September 6th, 2023Draft masterplans released for Queens and Pioneer Parks in Clunes: feedback sought

The Hepburn Shire Council has released draft masterplans for Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes and is inviting the community to have a say on the future direction of these important community sites. 

The draft masterplans are available at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/clunes-open-space-masterplan, with feedback accepted until 5pm on Friday 22 September.  

The council will also hold a pop-in session in Clunes for the community to discuss the draft Queens Park and Pioneer Park masterplans. The session will be held this Saturday 9 September, with people able to drop in anytime between 10am and 12pm at the Ulumbarra Room at The Warehouse – Clunes.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the masterplans seek to identify and address gaps in infrastructure requirements and so community input is essential. 

“These masterplans aim to improve accessibility and safety, but also to increase participation, visitation and connections for the community. Local voices are vital in making sure we get this right,” said Cr Hood. 

The draft masterplan includes 18 potential actions at Pioneer Park and 17 at Queens Park. 

Some of the ideas for Pioneer Park include new accessible paths, better seating, improved lighting, off-street car-parking, establishment of a formal lookout point at the historical sign and marker, along with new interpretive and wayfinding signage. The draft masterplan also suggests investigation of upgrades to, or the possible relocation of, the skate park. 

Improvement ideas for Queens Park include accessibility upgrades to gravel tracks and carparks, improvements to lighting along the Creek Walk, better wayfinding signage to town centre and public toilets, playground improvements, new seating and picnic settings, refurbishment of the crumbling Queens Park Fountain, tree planting, and safer pedestrian access and connections. 

“The draft masterplans are aspirational. Works are not yet included in the council’s long-term financial planning, but they seek to guide future investment in these community assets,” Cr Hood said.

“The scope and cost of works would need to be considered in the context of other council priorities, expenditure and the availability of external funding sources,” he said.