Between Monday 2 February and Sunday 1 March we asked you to share your thoughts on our proposal to develop four new outdoor courts and an inclusive pavilion at JL Murphy Reserve. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.

We have brought together your feedback and created a report highlighting the key themes and advice we heard. That report is available below.

Read the Engagement Report open in new window

Next steps

Following this stage of engagement, Council will:

  • commence procurement and development of an initial concept design including technical studies and options to address flooding and water management requirements
  • reconnect with the community to get feedback on the initial concept design
  • continue working with Sport and Recreation Victoria to keep them informed of project progress

The outcomes of this work, together with the results of the community engagement, will be reported back to Council later this year at which time Council will decide the way forward for the project.

Council is committed to delivering safe, inclusive and high‑quality facilities to meet the growing needs of netball within Port Phillip. As the most popular sport for women and girls in Victoria, demand for netball infrastructure continues to rise, and current facilities can’t keep pace.

This is why we are looking to develop four new outdoor netball courts and an inclusive pavilion. You may have heard about this project taking place at Elder Smith Reserve. However, after investigating further, Council hasn’t proceeded here due to major infrastructure risks and higher costs. We wanted to hear from you as we consider relocating this project to JL Murphy Reserve.

On this page you could:

Your feedback will help us decide:

  • If the netball infrastructure should go ahead at JL Murphy Reserve.
  • What additional amenity is required such as landscaping or greenery.
  • Whether Council should consider exploring other recreation options in future financial years at spaces like Elder Smith Reserve. This will also need to align with the Public Spaces Strategy.
  • If the project proceeds, it will include:
    • Four outdoor netball courts facing north to south
    • Sports court Lighting to Australian Standards
    • Inclusive pavilion (change rooms, toilets, first aid, storage)
    • Associated infrastructure (seating, drink fountains, bike racks, landscaping)
  • Timelines and budget are influenced by the State Government funding requirements and Council’s project management.

During the engagement period, we asked community members to come along to a community pop-up and share your ideas with us in-person. Information about the two sessions we held are available below

  • JL Murphy Reserve

    351 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne

    Held on: Thursday 12 February 2026 from 5pm to 7pm

  • Sandridge Community Centre

    1 Tucker Avenue, Port Melbourne

    Held on: Saturday 21 February 2026 from 12 midday to 3pm

Our tools to upload your feedback or complete a survey closed at 11.59pm on Sunday 1 March 2026.

Before completing your feedback, you needed to register using this link or login using your existing profile. This will help us make sure that community members are only providing feedback to this consultation once.

Complete our survey