Ocean Acres Recreation and Nature Reserves

This recreation and bushland reserve situated within Ocean Acres has a central mown grassed area containing play equipment, a one third basketball/netball court for goal shooting practice, a barbeque and picnic tables.

The surrounding bushland is an offset area set aside to compensate for vegetation cleared when establishing the Ocean Acres subdivision and was grazed by cattle until 2004. The trees within the reserve have recently experienced widespread canopy loss largely driven by hot and dry weather events, sandy soils and low soil moisture. Eucalypt tree canopy decline has been widespread between Torquay and Aireys Inlet, particularly amongst Messmates (Eucalyptus obliqua). Council actions including removing weeds, reducing Hedge Wattle extent, rabbit fumigation and installing possum guards are aimed at promoting canopy recovery while also reducing fuel loads and rabbit harbour. These works are ongoing, though it is expected long-term canopy recovery and tree health will ultimately depend on a sustained improvement in soil moisture levels.