In recent years, the grounds and trees in Yarra Park have deteriorated in condition due to Melbourne’s continued drought.
Urgent attention, especially through the harvesting and application of non-potable Class A water, is required to restore the health of Yarra Park.
In September 2009, the MCC reached agreement with the State Government to transfer the management of Yarra Park to the MCG Trust, who in turn will delegate operational management to the MCC, with a key water project and landscaping project to secure the future of the trees in the park and preservation of existing car parking entitlements.
The MCC took over management of Yarra Park on March 15, 2010.
The legislation requires the MCG Trust/MCC to honour existing Yarra Park contracts with Citywide (curatorial/maintenance and cleaning, expiring 2014), Secure Parking (provision of event day parking management, expiring October 2010) and vendors (food vans around the MCG, expiring October 2010).
Accordingly, the club has held extensive discussions with the various parties about their roles in the park, as well as with the City of Melbourne regarding transition of management.
The club has spent the past few months finalising the details of several important documents that will steer this work.
These include a Cultural and Heritage Management Plan, a Landscape Master Plan and a Management and Improvement Plan, which will cover the first three to four years of planned activities.
The contract to design, construct and operate the water recycling facility has also been tendered and is expected to be awarded in August, 2010.
Permits and works approvals for various aspects of the project have also been sought from several organisations including Heritage Victoria, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, City West Water, Department of Health, City of Melbourne, VicRoads and Environment Protection Authority.
This extensive consultation is necessary to ensure all legislative requirements are met, as well as providing an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to this significant development in Yarra Park.
The MCC is required to submit an annual Management and Improvement (M&I) Plan for Yarra Park to the Victorian Government by March each year. In this case, the critical M&I Plan will cover the first three to four years of planned activities.
A Yarra Park Advisory Committee has been formed to provide input into the proposed works, comprising seven members:
• Pat McNamara, MCG Trust (chair)
• Stephen Gough, MCC
• Cr Cathy Oke, City of Melbourne
• Francis Khoo and Stuart Hamilton (community representatives nominated by City of Melbourne.)
• Dr Michelle Gallan and Dr Greg Moore (Victorian Government appointees)
The installation of the water recycling facility, underground in the park outside the Gate 2 members’ entrance, is one of the most significant pieces of work, ensuring that we can get a regular supply of water to the park, especially during the summer months.
It is envisaged that we will commence the recycling facility's installation in November this year and be capable of providing water to Yarra Park and the MCG by the beginning of summer in 2011.
During the construction period, car parking numbers in Yarra Park will be slightly reduced. An alternative area will be identified for disabled parking adjacent to the MCG.
