During a meeting on Wednesday, September 24, Murrindindi Shire councillors voted to adopt the Boundary Creek Open Space Concept Plan, setting a direction for the four-hectare site.
Located along Boundary Creek and adjacent to the Yea Springs, the site was created through land provided to council by the estate developer, as part of a public open space contribution.
Council assumed management of the site in 2024, and recognised the need for a long-term plan to guide its development and care.
Shaped through community input, including drop-in sessions and an online survey, the concept plan was developed to serve the Yea community.
Feedback highlighted strong support for a space that encouraged passive and active recreation, and informal gathering.
The community also prioritised improved accessibility, including safe walking links between Yea Springs Estate and the town centre, protection of the creek corridor environment and better emergency access.
Features of the plan include nature-inspired play elements, picnic areas, seating, walking paths and landscaping that reflects the natural character of the site.
It also supports future connectivity with nearby residential developments, and aligns with broader planning goals in the Draft Yea Structure Plan.
Cheviot Ward councillor and sustainability and assets portfolio holder Sue Carpenter said the plan provided long-term direction for an area already valued by the community.
“We’ve had some really helpful feedback from the Yea community about what they’d like to see in this space,” Cr Carpenter said.
“Residents are looking for somewhere simple and welcoming, where they can walk the dog, take the kids to play, or just sit and enjoy the outdoors.
“This plan takes those ideas on board and gives us a clear direction on how we can make the area safer, more accessible and better connected to the rest of town.”
The plan was prepared with funding support from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and developed in partnership with landscape architecture and urban design consultants Michael Smith & Associates.
Adopting the plan gives council a clear guide for planning, funding advocacy and maintenance programming.
Early stage works are estimated at $123,860 in capital items, with additional ongoing maintenance costs to follow.
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