025)

Since adoption of the Master Plan, Council have been working to complete all preconstruction activities to ensure the Phillip Island Sporting Precinct components can be delivered effectively.

There are still critical works components which must be undertaken before construction can begin on community use facilities within the Precinct.

Readying the site and keeping everyone safe: Before works can begin, the site needs to be made safe.

• Building an entryway into the reserve: finalising designs and building the Ventnor Road entryway into the site ensures construction workers can access the site safely for works. This will also formalise the entryway for community members when facilities are available to be used, such as the fenced off leash dog park.
• Stormwater Management: Due to the site conditions and the area being flood prone, integrating a stormwater management system is critical before construction activities can begin.

Precinct Planning and overall layout: before construction works can begin, the site needs to be carefully planned with consideration for short term and long-term projects, and to ensure everything flows together.

• Functional Layout of the precinct: a Functional Layout Plan (FLP) is critical to ensure optimal arrangement of the entire Precinct. The FLP will ensure the site meets community needs, supports safety and accessibility, and guides future stages of the project.
• Detailed designs: Finalised detailed designs for facilities such as carparking, pathways, ovals, courts, and other items listed in the Master Plan must be completed before construction on these projects can begin.

Effective Functional Layout and Planning:

3D modelling is a powerful tool which will guide the Functional Layout Plan by providing immersive, realistic 3D visuals of the entire precinct. This will enable early detection of issues with accessibility, logical flow of facilities, usability, traffic, and other issues that may not be detected in 2D designs.

3D modelling therefore supports better decision making and helps to ensure the Sporting Precinct will be effectively planned and fit for purpose.

Immersion into the Sporting Precinct:

3D Modelling is also an immersive experience tool for community to more easily visualise what it will be like to walk through the Precinct. This will enable community to virtually explore the Precinct from different angles and perspectives, and will include textures, vegetation, vehicle and pedestrian movements, sports facilities, pathways, parking and other visual elements.

The project was initiated to address the current and future sporting and recreation needs of Phillip Island and its surrounding communities. It aims to create a well-structured plan for the reserve for years to come.

The project involved extensive consultation with local sporting clubs, community groups, and the broader Bass Coast community through in-person meetings and public exhibitions.

The estimated cost for the full implementation of the master plan is $115 million. Council will need external funding to recognise the entire master plan delivery.

Capital works projects within the shire are guided by Council's adopted 10- year Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) 2021–31. Currently, the actions identified in the Phillip Island Recreation Reserve Master Plan, adopted in September 2023, are not included in the LTFP. The LTFP is scheduled for review in 2025.

Projects are grouped into three categories:

• Short Term (1 to 10 years)
• Medium Term (11 to 20 years)
• Long Term (21+ years)

These timeframes are only a guide. If funding opportunities arise, we can deliver the projects sooner.

Rezoning of the site is not required for the progress of the master plan to continue. According to the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, land currently zoned for farming can support recreational activities, with some requiring permits and others not. The rezoning of the site is identified as a medium-term action within the adopted Master Plan and will be addressed at a later stage. This phased approach allows development of the recreational aspects to proceed without immediate zoning changes, ensuring that the site can evolve in line with community needs and the Master Plan’s vision.

You can find out about the Phillip Island Aquatics and Leisure Centre project here: Phillip Island Aquatics and Leisure Centre | Engage Bass Coast