Community
24 July, 2025
Moyne unveils masterplan for Market Square
MARKET Square is set for a significant upgrade, but doing so will be a long-term process after councillors this week adopted a new masterplan.
Councillors voted 6-1, with councillor Lloyd Ross voting against, to adopt the Mortlake Market Square Landscape Design Masterplan after months of community consultation and development.
Upgrades to enhance the existing area include full or partial fencing of the playground, enhancements to playground equipment, construction of a new pathway along Townsend Street, adding more trees and seating and safer crossing from Shaw Street between Market Square and the Mortlake Pool.
Also included were plans for a permanent shade structure and shelter which could be used for the Mortlake Christmas Carols each year, in addition to a commemorative avenue of honour.
The proposal also includes extending parking spaces for long vehicles on Townsend Street running parallel beside the footpath which leads to two bus stop areas.
The masterplan was developed following a period of community consultation.
Approximately 40 people provided feedback at three in-person feedback sessions which Moyne Shire Council officers had hosted in Mortlake, while 98 responses were received via the shire’s Engage website.
“The strong community involvement shown by the people of Mortlake gives us confidence that the master plan will meet the needs of the community,” Moyne Shire Council mayor councillor Karen Foster said
“A clear message we heard from the community was to keep many of the square’s features as they are,” she said.
The need for the masterplan arose following online concern in 2024 regarding the lack of fencing at the Market Square playground, which residents felt posed a serious threat to young children.
A community petition was soon launched before Moyne Shire Council allocated $5000 under the previous budget for fencing.
Following the announcement of the funding, the community member who created the petition, Jencie Lawford, lobbied for the creation of a precinct concept masterplan – believing not only should the fencing be delivered, but that council should consider the overall landscape and function of the space to minimise risk and increase community satisfaction.
The findings of consultation showed many wanted to keep the features of the area as it was such as the barbecue area, open grassed space, trees and public toilet.
“We’re extremely grateful to the people of Mortlake for their involvement, and especially to Jencie Lawford for initiating the original petition about playground safety and then advocating for the masterplan process,” Cr Foster said.
“The outcome will be a public space for Mortlake that is safe, offers increased accessibility, and makes the most of the space and facilities.”
“The masterplan provides a roadmap for future funding bids to implement its recommendations, and guidance on replacing aging infrastructure such as playground equipment and park furnishings.”
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