Open Space Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the City’s commitment to the provision and maintenance of open space for the recreational and leisure needs of the community.

2. Scope

All open space areas within the City of Greater Geelong.

3. References

• Open Space Strategy
• Environmental Management Strategy
• Municipal Strategic Statement

4. Definitions

• Open Space refers to all land controlled by Council and available for public access.

5. Council Policy

The City of Greater Geelong is committed to the provision and maintenance of open space as areas to satisfy the recreational and leisure needs of the community without jeopardising the environmental integrity of vegetation corridors and wildlife habitats.

Acting in partnership with the community and other key stakeholders, the City’s administration seeks to ensure that the City’s open space is provided in such a manner as will allow for a wide range of activities and complements the attractiveness of the City as a tourist venue.

In order to achieve this, the professional staff will:

• Encourage active public involvement in the allocation and maintenance of open space through the development of an open space strategy that will ensure that parks are located to maximise accessibility and are developed to allow appropriate utilisation by the community.
• Develop open space facilities in accordance with the City’s funding principles.
• Where the residential subdivision of land occurs, co-ordinate the provision of open space to maximise its environmental and recreational values and accessibility to users.
• Negotiate with developers of industrial and commercial land for the allocation of open space for the enjoyment of workers and its integration into an urban open space network, including the creation and protection of native vegetation and wildlife corridors along roads and rail.
• Encourage the rehabilitation and maintenance of waterways, including adjacent environs so as to preserve existing remnant vegetation and wildlife habitats.
• Design open space areas to be attractive functional and safe.
• Use the recreation land fund reserve dedicated to provide for the purchase of land in areas deficient in open space, to fulfil regional needs and to achieve the development of facilities on open space.

6. Quality Records

Quality Records shall be retained for at least the period shown below.

7. Attachments

• Nil