FAQs
What is a master plan?
A master plan is a dynamic, long-term plan that guides future growth and development at a site. It integrates Council’s Strategies with the community’s values and vision for the future.
A master plan provides a set of actions for short (0-5 years), medium (5-10 years) or long term (10+ years) planning at a site. These actions will go on to inform future capital works projects, subject to funding and resourcing.
A master plan is supported by evidence such as engineering, architectural and ecological assessments, as well as discussions with key stakeholders, user groups and the wider community. There are typically multiple opportunities to provide feedback throughout the process.
A master plan process is necessary for these sites due to their large site area, complex site characteristics, varied competing community interests and large investment potential. The site areas will require coordinated, holistic planning and strategic review.
How long will the master plan process take?
Master plans undergo multiple consultations before being finalised and adopted by Council. The process may take up to 2 years to ensure all opportunities and constraints are identified, and to ensure the community is properly consulted throughout the process.
When will changes happen?
Any changes would occur progressively over many years, subject to funding and approvals.
The master plan will include a set of actions that relate to upgrades to infrastructure at the sites. Each action will have a time horizon for completion, being delivered in the short (0-5 years), medium (5-10 years) or long term (10+ years).
These actions/upgrades are influenced by future capital works budgets and resource allocation.
What about any current planned upgrades?
A feasibility study is currently underway for an expanded clubhouse at The Ridge Golf Course. Depending on the outcome of the study, capital works will be programmed separately to the master plan.
What are the main limitations to these sites?
Environmental sensitivity and biodiversity values are key considerations and constraints for the master plan.
Council considers the protection of the Sydney Turpentine Iron Bark forest surrounding Parc Menai of upmost importance. All future planning, landscaping and upgrades will be planned to support the ecological diversity of the forest.
Some vacant areas within The Ridge Sporting Complex have been identified as contaminated. They may be unsuitable for development, as contamination could adversely affect ground conditions, structural stability, and settlement performance.
How does this master plan fit in with broader plans for Menai?
Council is developing Place Plans for our town centres, which will provide an opportunity to develop a vision for these centres and how they are going to change over time. There will be a Place Plan developed for Menai-Illawong. This long-term plan will guide housing growth and infrastructure improvements, including open space, streetscape, road, active transport and community facility upgrades.
The master plan for The Ridge Sporting Complex and Parc Menai will work in conjunction with the Menai-Illawong Place Plan. A draft Place Plan is expected to be shared with our community for feedback in 2027.
How has the community and stakeholders been consulted so far?
We consulted our community in 2022 about The Ridge Sporting Complex as part of an initial process to review the master plan for this site. Since then, some improvements have already been made to The Ridge, including resurfacing of the athletics track and commencing a feasibility study for The Ridge Golf Clubhouse.
At the start of this year, we also met with the relevant sports organisations to understand their current concerns, needs and aspirations for the site.
The feedback gathered from the 2022 survey as well as this latest round of consultation will inform the development of the master plan, which has now evolved in scope to include nearby Parc Menai.