By Marcus Uhe
The future of Casey Fields continues to take shape on the back of the adoption of the updated Casey Fields Master Plan at the City of Casey’s Tuesday 20 September administrator meeting.
The initial plan, first adopted in 2018, required a minor update in order to reflect the council’s new partnerships such as the relocation of A-League side Melbourne City Football Club to the precinct, and infrastructure development, including a fitness trail and a dog-friendly space.
Projects with funding included in the 2022/23 Capital Works Budget include pavilion upgrades for Casey Fields Ovals four and five, incorporating the Metropolitan Cricket and Community Centre, worth $3.2 million, Stage two of the Casey Fields Regional Soccer project worth $5.7 million and stage two of the Casey Fields Fitness trail, worth $1.5 million.
Administrator Cameron Boardman spoke glowingly of the precinct’s potential, describing it as on track to become a leader in its field.
“There is no doubt that Casey Fields, if it is not already, will transform into one of the states’ premier sporting and recreation destinations, and probably even be an exemplar nationally,” Mr Boardman said.
“With future investment and leadership at this end at by those who are tenants and advocates and promoters of the precinct, there is no doubt in my mind that in 20 years post, all of the aspects contained in the master plan will be fully realised.
Among the sports set to benefit most include tennis, athletics, netball cycling and soccer, with a regional soccer stadium flagged by Mr Boardman as a potential host of A-League games.
In seconding the motion, Administrator Miguel Belmar highlighted the benefits for the whole community.
“The vision also includes an informal open space network, and it’s important to consider that the facilities that are proposed at Casey Fields in the long term are not just for elite level sports, they’re also for active recreation by members of the community who want to use the facilities for their family and for their own personal fitness,” Mr Belmar said.
“I note for example the discussion in the papers with respect to the regional playspace, the village green, a fitness trail, a linear park, a dog friendly space and facility of a like-nature which will ensure that visitors at Casey Fields need-not pull-on the boots and have a run on the field to be able to enjoy, but can go there and simply enjoy the space and a council facility which is world-class, not only for elite sport but also world-class for passive and active recreation.”
Implementation will continue in the 2022/23 financial year, with future projects subject to the council’s annual budget process, according to the council.
To view the master plan in full, head to page 204 of the agenda for Tuesday’s council meeting on the City of Casey’s website – casey.vic.gov.au/access-past-meetings-minutes-agendas
