We are creating a new Open Space Strategy to guide how we plan, provide, and manage parks and open space. The Open Space Strategy will address the changing needs of our growing community and ensure our open spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Phase 1: Building on your feedback

We’ve already heard from 487 community members who shared their thoughts and ideas on how they use and value open spaces. Through surveys, submissions, and community conversations earlier this year, we learned how people use open space, what prevents people from accessing open space, what needs improvement, and what you would like to see more of.

Key insights from survey:

Use of open space: People primarily use open spaces for walking, exercising dogs and playing with children, with a significant preference for natural parks that are clean and well-maintained.
Barriers: The main barriers include safety concerns, inadequate infrastructure such as paths, and maintenance issues like overgrown grass.
Improvements needed: There is demand for better-maintained facilities, including more dog off-leash areas, sports fields and playgrounds, as well as enhanced amenities like public toilets, seating and shaded areas.
Future priorities: Key priorities for future open space provision include preserving and enhancing nature and conservation values, improving sports facilities, and more multi-use spaces for being active and socialise.

Phase 2: Exploring your needs

Phase 2 of community consultation is now underway. We are excited to continue the conversation and work together to develop our parks and open spaces to benefit everyone.

We’re exploring in greater detail the barriers to accessing open spaces and how to address them, work with stakeholders and community groups to develop solutions for key challenges and develop some baseline standards to guide the future of open space delivery.

We will do this by:

Engaging with our advisory groups, committees of management, and service authorities.
Holding a community assembly to provide recommendations to Council on the baseline standards
Seeking input from local businesses and traders on the tourism and economic benefits of open space.

Citizen’s Panel

On May 1, the Shire’s Citizen's Panel met to discuss the Open Space Strategy and help prioritise its areas of focus. The Panel was asked: What are the most important priorities the Open Space Strategy needs to focus on to best meet the needs of our growing and diverse community? You can find the answer by reading the Citizens Panel Report.

Documents