Understanding recreation facility management

Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve

Recreation facilities and reserves within Indigo Shire fall under two distinct management models, each with different responsibilities and funding arrangements.

Council-owned and managed facilities

Indigo Shire Council directly owns, operates, and maintains a range of recreation facilities and community spaces. These facilities are funded through council budgets, grants, and community contributions. Council has full responsibility for:

  • Strategic planning and development
  • Day-to-day operations and maintenance
  • Programming and facility bookings
  • Capital improvements and upgrades
  • Compliance with safety and accessibility standards

Examples of council-owned facilities include:

  • Coulston Park
  • Kiewa River Community Site
  • Tangambalanga Active Park
  • Yackandandah Sports Park
  • Baarmutha Park
  • Lake Sambell
  • Beechworth Rail Reserve
  • Wahgunyah Railway Reserve (VicTrack owned)

DEECA-managed reserves

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) manages and oversees approximately 1,500 Crown land reserves across Victoria, including many recreation reserves within our shire. However, these reserves operate under a unique management model:

While DEECA holds oversight responsibility for these Crown land reserves, many (but not all listed below) are managed by voluntary Committees of Management (CoMs), including:

  • Allans Flat Waterhole
  • Barkly Park, Rutherglen
  • Chiltern Recreation Reserve (Martin Park)
  • Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve
  • Butson Park, Yackandandah
  • Chiltern Equine Park
  • Kiewa Memorial Park and Public Reserve
  • Sandy Creek Recreation Reserve
  • Stanley Recreation Reserve
  • Barnawatha Recreation Reserve
  • Rutherglen Park and Recreation Reserve
  • Chiltern Valley Recreation Reserve
  • Christmastown Cricket Reserve
  • Rutherglen Racecourse Public Reserve

Council's supporting role

Indigo Shire Council has no delegated management responsibilities for DEECA-managed reserves and facilities. However, it plays an important supporting role by:

  • Contributing to the establishment of assets and spaces within reserves for community benefit
  • Advocating for community needs and facility improvements
  • Supporting volunteer committees through advice and partnership opportunities
  • Coordinating regional recreation master planning that considers all facilities

Council Plan 2025-2029

Developing and maintaining inclusive, accessible and adaptive infrastructure and facilities that enhance liveability, encourage physical activities and are resilient to climate change, is a key strategic objective under Theme 1: Places and Communities.

Key strategy 1.1.2 is to Develop and implement a strategic approach to accessible and inclusive public spaces, recreation facilities, and active living programs that support a socially and physically active community across all life stages and abilities.

Master Planning

Through State Government funding, we’ve developed a suite of master plans, for both Council and DEECA owned and managed reserves and facilities to provide a 10-15 year guide for future developments and improvements.

View the current master plans

 

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