Investigating the demand for community facilities and services in Melbourne’s Wantirna and Wantirna South

Knox City Council

Wantirna and Wantirna South Community Infrastructure Needs Assessment

Wantirna and Wantirna South are predominately residential suburbs located approximately 24 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, in the north eastern corner of the City of Knox. They are highly desirable and family-oriented neighbourhoods, benefiting from great access to active and passive open space and community facilities, as well as the amenities and services within the Knox Central Activity Centre.

Cred Consulting with Ethos Urban was commissioned to undertake a community needs assessment to investigate the demand for community facilities and services in Wantirna and Wantirna South. This will assist Knox City Council with strategic planning, asset management and capital investment now, and in the future. It assesses the need for community infrastructure over the next 5, 10 and 20 years.

Services
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Project Partners

Ethos Urban

How we did it

Our assessment consisted of the following:

  • A review of background information and social research
  • Audit of existing facilities and services across the region
  • Detailed population and demographic analysis
  • Targeted consultation with key Council and community stakeholders
  • Benchmarking of community infrastructure needs
  • Development of recommendations.

The outcome

The assessment found that the study area performs an important role strategically within the City of Knox – the Knox Central Activity Centre and future Wantirna Health Precinct are important locations for accessing a range of services, facilities and employment.

It identified a range of community infrastructure requirements to address gaps in the existing network and ensure that current and future residents are provided with fit-for-purpose and accessible facilities which support their health, wellbeing and sense of belonging. This included developing a new intergenerational hub to be anchored by the local Neighbourhood House, expanding early years services and exploring different ways to provide the community with access to multipurpose spaces – from improving sporting pavilions to upgrading facilities over time.