learn how our new action sports precinct will positivEly impact our region
The Ranch would be positioned as the only world class action sports facility in Australia that provides facilities for mountainboarding, skateboarding, wakeboarding and snowboarding, and the associated sports of BMX, mountain biking, scootering, skiing and kneeboarding.
how our new precinct will have positive
ECONOMIC benefits
Consolidate the Mornington Peninsula’s tourism role by broadening its appeal, promote synergies and cross-selling with other local tourism ventures, and contribute to the area leveraging increased expenditure from visitors.
Provide a unique opportunity for the Mornington Peninsula, and Australia more broadly, to tap into the growing action sports market through the delivery of a “world-class board sport facility” situated less than 1.5 hours from central Melbourne.
approximately $47.7 million in capital investment
some 300 FTE direct & indirect construction jobs and will continue to SUPPORT AROUND 100 FTE DIRECT & INDIRECT JOBS BY ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Support approximately 474,400 visitors annually
The Ranch will generate an estimated 153,000 visitor nights and $37.8 million in visitor spending
BROADEN THE PENINSULA'S APPEAL AND PROMOTE SYNERGIES & CROSS-SELLING WITH OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES
facilitating year-round activities will support local businesses during off-peak seasons.
Increased Jobs
Direct and Indirect Jobs Supported by the Proposed Land Use Vision
Achievement of the proposed vision would result in the number of direct FTE jobs supported onsite increasing to 67 jobs – some 51 additional jobs compared to the existing situation. The additional +51 jobs would be supported by new or improved components including the proposed skateboarding barn, wakeboard cable park, mountainboard park, outdoor skate park and holiday park.
It is estimated that the 67 direct FTE jobs supported onsite would generate a further 30 indirect jobs in the wider economy. In total, approximately 100 direct
and indirect FTE jobs (rounded) would generate around $9.2 million in value added (gross state product) per annum, having regard to relevant ABS data.
If the proposed vision were to be realised, it is estimated that some 474,400 persons would visit The Ranch each year, generating an estimated 153,000 visitor nights and $37.8 million in visitor spending.
The majority of these indirect positions would be generated by flow-on consumption and supply chain effects and supported locally. Local consumption impacts refers to the share of expenditure by persons employed onsite which flows to local retailers such as supermarkets and cafes – and contributes to these businesses also supporting jobs. Supply chain impacts includes those jobs supported in the wider economy due to spending on equipment, materials and inventory.
For The Ranch, a tangible example of the flow-on supply chain is our relationship with MBS Mountainboards, a wholesale importer of mountainboards based in Mornington. Upon delivery of the land use vision, The Ranch is likely to spend between $8,000 and $15,000 per year on upgrading mountainboard equipment including boards, helmets, pads and servicing, based on information provided by The Ranch.
Potential also exists for The Ranch to source the majority of equipment for use in the wakeboarding park from local providers including wakeboards, jackets,
bindings, kneeboards, and water skis. It is estimated that the initial purchase of equipment stock once the wakeboarding park becomes operational could be
in the order of $60,000, with a reduced amount then spent upgrading and servicing equipment on an ongoing annual basis. If procured locally, the purchase of this equipment will represent a direct stimulus to the Mornington Peninsula economy flowing from activities undertaken onsite at The Ranch. Food/fresh produce for camps at The Ranch is also locally sourced.
increased tourism
The investments proposed by the masterplan would diversify the Mornington Peninsula’s broad tourist offering and contribute to the locality, consolidating its role as one of Victoria’s premier destinations for both domestic and international visitors.
The vision for The Ranch “to be a world-class action sports facility” would:
– Contribute to Mornington Peninsula Shire attracting more visitors and leveraging an increased level of expenditure from those persons that visit.
– Provide opportunities to leverage income from the actions sports sector.
– Facilitate a visitor offer and services mix, that promotes synergies with other nearby tourist businesses.
Data from Tourism Research Australia indicates that the average amount spent per persons (in 2022) on the Mornington Peninsula was $112 for day visitors and $193 (per day) for overnight visitors (with the overnight including accommodation costs).
Factors that would contribute to an increase in the average spending captured from visitors to the Mornington Peninsula include:
– The establishment of an offering that is attractive to a broad range of visitors, and supports cross selling through complementarity activities. For example, persons or groups that visit The Ranch for adventure activities or accommodation, may also seek out other visitor attractions during their stay including golf courses, hot springs, wineries and so on. A tangible example of cross-selling is The Ranch’s existing relationship with nearby business Peninsula Hot Springs, in which a package is sold by both businesses which includes both a horse ride and bathe session.
– An increased level of overnight visitors. Overnight visitors tend to spend more in the region than day visitors (due to the longer length of stay). That includes accommodation costs and the need for meals etc. Under the proposed masterplan, the capacity of cabins and holiday park eco huts would be increased. The establishment of the additional holiday park eco huts is for temporary accommodation, an opportunity that would attract additional visitors to the Mornington Peninsula.
how our new precinct will have positive
ENVIRONMENTAL impacts
By creating an environment that facilitates fun and progression with a variety of trails (including jumps) for a range of skill levels will hopefully alleviate the significant environmental damage that has been caused from the jumps being built on Council owned/managed land (then removed by Council) which has been happening over the the past few years.
Eliminate the need to build jumps on council owned / managed land
minimised impact to native vegetation
proposed development adjacent to existing developed areas
no smoking
any disturbed areas will be revegetated using locally indigenous species
appropriate erosion control systems will be implemented during construction
biodiversity assessment
Given the available habitat, amount of survey effort and lack of suitable habitat, it is considered unlikely that the study area provides habitat for any flora species of national significance.
The proposed works are located as best as possible to achieve the project outcomes while minimising impacts to native vegetation and ecological values.
The site currently supports infrastructure used for recreation purposes. The proposed development builds on this current use.
Any disturbed areas will be revegetated using locally indigenous species. Appropriate erosion control systems will be implemented during construction.
The majority of the native vegetation within the study area is considered to be of a low quality, dominated by a few native shrub species. Areas of higher quality vegetation in the north are proposed to be retained and enhanced. No trees with hollows were noted.
A very small amount of native vegetation is proposed to be impacted within the Boneo Road roadside, (approx 10 sqm). There are no water courses on the roadside or within the property. The impacts to native vegetation within the roadside are to widen the turning lane to meet road safety requirements (One Mile Grid 2022). A small area of native shrubs are proposed to be impacted. This is unlikely to impact the treeline or connectivity of the roadside corridor. The proposed vegetation removal in the roadside will not effect the stability of the site.
Revegetation within the roadside is not considered appropriate. Significant revegetation using locally indigenous species for landscaping will be implemented as part of the proposed development within the property, Replacement vegetation within roadside is not considered necessary. Weed invasion is not likely within the roadside considering the small amount of vegetation removal.
arborist findings
Many of the trees proposed to be removed are located around the existing buildings and associated infrastructure inc. current driveway; they are largely of low value due to their condition and/or relative insignificance.
Several trees close to the road reserve are to be removed to allow for a new road alongside the proposed lake; these are all young trees, small in stature and of relative low value.
The avenue of pine trees (south border of property) is generally in fair condition with most presenting an expected useful life expectancy of 10 – 20 years. As they have grown in close proximity to one another, they are particularly tall and display generally poor taper, distinctly ‘top heavy’ in some instances. Some of the smaller examples have been crowded out by larger neighbouring trees and have subsequently died. There have been several whole tree failures (by uprooting) and one of the largest had longitudinal cracking up the lower stem due to excessive wind loading resulting in a significantly compromised structure.
Over the next two decades, it is expected that individuals within this avenue will continue to fail, with each tree lost increasing the likelihood of further failures as wind loading is altered and the remaining trees become increasingly exposed. As things stand, periodic failures pose little risk as this area is not utilised, however, the inclusion of an access road will increase the risk potential as the area will more frequently be occupied although failures are most likely during storm events.
Many of the large trees in the vicinity of the existing buildings are proposed to be retained, they generally offer moderate amenity in the form of visual screening and provide shading. In general, the condition of these trees is fair/good and their retention value is moderate to high.
All of the native Moonah trees (Melaleuca lanceolata) within the site are proposed to be retained. The majority are located on the ridge to the north (where MTB trails are proposed), with a couple of significant older specimens located to the far west of the site.
Recommendations for less invasive construction methods and tree protection measures will in so far as possible, ensure that any proposed impacts to the trees which are to be retained, are mitigated.
how our new precinct will have positive
social impacts
Opportunities for active and passive recreation encourage higher rates of participation and are therefore associated with improved physical and mental health outcomes. This project would create new opportunities for recreation, particularly in action sports and provide an outlet for those who are not interested or able to participate in organised sport.
This offering is currently limited in Australia, and the expansion would encourage healthy lifestyles and allow for life-long participation and competition in action sports for all ages, genders and ability. With accommodation onsite it allows people to make the most of their weekend and be active for longer.
The facility will promote growth of these sports and provide opportunities for employment by young people in an expanding industry.
Increased youth engagement and participation
A pathway of progression from grass roots to professional athletes
new opportunities for recreation, encouraging a healthy lifestyle
expand the reach of educational opportunities, allowing greater capacity to accommodate school groups & families
Reduced barriers to participation and the creation of an environment that is
inclusive of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
Strengthened community cohesion through partnerships and community
initiatives that could lead to an increased sense of local identity and pride
Key Statistics
The Ranch is located between the townships of Cape Schanck and Boneo.
In contrast to the Mornington Peninsula Shire (as a whole), the immediate local area is characterised by relative socio-economic disadvantage, with higher rates of youth disengagement.
According to the Shire’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (2017- 2021), some 51% of community members self-report their health as excellent, compared to 40% for Victoria. However, the Shire does experience several gaps in health and wellbeing that are generally consistent with statewide trends:
– 53% of Mornington Peninsula residents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity (30 minutes of moderate intensity activity every day)
– 23.1% are obese, and another 33% are pre-obese
– 35.8% participate in organised physical activity
– 76.9% participate in non-organised physical activity
– 12% have had professional help for a mental health problem in the last 12 months;
– 62% participate in at least one artistic/cultural activity per month.
Community members acknowledged the clear connection between health and wellbeing and the provision of physical activity opportunities. Outdoor places and spaces are valued, with many believing that these contribute to making the Mornington Peninsula are great place to live. Some expressed a need for increased outdoor physical activity options and new and enhanced leisure facilities and playgrounds.
Walking, equestrian, and bicycle trails are the second most popular type of open space in the Shire. Skateboarding, BMX, and mountain biking also have a strong participation base.
These statistics indicate that the Shire would benefit from an increase in the quantity and diversity of opportunities for recreation as well as opportunities for youth employment and engagement.
community feedback
According to community feedback contained in Mornington Peninsula Shire policy:
– The community greatly values the region’s things to do: walks, activities, and events.
– There is a need for local employment opportunities, skills development and arts and cultural activities for youth.
– Music and Indigenous culture are considered top arts and culture activities, and there is support for more arts and culture experiences, including free opportunities that encourage family participation
– Community members acknowledge the connection between health and wellbeing and have expressed a need for increased outdoor physical activity options.
– Community members have expressed a desire for greater access and inclusion for those living with a disability.
The Council and Wellbeing Plan (2021-2025) was developed to reflect the importance of health and wellbeing. The plan was based around 3 key themes;
– A healthy natural environment and well planned townships
– A robust, innovative and diverse economy
– A flourishing healthy and connected community
The values and aspirations of the community are broadly consistent with those of the vision for The Ranch. The Ranch masterplan aligns with this plan in a number of ways:
– Aid business growth by attracting a new and emerging industry to help diversify the MP economy.
– Healthy eating options will be available at our facility and events.
– Remove barriers so people of all abilities can participate and access services.
– Smoke free venue.
– Deliver programs, services and events that engage and empower children, young people and their families.
– Support LGBTQIA+ community members.
– Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and will continue to run our Indigenous Awareness programs through Living Culture. By expanding the facilities, there will be greater capacity to offer more groups this opportunity.
– Promote the Mornington Peninsula as a premier tourism destination focussing on encouraging visitation throughout the Peninsula, off-peak visitation throughout the Peninsula and business and corporate events.