FAQ

Manningham’s Open Space Strategy 2014 identifies the area of Doncaster has a need for improved open space options due to the increasing population and changing demographic profile of the area.

It was also identified that there is limited availability of private open space (backyards) in this area and opportunities to improve local open space options should be explored.

Anthony Reserve is a large reserve, with good connections to surrounding streets. While the centre of Anthony Reserve contains a stormwater retarding basin, we are working with Melbourne Water to investigate options to upgrade this reserve.

Works to improve the entrance areas of Anthony Reserve include:

• Remove existing treated pine bollards and barriers
• Providing new garden beds
• Additional tree planting
• Installing a new picnic table and seat
• New entrance signage

See the concept plan for the entrance upgrades in the image library.

Council has been discussing the possibilities for a major upgrade of the reserve to include more new paths, playground equipment and seating with Melbourne Water.

Melbourne Water has advised that it is undertaking a widespread review of many of its assets, including the stormwater catchment at Anthony Reserve. Once the outcomes of Melbourne Water’s review are available, concept designs for a major upgrade of the reserve will be considered.

Following a review of the range of features and equipment available in surrounding reserves, some of the possibilities for Anthony Reserve include:

• Opportunities for nature-based play
• Informal sporting options, such as a basketball area or goals
• Sculptural pieces
• Ropes and climbing activities
• Picnic area and seating
• New paths
• Feature landscaping and planting.

Feedback received from the community in late 2016, will help inform the mix of equipment and features considered as part of any major upgrade and further consultation will be undertaken.

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback and ideas for this upgrade project.

Melbourne Water has worked closely with Manningham Council to provide a drainage system for Anthony Reserve that safely carries stormwater away from built-up areas and into rivers and creeks.

With Anthony Reserve, this is predominantly done through a retarding basin, which is currently managed by Melbourne Water. 

Retarding basins are low lying areas of land set aside to temporarily store stormwater during very high rainfall.

When a retarding basin fills, the landscape is designed to hold back stormwater to reduce flood risk. The stored water is then slowly released into the downstream drain or waterway.

Some are Council’s responsibility, while others are under Melbourne Water’s control, though Council may maintain these spaces.

For more information on retarding basins, visit Melbourne Water website (www.melbournewater.com.au/whatwedo/manageflooding/pages/retarding-basins.aspx)

Council will be working with Melbourne Water to investigate the options to upgrade Anthony Reserve.

Melbourne Water has advised that it is undertaking a widespread review of many of its assets, including the stormwater catchment at Anthony Reserve. Once the outcomes of Melbourne Water’s review are available, concept designs for a major upgrade of the reserve will be considered

Upgrade works for the entrances of Anthony reserve are underway and scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2017.

Council has been discussing the possibilities for a major upgrade of the reserve to include more new paths, playground equipment and seating with Melbourne Water.

Melbourne Water has advised that it is undertaking a widespread review of many of its assets, including the stormwater catchment at Anthony Reserve.

Once the outcomes of Melbourne Water’s review are available, concept designs for a major upgrade of the reserve will be considered.