Background
Aberfeldie Park, located alongside the Maribyrnong River, is a hub for diverse community activities. From sports clubs to avid runners, walkers, and even dog training enthusiasts, the park accommodates a range of interests. Its draw extends to those seeking moments of quiet contemplation in its tranquil corners, as well as to children and adults reveling in playful adventures.
The Aberfeldie Park Master Plan 2013 was prepared to ensure the appropriate and coordinated future development and management of Aberfeldie Park for the benefit of future generations. The Master Plan continues to be progressively implemented.
Following a Council resolution in 2021, Council undertook background investigations which identified Aberfeldie Park as a possible location for a mountain bike nature trail in Moonee Valley.
In mid-2024, we consulted with community to understand if they supported the inclusion of bike facilities in Aberfeldie Park and if there was any feedback about what these bike facilities may look like. We thank everyone who took part in the consultation and the full consultation report can be found here.
There were mixed views on the proposal of adding formal bike facilities to the park. Whilst 52% of respondents supported or strongly supported the idea, there were also a large number of respondents recognising the safety and usage conflicts, and damage to native flora and fauna, who were not supportive.
As a result of these findings, Council will not be progressing with plans to update the Aberfeldie Park Master Plan to include bike facilities. However, the work to date will be considered again as future planning is undertaken in the precinct.
In mid-2024, Council conducted community consultation regarding the inclusion of a Mountain Bike Nature Trail as part of a future review of Aberfeldie Park Master Plan. A high amount of interest in this consultation was received, with 585 survey responses and an additional 69 detailed email/written submissions. Most survey respondents identified as nearby residents of Aberfeldie Park. We thank everyone who took part in the consultation and the full consultation report can be found here.
There were mixed views on the proposal of adding formal bike facilities to the park. Whilst 52% of respondents supported or strongly supported the idea, there were also a large number of respondents recognising the safety and usage conflicts, and damage to native flora and fauna, who were not supportive.
As a result of these findings, Council will not be progressing with plans to update the Aberfeldie Park Master Plan to include bike facilities. However, the work to date will be considered again as future planning is undertaken in the precinct. The Aberfeldie Park Master Plan will soon be out of date, and there may be opportunities for consideration of bike trails when a broader Maribyrnong River Cultural Precinct Plan is developed. The Precinct Plan will consider the public land area inclusive of Aberfeldie Park to Maribyrnong Road.
Thank you to everyone who provided their valuable feedback during the community consultation period, through online surveys, emails and face-to-face at the pop-up we held on 19 May in Aberfeldie Park. Your views are invaluable for us when planning for future facilities and resources in Moonee Valley.
Please note that the final decision will not be based solely on a vote, or preference that may have arisen through this consultation process, but will consider a wide range of information and factors. It is also important to note that the decision making authority sits with Council and will be made at a Council Meeting. All Council decisions are made using a wide range of information including Council and State reports, community consultation processes, Council policies and guiding principles (such as the MV2040 strategy). The input of community is an important part of this comprehensive decision-making process.
