The announcement will see a re-elected Labor Government contribute $3 million toward a redeveloped sports pavilion at Mackie Road Reserve, part of Council’s Mackie Road Reserve masterplan, delivering on one of the community’s most significant advocacy asks in the Bentleigh state electorate.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jim Magee said the funding commitment was a major win for residents.

“Today’s announcement is a win for all the Glen Eira residents who have supported our grassroots advocacy campaign for improved open space this election,” Cr Magee said.

“Progressing the Mackie Road Reserve masterplan is one of Council’s highest priorities for this state election, and a redeveloped pavilion is an important step.

“We welcome this funding commitment and thank Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos for working so closely with Council.

“We hope to see this funding commitment matched by all candidates for Bentleigh before election day.”

The council in Melbourne’s inner south currently has the least amount of open space per resident of any municipality in Melbourne, with just 1.3 hectares per 1,000 residents.

Only 4.4 per cent of the total municipal area is open space. The city’s population is expected to grow to 180,626 by 2036, underscoring the need for open space upgrades to match population growth.

Glen Eira City Council, which has been proactively acquiring, developing and upgrading public open spaces, adopted the Mackie Road Reserve masterplan in June following extensive community consultation.

In addition to the sports pavilion, the masterplan includes:

• a new all abilities playground, shelters and social facilities;
• a consolidated central car park to improve movement, pedestrian safety and protect significant trees;
• a fully enclosed multi-purpose facility suitable for cricket training and other codes, with an adjacent basketball and netball area; and
• an off-lead dog park.

For more information about Glen Eira’s advocacy priorities, visit: gleneira.vic.gov.au/state-election