Bass Coast Shire Council green light $1m Graydens Reserve Master Plan in Newhaven

Upgrades to a Phillip Island skate park are hoped to reduce graffiti activity in the area as youths would have “more to do”.

Bass Coast Shire Council adopted the $1m Graydens Reserve Master Plan at the council meeting on Wednesday. Picture: Bass Coast Shire Council

Upgrades to a Newhaven skate park are hoped to reduce graffiti activity in the area as youths would have “more to do”.

At the Bass Coast Shire Council meeting on Wednesday, councillors adopted a $1m Graydens Reserve Master Plan that included improved access and expanding the “well-loved” space on Phillip Island.

A survey revealed community members had pushed for an increased open grass area and trees, additional play elements, swings, upgrades to the small beginner-level skatepark and more picnic tables.

Councillor Tracey Bell said there were a lot of families with teens and tweens who would like to see more elements added to the skate park.

The upgrades to the reserve could prevent graffiti activity as the youths would have more things to do in the area, locals hope. Picture: Google Maps

“There can’t be complaints in the community about the levels of graffiti in Newhaven if we’re going to give stuff for the teens to do,” she said.

Mayor Rochelle Halstead said the upgrades to the reserve had been an “up and down” approach.

“It’s really lovely to see that this has come to us now and that is has gone through significant community engagement,” Ms Halstead said.

A concept plan of the Graydens Reserve Master Plan. Picture: Bass Coast Shire Council

“There will be some impact as we work with Regional Roads Victoria and the possible movement around Phillip Island Rd which might impact slightly on this reserve.”

Phillip Island resident Shaylene Moore told the Herald Sun she hoped the increase in recreational facilities would reduce anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. 

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“So with these upgrades it could prevent the youth from committing such acts and help Newhaven to tidy and be appropriate for family environments.

“We want our youth to have things to do — but we don’t want to see vandalism — and if they have nothing to do then they’re going to resort to graffitiing things.”