Project background

We’re committed to delivering safe, inclusive and high‑quality facilities to meet the growing needs of netball within Port Phillip. This is why we’re looking to install four new outdoor netball courts and an inclusive pavilion at JL Murphy Reserve in Port Melbourne.

Council was previously planning for this project to take place at Elder Smith Reserve. However, after further studies, Council hasn’t proceeded there due to major infrastructure risks and higher costs. This engagement was the first check in with the community as we consider relocating this project to JL Murphy Reserve.

What did we ask?

Questions were separated into 3 sections:

Usage of JL Murphy Reserve:

In this section, we asked:

• Do you currently use JL Murphy Reserve?
• If you use JL Murphy Reserve, what activities do you usually do there? Select all that apply
• Which of the following apply to you? Select all that apply

Support of the proposal:

In this section, we asked:

• What do you think about Council’s proposal to build netball courts here?
• Please explain why?
• What do you think is the most important thing Council needs to consider if we progress this project?

Use of Elder Smith Reserve:

In this section, we asked:

• Do you currently use Elder Smith Reserve?
• If you use Elder Smith Reserve, what activities do you usually do there? Select all that apply
• If netball courts do not proceed at Elder Smith Reserve, what would you like to see there instead

What did we hear?

Support for the proposal:

221 respondents told us their level of support for the proposal through online surveys on ‘Have Your Say’, engagement activities at pop ups and hard copy surveys at pop ups.

Approximately half of the respondents (51.6%) said they fully support the proposal and an additional 19 respondents (8.6%) saying they mostly support it.

71 respondents (32.1%) said they did not support it at all with an additional nine (4%) saying they don’t really support the project.

Eight respondents (3.6%) said they were unsure or neutral on the project.

What happens next?

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.