Submissions closed on Sunday 15 September 2024.

We want to learn how you currently use the park and your ideas of how it could be improved.

We're also inviting feedback on proposed improvements to Ballyshannassy Park in East Burwood including:

• increasing native vegetation
• improving the gravel path from Crow Street
• upgrading sports field lighting
• providing ‘on-demand’ lighting.

We heard you

Based on feedback from previous community engagement, we have made changes to our draft lighting plan, including:

• reducing the height of the light poles
• increasing the setback distance of poles from residential fences
• relocating certain poles to less prominent areas
• planting additional tall canopy trees to better screen the poles from view
• working with lighting engineers to incorporate the latest technology to mask glare, control where the light shines and decrease light spill to neighbouring properties.

Council is committed to providing quality infrastructure as well as a strong focus on environmental sustainability. In recent years, new lighting system installations have transitioned towards lower energy LED systems, significantly reducing operational costs and CO2 emissions. As technology continues to evolve, it will enhance the sports field’s performance while minimising environmental impact and light spill to surrounding residences.

The community sports lighting project is part of the Council’s commitment to improving lighting to facilitate training for local clubs. It will significantly benefit the growth of community sports, especially female participation.

The new lighting complies with all Australian Standards and includes features like automatic shut off to ensure lights are not left on when not in use.

The project is being funded in partnership by Council and Sport and Recreation Victoria.

Next steps

• Late September: Council will analyse feedback and develop a final plan.
• Late 2024: The project will be passed onto Council’s Building team for a Report and Consent process.

Report and Consent application

Pole heights greater than 8m require special approval (under Reg 97 of the Building Regulations 2018). This approval process is known as a Report and Consent application.

Report and Consent is the process for consulting with the community and obtaining the approval of a reporting authority when building work may affect assets, infrastructure or the amenity of the community.

Once we’ve completed this stage of community consultation, we will finalise the site plan and start the Report and Consent.

Affected property owners will be consulted as part of the Report and Consent application. A Report and Consent application (otherwise known as a dispensation) will be sought to increase the lighting pole heights greater than the current 8m maximum. Once this application is ready to consider, Council will be in communication with all affected land owners.

Council previously went through the Report and Consent process for this project in 2023. During that time, we sought comments from affected property owners. Some concerns were raised and we have responded to them in our updated draft design.