Yalukit Willam (formerly Elsternwick Park) Nature Reserve
The transformation of the former Elsternwick Park golf course into a natural oasis on our city’s doorstep will bring nature back into our urban area, providing refuge and tranquillity for both wildlife and visitors.
We're creating an extraordinary future for this magnificent reserve, establishing a biodiversity refuge for exploration, education and enjoyment by our community. A ten-year Masterplan of works will realise the vision for the reserve. Key elements include a chain of ponds, expanded wetlands, grassy woodland and visitor facilities. There will also be indigenous gathering places and a gateway feature building.
The new wetlands and water bodies will improve the quality of water flowing into Port Phillip Bay and provide a diverse habitat, that along with new trees and vegetation, will encourage native wildlife back to the area.
Find out about the community engagement process to develop the Masterplan by visiting our Have Your Say consultation page.
Masterplan
View the full report to find out what's included in the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Masterplan.
Artists impression of the Chain of Ponds
Committee of Management
A new committee has been established to guide future planning for Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve.
Eight community representatives have been selected to help support the operation, management and guide the future development of the Reserve, formerly known as the Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve. The Committee will be chaired by Councillor Jo Samuel-King and Councillor El Mouallem will join as Council’s representative.
Environmental experts Dr Tricia Wevill and Patrick Honan will join the committee along with residents Stephen le Page, Sam Murray, Stephanie Convery and Alicia Darvall. Committee members representing relevant community groups include Alison Soutar from the Elsternwick Park Association and April Seymore on behalf of the Port Phillip EcoCentre.
The group will be able to make suggestions about how Council maintains operational areas of the Reserve in line with Bayside’s Community Vision, Council budgets and community expectations.
Progress updates
Community Edge precinct amenities – August 2023
On Monday, 21 August, works are commencing on the Community Edge precinct, located along New Street, between Rusden and Huntley Streets. Incorporated in the Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve Masterplan, the project will be ongoing for up to 4 months, weather permitting.
The precinct sits adjacent to “Wildflower Meadow” and will provide a comfortable place for visitors to relax and enjoy the Wildflower Meadow.
Facilities at the Community Edge include:
- A covered shelter
- BBQ and picnic facilities
- Toilet amenities.
What to expect during works
- Works are being undertaken between normal business hours, Monday - Friday
- The works site is within the existing Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve fencing
- There will be no impact on traffic movement and parking
- Noise and dust levels will comply with reasonable residential construction
More information
Please contact Rob Egerton, Project Landscape Architect on 03 9599 4357, or email regerton@bayside.vic.gov.au, if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.
These images appear larger in the gallery box
Chain of ponds now open - June 2022
Construction and landscaping of the Chain of Ponds is complete.
Works commenced in July 2020 and included excavation of the ponds and the shaping of the general surrounding landscape, landscaping and construction of the new pathways and planting.
Approximately 30,000 new plants and trees will be planted as the reserve matures.
Find out more about the Chain of Ponds.
Advocacy to Australian and Victorian Governments
Council is seeking financial and technical support from the Victorian and Australian Governments to transform the former golf course site into a natural oasis with significant benefits for community recreation and enjoyment, flood management, water quality and biodiversity.
The former Australian Government contributed $6 million contribution to the implementation of the Masterplan in January 2022. The new Australian Government has pledged $11.7 million towards the implementation of the Masterplan and Elster Creek.
Bayside is calling on the Victorian Government to commit $ 6 million to the project and partner with Council and the Australian Government in a tripartite approach to this regionally significant project. Find out more about Council's advocacy program.