FAQs
What is open space?
Public Open Space is a term that encompasses a variety of open spaces that are free and accessible to the community. These spaces can feature amenities depending on their primary function and can be used for recreational and outdoor enjoyment purposes.
What is an Open Space Strategy?
The Open Space Strategy will set the strategic direction for how our public open spaces will be planned, delivered and managed across the Baw Baw. Public open spaces are enjoyed by all community members, therefore it is important for those who have an interest in the outcome of the strategy to ensure that their aspirations and need for these spaces are heard.
Why do we need an Open Space Strategy?
Open space plays an important role in the health and well-being of our community and supports biodiversity and a healthy environment. We need to holistically and strategically plan for the protection, growth, improvement and management of the open space network in our municipality.
What key considerations will be addressed by the Open Space Strategy?
The Open Space Strategy will guide the future supply, design and management of open space over the next 10 years.
The Strategy will also examine the existing open space network, what the community values about it and any issues that negatively impact the current uses and future supply; it identifies the goals in terms of where we need to be with our open space in future, considering factors such as population growth, developments and broader environmental and social contexts and makes recommendations on how we can achieve our goals, including projects and actions that will protect, grow and improve the open space network.
We will also focus on ensuring the open space network can sustainably meet the needs of our growing community into the future.
How can Open Space Strategy help with environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change?
With the expansion of highly urbanised suburbs and greenhouse gases produced by industrial activities and transport at an unprecedented rate, the planet is experiencing significant negative impacts such as biodiversity loss and climate change impacting the health and well-being of humans, animals, and plants.
Open spaces and nature-based solutions are increasingly recognised as important tools to tackle challenges such as the health and well-being of the residents, the heat island effect, biodiversity loss and climate change.
Open space strategy identifies these solutions and puts them into practice within parks and open spaces where possible.
What will happen next?
Upon conclusion of phase one consultation, results will be analysed and prepared into a report for Council.
Interested residents are encouraged to keep an eye on this page and register for updates. Once the recommended plan is drafted it will be exhibited to the community for the final review.