MJ, A frustrated member of the Castlemaine community
The debate surrounding Camp Reserve has drifted a long way from the facts. For more than six years, Mount Alexander Shire Council has undertaken extensive planning, consultation, master planning, design development and technical investigations for the Camp Reserve redevelopment.
The Master Plan was adopted in 2020, designs were endorsed in 2023, and detailed assessments covering traffic, heritage, flooding, bushfire, cultural heritage, archaeology and arboriculture have since been completed. Few projects in this shire have received such exhaustive scrutiny.
Yet despite years of expert advice, community consultation and public investment, the project remains entangled/confused in debate centred largely on two trees.
The community has heard competing arboricultural opinions while, at the same time, the trees remain fenced off due to safety concerns. This raises an obvious question: if these trees require exclusion zones, are they appropriate within a sporting reserve at all? If they are safe, why are the fences still there?
What is most frustrating is that a project designed to benefit hundreds of local families, players, volunteers and spectators continues to be delayed while a small but vocal group seeks to relitigate issues that have already been extensively assessed.
Consultation is important, but it cannot become a mechanism for endlessly revisiting decisions whenever a minority dislikes the outcome.
Camp Reserve is far more than an oval and pavilion. It is where young people learn teamwork, resilience and leadership. It is where families gather, volunteers contribute countless hours and lifelong friendships are formed. Sporting clubs are among the most valuable social assets any community possesses, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and genders in an inclusive environment that strengthens community wellbeing.
No project of this scale will ever satisfy everyone. However, there comes a point where the broader community interest must prevail.
The investigations have been completed. The need has been identified. Where trees must be removed, they should be replaced with appropriate local species to ensure a safe and sustainable outcome.
Six years of discussion is enough. It is time to respect the process, accept the weight of evidence and proceed with a redevelopment that will serve local families and future generations for decades to come.