Background

The Scouting movement has been around in Moonee Valley since 1915 when the 1st Moonee Ponds Group was founded. There are currently nine local Scout Groups in Moonee Valley. Seven of these run activities in facilities owned by Scouts Victoria within Council‐owned/managed parks and reserves. Council has supported Scouts Victoria by leasing them the land for scouting purposes.

At a Council meeting on 30 November 2021, Council requested an audit of Moonee Valley community facilities used primarily by Scouts and Guides. The audit was to be completed in the first half of 2022 in consultation with Scouts Victoria. It was to include information on facility use, participation numbers, and conditions of facilities. The audit was also intended to help guide Council on the future inclusion of Scout/Guide facilities in Council masterplans.

Draft Scouts in Moonee Valley Options Analysis

In response to Council’s request, the draft Scouts in Moonee Valley Options Analysis was prepared and presented to Council on 26 July 2022. At this meeting, Council resolved to endorse the analysis for consultation with Scouts Victoria and to then share the analysis with the community.

The draft Options Analysis documents the current use and condition of Scout facilities in Moonee Valley as well as participation data for active Scout groups in the municipality. It also suggests options for Council to consider in the context of implementing adopted masterplans for reserves and open spaces occupied by Scout facilities, subject to Council leases. The options also provide guidance for the provision of Scouting facilities in the development of future masterplans and delivery of multi-purpose hubs and pavilions throughout Moonee Valley’s 13 neighbourhoods.

Consultation program

Consultation with Scouts Victoria has concluded. The outcomes from that consultation will shortly be reported to Council. As the recommendations contained in the analysis affect leased Scout facilities located on Council land, these recommendations are now being made public prior to a final version of the report being presented to Council for adoption. Moonee Valley City Council is committed to community engagement. Any future changes to particular Scout facilities will involve both direct consultation with the groups involved as well as consultation with the broader community.