Travancore Park update

Council will be improving the amenity of the dog off leash area at Travancore Park with support from the Victorian Government through the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program. This amenity upgrade will include seating, shade and access to water for an improved experience for dogs. The upgrade will also include dog agility elements.

Travancore Park Dog Off Leash Amenity Improvements plan (pdf, 13MB)

Final design may change, with construction works scheduled to begin mid 2025.

The 3 metre wide concrete path along the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail in Travancore Park was completed to help separate path users and dogs.

Other upgrades included:

• replacing the existing chain mesh fence with a safer post and rail chain mesh fence
• installing a new barrier fence between the new shared path and the steep creek embankment for cyclist safety
• creating a new path link between Myrnong Crescent and the new shared path
• realigning the southern end of the internal path to allow more space between path users and dogs
• relocation of seating to a more shaded location
• installing an additional water fountain and relocate the existing drinking fountain and dog bowl to a more central location in the park
• replacing and planting additional trees to replace the eight trees that were removed as part of the shared path upgrade.

Travancore Park is an important area of open space and it was imperative to develop an outcome that was the right long-term decision for all park users. The final shared path alignment was developed through an extensive stakeholder and community consultation process, including public meetings and 'walkshops' on site, as well as advice from an external reference group made up of local residents and organisations.

Stage Two of the project included an independent investigation for the continuation of the new shared path towards Mount Alexander Road. The investigation explored three alignment options east of the sound walls, with the preferred route extending approximately 500 metres and reconnecting to the existing shared path to the south of the Alt Tower.

Notwithstanding, the investigation found that all options while feasible presented a number of significant issues. Most notably the preferred option would require the removal of over 100 trees of various maturity. This does not align with Council’s MV2040 Strategy to protect and increase tree canopy cover and vegetation diversity in reserves and on private land. Another major issue is that a shared path running in close proximity to the Moonee Ponds Creek channel (where the embankment is shallower) would present a significant flooding risk and may not meet flooding requirements. Given the limited time travel time benefits, likely substantial construction costs and the need to prioritise other sections of the shared path to upgrade to meet safety requirements, Council will not be pursuing the extension of the shared path.

We are committed to upgrading our shared paths to the highest possible standard and will continue to develop a number of projects that will improve safety and accessibility for all shared path users.