The proposal to begin the development at the Old Emerald Road site was approved by the council at last week's meeting.

The state government will now decide on whether to have the land rezoned from a green wedge zone to a public park and recreation zone.

If the proposal is passed it will be open for public consultation.

The land was recently purchased by the council

with the proposed soccer facility to include a pavilion, three synthetic pitches and one full-sized grass pitch, a training size pitch, lighting and parking.

It will be used to alleviate the pressure on pitches in the district.

Monbulk Soccer Club chairwoman Lisa Doolan said it was a "big step" in the right direction and after five years of campaigning for the new ground, she was thrilled with the progress.

"We have over 600 members from 41 teams and our facilities are stretched to the limit," Ms Doolan said.

"The shire has recognised the desperate need the club is faced with. They have worked together in partnership with us to meet the needs of all members."

Ms Doolan, her 15-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter all play for the club.

Not all councillors agreed with the decision.

Yarra Ranges councillor Jeanette McRae objected to the development at the council meeting.

She agreed it was a worthwhile facility but questioned the need to remove native vegetation and reduce agricultural land value.

"I don't dispute the worthiness of the ground in the community, but I do question the strategic application of policies," she said.

"I think it is inconsistent with our regional strategy plan. If this was put forward by a developer we would want more information."

Cr McRae said the agricultural land value of the area was within the top 2 per cent in the state and urged councillors to consider an alternative space.

Cr Samantha Dunn said it was an issue of agriculture versus the need for community benefit and in this instance the need for community benefit overrode.

"There has been an immense amount of work gone into this project to find an appropriate spot," she said.

"The reality is that is a green wedge zone but there simply isn't the land availability."

However, Cr Graham Warren said the project was of immense value to the regional sporting community.