Preferred character statement

The creek-side open space corridor is the most significant landscape and recreational feature in the township, and is central to the image and character of Diamond Creek. Located in the physical centre of the town, the corridor will be conveniently accessed from on-road cycle lanes connecting to the Diamond Creek Trail. The corridor will be known for catering for a diverse array of recreational activities including physical exercise, dog walking, picnics and play in spaces that cater for all ages and disabilities. The natural beauty of the creek corridor will extend into adjoining open spaces with native trees, shrubs and grasses dispersed amongst the recreational facilities, while the use of exotic species such as the avenue of elm trees at Marngrook Oval, will continue to provide a link to European settlement in the township.

Objectives

• To ensure the extent and nature of development should be limited and directly related to parkland based activities and promote use of the public parkland space.

• To provide a mix of active and passive recreation activities for everyone, regardless of age or disability.

• To provide safe crossing of Main Hurstbridge Road for pedestrians and cyclists.

• To enhance both the functional and recreational access for pedestrians, cyclists and park users, in particular through an improved path network.

Strategies

• Advocate for reduced speed limits in Main Hurstbridge Road.

• Investigate the capacity of the existing Diamond Creek Community Centre to be refurbished to be a multi-purpose community facility that includes a variety of services and spaces for all age groups and potentially a library.

• Continue to maintain and improve existing recreational and community facilities within the Diamond Creek Valley.

• Review provision of sports ovals, pavilions, netball, tennis and bowls facilities to ensure they are compliant with current standards.

• Investigate the potential for an underpass connecting the Diamond Creek Trail under Main Hurstbridge Road.

• Implement proposed bike path connecting the Diamond Creek Trail to Hurstbridge to the north east.

• Develop a prioritised program for construction of functional and recreational paths as shown on Figure 14.