Capel Sound residents have claimed a major victory in their long-running fight to protect 11a Allambi Avenue, with Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors voting unanimously last night to keep the entire site zoned for public open space in the draft Open Space Strategy.
The decision, made during a packed meeting at Tyabb Community Hall on 12 August, means the draft strategy will go out for community consultation with Option 1A — retaining all of the 2.1-hectare site as parkland — rather than splitting it for housing development.
The venue was filled predominantly with Capel Sound residents, many of whom have campaigned for years to secure the land’s future as a green space.
“We need to preserve spaces like this”
Speaking on behalf of absent Tootgarook Ward councillor Cam Williams, Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro said the decision aligned with the previous council’s position and would not significantly affect the Shire’s ability to meet State Government housing targets.
“With a growing population comes stress on our parks and open space, and places like this need to be preserved,” Cr Pingiaro said.
“We need them for our future open spaces, for our bio-links, and for our urban tree strategy. Our residents tell us they want responsible development and protection of green areas, and this delivers just that.”
Honouring a community legacy
Cr Max Patton said his support was grounded in both history and planning needs.
“My understanding is that this land was bequeathed more than 70 years ago with the intention that it remain as open space,” Cr Patton said.
“Capel Sound has some of the lowest open space provision in the Shire, and retaining the whole site will give the community room to grow, to recreate and to connect with nature.”
Cr Patton also noted that the decision would not have a significant impact on meeting the State Government’s target of 24,000 new dwellings by 2051.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone”
Mayor Anthony Marsh said the debate over 11a Allambi Avenue was a clear example of how strategic documents translate into tangible outcomes.
“When you zoom out, there’s not a lot of green space left in Capel Sound,”
Cr Marsh said. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Getting rid of this land for open space would be a really poor decision.”
Community response
The vote was met with applause from the public gallery, with campaigners describing it as a “community win” after years of petitions, doorknocking, and advocacy.
The decision comes after strong public backing from former councillor Debra Mar, founding campaigner Kazzie McIntosh, local schools, community groups, and Nepean MP Sam Groth, who had urged council to preserve the land.
The draft Open Space Strategy — including the full parkland designation for 11a Allambi Avenue — will now be released for public consultation. Residents across the Mornington Peninsula will be invited to provide feedback before a final decision is made.
Have your say:
Public consultation on the Open Space Strategy will open later this month. Details will be available on the Mornington Peninsula Shire website.
