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Max Pawsey Reserve is located in Narre Warren. Opposite Westfield and Bunjil Place. It has been an invaluable community resource for over the last 40 years. It is a District Level Sports Facility, but does not meet District Level Standards.
It is currently home to the Fountain Gate Junior Football Club, Fountain Gate Cricket Club, the Fountain Gate Tennis Club, the Narre Warren Scouts Group and the Narre Warren Bowling Club. It also holds Auskick there and the ovals, basketball ring and playground are used for passive recreation. |
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In 2016 the need for a Master Plan was identified.
Redevelopment has begun, but the community is concerned about these plans. Recently some of the major changes have been shifted to being long-term, which is up to 20 years. This page provides updates with the latest information as I become aware of it.
If you have questions or concerns you would like to raise about Max Pawsey Reserve please contact me at [email protected].
Redevelopment has begun, but the community is concerned about these plans. Recently some of the major changes have been shifted to being long-term, which is up to 20 years. This page provides updates with the latest information as I become aware of it.
If you have questions or concerns you would like to raise about Max Pawsey Reserve please contact me at [email protected].
Current problems identified in the Casey Council, Max Pawsey Reserve Master Plan
The following is a selection of problems as identified by Casey Council in their Max Pawsey Reserve Master Plan.
AFL/Cricket Pavillon
AFL/Cricket Oval
Manual Scorer's Shed
Cricket Nets
Playground
Public Toilets
Skate Park
Passive Recreation
Vegetation and Urban Ecology
Public Art
Pathways/Connectivity
AFL/Cricket Pavillon
- Built in 1987 and does not currently meet the SFF requirements.
- The building is not female friendly and has no dedicated community space.
- The building also has Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) issues, with reported incidents of antisocial activity in areas around the pavilion
AFL/Cricket Oval
- The report does not report on the condition of the western oval. Details of the existing problems of this are included in the following section regarding community concerns.
Manual Scorer's Shed
- Built in 1987 and does not currently meet SFF requirements.
- The building also has CPTED issues, with reported incidents of antisocial activity in areas around the building.
Cricket Nets
- Three lane practice nets were built in 2006 and meet the SFF requirements. There are issues with their condition including flooding and drainage.
Playground
- Built in 1999 and is in average condition. The playground is Local level and meets the Australian Standards it was built to.
- The playground was last upgraded in 2009, with vandalism, graffiti and ongoing maintenance the key issues.
Public Toilets
- There are no publicly accessible toilet facilities at this reserve, creating problems for casual users of the reserve.
- The existing toilets are located within the buildings and are only accessible when the buildings are occupied.
- There are issues with the current proximity of the AFL/Cricket toilets to the main oval, which is approximately 100m, causing issues for junior members, older adults and spectators.
Skate Park
- Max Pawsey Reserve was identified within Council’s Skate Strategy as a Regional skate facility, however due to space limitations and site constraints, there is currently no provision for skate within the reserve.
Passive Recreation
- The opportunity for passive informal recreation is largely restricted to the playground and basketball ring at the rear of the Scout Hall.
- There is limited provision of seating or picnic tables supporting the reserve, with no public BBQ, toilets or formal perimeter path network throughout the reserve.
Vegetation and Urban Ecology
- There is currently insufficient provision of natural shade, particularly along pedestrian connections and within the playground space.
- Some of the vegetation within the reserve also restricts natural surveillance
Public Art
- Max Pawsey Reserve does not currently have any public art, which can influence the reserve having an identity and sense of place.
Pathways/Connectivity
- The connection between Bunjil Place, Casey ARC and the MAC is impacted by Magid Drive which is currently unsafe for pedestrians to cross due to high vehicle speeds.
- Accessibility issue of limited seating opportunities with the reserve.
- Limited internal pathways or connections to existing path networks in high rainfall events.
Max Pawsey Reserve Adopted Master Plan as of September 2024
The following plan is as outlined by Casey Council in their Max Pawsey Reserve Adopted Master Plan as of September 2024. The ** notes are mine. They provide some comparison with the Max Pawsey Master Plan 2.0 of 2020.
Time Frames
AFL/Cricket Pavillon
Adopted plan - there are two opportunities noted.
The first option is unchanged. To upgrade the pavilition to align with Councils SFF and provide a female friendly facility upgrade in the short term.
The second option has changed. It was to extend existing pavillion to inlucde a community room for AFL/Cricket and Scouts (if applicable). It now has dropped the Scouts option.
The third option in the 2020 plan for a dual-purpose major facility has been dropped.
** Note. This reflects the decision by Scouts Australia to not be part of any incorporation of facilities.
** Note. The first opportunity reflects the importance of meeting the SFF guidelines as soon as possible.
**Note. There is space on the plan so that redevelopment of the car park allows for future provision of a community space.
AFL/Cricket pavilion upgrade to provide community social space and unisex amenities - short term
AFL/Cricket Oval
The Eastern Oval has been renovated. There are still no plans to upgrade the second one.
The first Cricket match on the new Eastern Oval was played on 8th February 2025.
**Note. I have been informed that the Western Oval surface will not be upgraded. It is a recognised flood drainage asset.
Despite this there are areas that need improving. These includes improved fencing and maintenance of drainage (see photos above).
Manual Scorer's Shed
Adopted Plan
Three options are provided.
**Note. There is an extra option compared with the 2020 plan. So it now includes the possibility of upgrading the scorers shed without toilet and change amenities.
A further change is in the timing.
Redeveloped scorers shed to include toilets, change space, shelter for viewing area - Changed from Short to Medium Term
Cricket Nets
Two options are provided.
Verbal information I have received in February 2025 is that the cricket nets may no longer be up to expected standard. I have requested official confirmation of this.
Relocate cricket nets - Changed from Short to Medium Term
Public Toilets
**Note. There is a commitment to providing publicly accessibly toilets between the two ovals. It is important that these are accessible outside of game days.
There is no specific timing given against the public toilets. It is hoped that the short term AFL/Cricket pavilion upgrade includes accessible public toilets, however, it does not state clearly that this will be the case.
Skate Park
Downgraded from Local level skate park to Skate park. This was after it had been identified in the original plan as a Regional Skate Facility.
Passive Recreation
**Note.
Half-court basketball court - short term
Outdoor fitness equipment - medium term
Play space - short term. **Note. This will created at the same time as the car park redevelopment. Expected to be the first half of 2025.
Skate park / pump park - long term
Vegetation and Urban Ecology
No change from 2020 plan
Public Art
An entry piece has been included in the Public decking project description.
**Note. There is a discrepancy as to whether this is a short term or medium term project.
Safety
No change from 2020.
**Note. There are no firm plans or time lines publicly available for the lighting or camera reviews
Pathways/Connectivity (Accessibility)
Pedestrian crossing across Magid Drive - short term
**Note. the path network appears to have been placed with the reconstructed natural creek in the long term category.
Overall the Implementation Plan
Summary of timing changes according to Max Pawsey Reserve Adopted Master Plan 2024
Updated the timeline of delivery of the following projects:
▪ Decking – changed from short to medium
**Note. However, on the Implementation Plan it says that the decking is now short term
▪ Scorers shed– changed from short to medium
▪ Terracing and shelter – changed from short to medium
▪ Cricket net relocation – changed from short to medium
Overall concept plan change according to Max Pawsey Reserve Adopted Master Plan 2024
Time Frames
- Short term: 0-5 years
- Medium term: 6-10 years
- Long term: 11-20 years
AFL/Cricket Pavillon
Adopted plan - there are two opportunities noted.
The first option is unchanged. To upgrade the pavilition to align with Councils SFF and provide a female friendly facility upgrade in the short term.
The second option has changed. It was to extend existing pavillion to inlucde a community room for AFL/Cricket and Scouts (if applicable). It now has dropped the Scouts option.
The third option in the 2020 plan for a dual-purpose major facility has been dropped.
** Note. This reflects the decision by Scouts Australia to not be part of any incorporation of facilities.
** Note. The first opportunity reflects the importance of meeting the SFF guidelines as soon as possible.
**Note. There is space on the plan so that redevelopment of the car park allows for future provision of a community space.
AFL/Cricket pavilion upgrade to provide community social space and unisex amenities - short term
AFL/Cricket Oval
The Eastern Oval has been renovated. There are still no plans to upgrade the second one.
The first Cricket match on the new Eastern Oval was played on 8th February 2025.
**Note. I have been informed that the Western Oval surface will not be upgraded. It is a recognised flood drainage asset.
Despite this there are areas that need improving. These includes improved fencing and maintenance of drainage (see photos above).
Manual Scorer's Shed
Adopted Plan
Three options are provided.
**Note. There is an extra option compared with the 2020 plan. So it now includes the possibility of upgrading the scorers shed without toilet and change amenities.
A further change is in the timing.
Redeveloped scorers shed to include toilets, change space, shelter for viewing area - Changed from Short to Medium Term
Cricket Nets
Two options are provided.
- Relocate cricket practice nets
- Retain nets and upgrade surface, netting and drainage
Verbal information I have received in February 2025 is that the cricket nets may no longer be up to expected standard. I have requested official confirmation of this.
Relocate cricket nets - Changed from Short to Medium Term
Public Toilets
- No change from 2020. Except for changing the wording in the second option "provision of a publicly accessible toilet facility with the AFL/Cricket pavillion to provide amenity for playspace users." to "explore opportunities for provision of...."
**Note. There is a commitment to providing publicly accessibly toilets between the two ovals. It is important that these are accessible outside of game days.
There is no specific timing given against the public toilets. It is hoped that the short term AFL/Cricket pavilion upgrade includes accessible public toilets, however, it does not state clearly that this will be the case.
Skate Park
Downgraded from Local level skate park to Skate park. This was after it had been identified in the original plan as a Regional Skate Facility.
Passive Recreation
- Demolish and upgrade the current playground to provide a new play space with seating, shelters, picnic facilities, social meeting spaces and potential BBG facilities
- Install a dedicated multipurpose half court, with potential for uses such as basketball and netball. There is an opportunity to provide exercise equipment within the reserve, either in one node or throughout the reserve.
**Note.
- It is unclear whether the rewording in the amendment plan has removed the status of the new playground from that of a District Level playground. The wording around this in the plan is in consistent, but I have seen it and heard it referred to as a District Level playground elsewhere.
- This downgrades the plans from a multi purpose court with potential uses for basketball, netball, tennis hit up wall and climbing wall. This reportedly could no longer be considered due to the removal of the option of the Scout Hall being incorported as part of a larger new multi purpose development.
- It removes the opportunity to develop an additional passive open space area within the reserve, which was originally to include a Key feature of "decking boardwalk areas around wetlands which will include seating and events stage to create a new passive recreational space for residents, local employees and visitors." However, on the Implementation plan it shows the construction of a "public deck with seating and outdoor meeting spaces including bridge access from Patrick Northeast Drive and public art piece/entry piece".
Half-court basketball court - short term
Outdoor fitness equipment - medium term
Play space - short term. **Note. This will created at the same time as the car park redevelopment. Expected to be the first half of 2025.
Skate park / pump park - long term
Vegetation and Urban Ecology
No change from 2020 plan
Public Art
An entry piece has been included in the Public decking project description.
**Note. There is a discrepancy as to whether this is a short term or medium term project.
Safety
No change from 2020.
**Note. There are no firm plans or time lines publicly available for the lighting or camera reviews
Pathways/Connectivity (Accessibility)
Pedestrian crossing across Magid Drive - short term
**Note. the path network appears to have been placed with the reconstructed natural creek in the long term category.
Overall the Implementation Plan
- Skate park continues to be downgraded. It is now no longer seen as a Local level skate park. This was after it had been identified in the original Master Plan as a Regional Skate Facility. And it could be up to 20 years before completion. If the original time span was adhered to it would be ready in 2036, now we are looking at 2044.
- Doesn't mention upgrades to fences and maintenance of drainage concerns of the Western Oval
- Downgrades the passive and active recreation options. Eg. no longer a full multi purpose court, but a half court.
- Appears to down grade status of the playground?
- Provision of accessible public toiilets is still unclear.
- Pedistrian accessibility concerns, especially after heavy rain haven't been resolved. It is unclear as to how and when pedestrian access around and across Max Pawsey Reserve will be provided. Discussion with Council Officers, show this is not a priority as it does not cut of access to a significant amount of people for a significant time to justify the cost of putting in some sort of 'bridge'. This may also involve liaison with Melbourne Water.
Summary of timing changes according to Max Pawsey Reserve Adopted Master Plan 2024
Updated the timeline of delivery of the following projects:
▪ Decking – changed from short to medium
**Note. However, on the Implementation Plan it says that the decking is now short term
▪ Scorers shed– changed from short to medium
▪ Terracing and shelter – changed from short to medium
▪ Cricket net relocation – changed from short to medium
Overall concept plan change according to Max Pawsey Reserve Adopted Master Plan 2024
- Change of scope and location of Tennis pavilion redevelopment
- Removal of dual-purpose pavilion proposal for AFL/Cricket and Scouts
- Alteration to the decking around the wetlands that was shown on the previous concept design
- Alteration to the location of the playspace
- Alteration to the location of the carpark to service AFL/Cricket and Scouts on Fountain Drive
- Removal of multi-purpose netball court
- Incorporation of junior pump track within skate park
- Consolidation of wetland, drainage, swales and weirs into overall stormwater harvesting project
- Removal of hit up wall
Links
Max Pawsey Master Plan Version 1 2020
Feedback Requested 2024
Max Pawsey Master Plan Version 2 (link to this has now been removed from Casey Council Website)
Max Pawsey Reserve Adopted Concept Plan 2024
Playground Concept
Results of Community Consultation in 2024 prior to the adopted Concept Plan in Sepember 2024 (by previous council)
Playground Carpark Concept Design January 2024 - unsure if the latest?
Feedback Requested 2024
Max Pawsey Master Plan Version 2 (link to this has now been removed from Casey Council Website)
Max Pawsey Reserve Adopted Concept Plan 2024
Playground Concept
Results of Community Consultation in 2024 prior to the adopted Concept Plan in Sepember 2024 (by previous council)
Playground Carpark Concept Design January 2024 - unsure if the latest?
Casey Council Updated Master Plan 2.0
This has been provided for more historical context.
The following plan is as outlined by Casey Council in their updated Master Plan 2.0 (releasted in early 2024), which was updated from the original 2016 Master Plan. The ** notes are mine and contrast the changes between the plan as outlined in 2020 and highlight existing gaps in the plan.
Time Frames
AFL/Cricket Pavillon
**Note. There is no plan to rebuild the Pavillion.
AFL/Cricket Oval
**Note. There is still no plan to fix the Western Oval. The Western Oval is part of the Melbourne Waters designated flood plain.
Manual Scorer's Shed
Cricket Nets
Playground
New district level playground with picnic shelter, seating and BBQ - Short term
**Note. This will created at the same time as the car parks. Expected to be the first half of 2025.
Public Toilets
**Note. There are still no plans for publicly accessible toilet facilities.
Skate Park
New local level skate park - Long Term
Passive Recreation
Vegetation and Urban Ecology
**Note. There are no firm plans or time lines publicly available for this.
Public Art
**Note. There are no firm plans or time lines publicly available for this.
Safety
**Note. There are no firm plans or time lines publicly available for this.
Pathways/Connectivity
The following plan is as outlined by Casey Council in their updated Master Plan 2.0 (releasted in early 2024), which was updated from the original 2016 Master Plan. The ** notes are mine and contrast the changes between the plan as outlined in 2020 and highlight existing gaps in the plan.
Time Frames
- Short term: 0-5 years
- Medium term: 6-10 years
- Long term: 11-20 years
AFL/Cricket Pavillon
- Explore opportunities for new dual purpose major facility incorporating sporting pavilion, community room, scout hall and public toilets. Long Term.
**Note. There is no plan to rebuild the Pavillion.
- Football/Cricket pavilion unisex amenities upgrade. Short term.
AFL/Cricket Oval
**Note. There is still no plan to fix the Western Oval. The Western Oval is part of the Melbourne Waters designated flood plain.
Manual Scorer's Shed
- New scorers and storage building to including toilets, change space, shelter for viewing area. Medium Term.
Cricket Nets
- Relocate cricket practice nets - Medium Term.
Playground
New district level playground with picnic shelter, seating and BBQ - Short term
**Note. This will created at the same time as the car parks. Expected to be the first half of 2025.
Public Toilets
**Note. There are still no plans for publicly accessible toilet facilities.
Skate Park
- Max Pawsey Reserve was identified within Council’s Skate Strategy as a Regional skate facility, however due to space limitations and site constraints, there is currently no provision for skate within the reserve.
New local level skate park - Long Term
Passive Recreation
- The opportunity for passive informal recreation is largely restricted to the playground and basketball ring at the rear of the Scout Hall.
- There is limited provision of seating or picnic tables supporting the reserve, with no public BBQ, toilets or formal perimeter path network throughout the reserve.
Vegetation and Urban Ecology
**Note. There are no firm plans or time lines publicly available for this.
Public Art
**Note. There are no firm plans or time lines publicly available for this.
Safety
**Note. There are no firm plans or time lines publicly available for this.
Pathways/Connectivity
- Improved pathway connections and seating within the reserve and linkages to existing networks.
- A circuit path around the perimeter of the reserve would provide a designated route for walking and jogging. An internal network
- would also provide alternative routes to the shared path and define areas within the reserve and improve connections and
- interactions to existing facilities.
- Connections along Magid Drive to the existing path network along Monash Freeway and along Princes Highway.
- All internal paths will need to be built or upgraded to minimum 1 in 10 flood events, including the provision of footbridges to allow year-round use.
- Provision of a signalised intersection across Magid Drive