Improving drainage at MR Power Park, Sebastopol

Tenders have now opened for the next part of the MR Power Park Masterplan, with installation of a water drainage basin near Morgan Street next on the list for the park.  

The basin is the starting point to the wetlands and boardwalk at MR Power Park and is implementing the Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan, a plan that provides direction for future urban development within the west of Ballarat.  

Native landscaping, including granite sand paths around the drainage basin will be constructed to give the area a natural feel.  

During storm events, the basin can hold up to 30,000 cubic metres of storm water and delivers best practice water quality objectives.  

MR Power Park is a vital community facility for the residents of Sebastopol and is now home to extensive play equipment including a flying fox and basketball court. Pedestrian paths have been constructed around the park, and a fenced dog park is also available.  

A youth skate space, seniors exercise facilities, AFL goal posts, barbecues and public toilets complete the large 22 hectare public space.  

The large open space at MR Power Park sits right on the cusp of a residential growth zone. There are now many residents living near the park, that was once just paddocks.

Last year, as part of the early works prior to commencing the drainage basin and road earthworks, 36 cypress trees have been removed on the southern side of Morgan Street, Sebastopol, in accordance with the City of Ballarat Tree Management Plan 2018-2022.

Approximately 380 metres of Morgan Street, between Crown Street and Grant Street will be widened and raised to allow for more traffic and assist in water flow to the drainage basin and decreasing flooding events.  

The City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson said Sebastopol is a thriving community, and providing facilities for residents to use is essential.  

“It's great to deliver many different and important facilities for MR Power Park to allow it to be a space for all, and an important space for the surrounding residential areas,” he said,  

“While we are constructing an important piece of engineering for this area, it’s great to see that it will be delivered to fit in with the natural environment and also ensure that during storm events, water will have somewhere to go.”  

The delivery of the MR Power Park drainage basin is part of the long-standing Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan.

Implementation works will be funded by the City of Ballarat using developer contributions raised under the Ballarat West Development Contributions Plan, a plan that provides a vision for the sustainable development of Ballarat’s west.  

Development contribution plans make possible the development and timely delivery of infrastructure to new communities in the Ballarat West Growth Area to create liveability, connectivity, and social wellbeing. Development contributions fund major infrastructure projects such as drainage, roads, intersections, and recreational open spaces.