Council is seeking community input to help shape the future of public open space in the Yarra Ranges, by developing a new Plan for Open Space.
The new document will follow on from the previous Recreation and Open Space Strategy (ROSS) which expired in 2023.
The plan will provide strategic oversight and guidance for public open space in Yarra Ranges for the next decade and beyond.
Open spaces include areas such as parks, gardens, sports fields, green spaces that allow for walking and riding or grassy areas that follow waterways and other natural features.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov, said that it was important that the new plan reflected the changing needs of the community when it comes to how they use and value open space.
“The ROSS was pivotal in guiding Council’s approach to how we managed open space for the last decade, but we now need to create a fresh vision,” Cr Todorov said.
“Prior to the pandemic and in anticipation for the new strategy, Council undertook community consultation to hear from community about what they value most about our open spaces and any areas for improvement.
“Since then, obviously everyone has experienced quite a lot through events such as the pandemic and storms, which had put this project on hold, so rather than pushing on with what we heard from community pre-pandemic, we want to check in with them to see if those priorities remain, or if things have changed.
“Perhaps some new priorities or opportunities have emerged, or potential gaps that need to be addressed, so these are the things we want to hear about from the community.
“We know the important role our open spaces play for our physical and mental health, so we’re always looking for ways to improve them and ensuring that they are accessible for everyone to enjoy.”
Community members have until 25 August 2024 to provide feedback.
