The transformation of the former Elsternwick Park golf course into a natural oasis on our city’s doorstep will bring nature back into our urban area, providing refuge and tranquillity for both wildlife and people.

We are creating an extraordinary future for this magnificent reserve, establishing a biodiversity refuge for exploration, education and enjoyment by our community.

A ten-year masterplan of works will realise the vision for the Reserve. The Reserve will improve the quality of water flowing into Port Phillip Bay and provide a diverse habitat, that along with new tree and vegetation will encourage native wildlife back to the area.

TheChain of Ponds has recently been opened. A copy of the Masterplan can be found here.

Committee members are encouraged to share their thoughts and insights to ensure EPNR is operated in a way that achieves its goals. It is recognised that while Committee members will have personal preferences, their task will be to consider the interests of the community as a whole. This will involve considering the information provided and the perspectives of all stakeholders and users of EPNR.

The Committee will be able to make suggestions about how Council maintains operational areas of the Reserve in line with current budgets and community expectations.

An example of this would include suggestions on what to plant and where via the creation of a Management Plan.

The Committee will not be able to expend budget.

The Committee has no decision-making powers on areas of the Reserve that are not yet operational (i.e. at the current time this includes the wildflower meadow and Community Edge).

Council will often enter into contractual agreements to deliver future pieces of work in the Reserve. These agreements are between Council and external third parties that have agreed timeframes and delivery budgets.

Members should demonstrate interest, skills, knowledge and or expertise relevant to the goals of the Reserve and the ability to work in a team.

Membership will aim for a group representing a range of abilities, ages, gender, cultures, geographic locations across the municipality and a range of areas of interest/expertise.

Priority for some of the positions will be given to nominations from the EPNR ‘Friends of Group’ currently known as the Elsternwick Park Association.

More information on criteria can be found in the Terms of Reference.

The Committee will provide direction to Council regarding how operational parts of the Reserve should be managed to ensure the Reserves goals are achieved.

The Terms of Reference provide a clear understanding of scope; objectives; code of conduct; levels of influence; and operational processes. You can read the Committee’s Terms of Reference here.

The Code of Conduct is a guide to appropriate behaviour of members to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive meeting space. You can read the Code of Conduct here.