FAQs
Why does Council need a new Open Space Strategy?
A lot has changed since our last Open Space Strategy was developed, including population growth, changing open space needs and a greater focus on financial and environmental sustainability. We need to make sure our plans are up to date and that we are anticipating and responding to the needs of our current and future residents and other people who spend time in Mitchell’s open spaces.
What is an Open Space Strategy?
The Open Space Strategy covers the next 10 years and provides the overarching guidance for provision and upkeep of many different types of open space across the Shire. This includes sporting facilities, recreation and play areas, natural open space, conservation reserves, rail trails, linear parks and waterways.
The Mitchell Shire Open Space Strategy will provide the framework to deliver an equitable and high-quality open space network; for healthy environments, active lifestyles and strong, connected communities.
How will my feedback be used?
The Open Space Strategy will include two key phases of community engagement - the Discussion Paper and the draft Strategy.
Parks, open space, recreation and the environment have featured in various community consultations and conversations we have held in recent years. We have gathered all your feedback to date and used this to help create the Discussion Paper.
Your feedback on the discussion paper, along with the Parklife survey information and input from Community Conversations and drop-in sessions, will help identify which actions are likely to make the biggest difference.
We are currently in the first engagement stage - seeking feedback on the issues and opportunities in the Discussion Paper. We will use the community input from this stage to identify the priorities and guiding principles which will underpin the strategy.
What will happen next?
The feedback will inform the development of the draft Open Space Strategy. The Draft Open Space Strategy will be shared with the community for input via public exhibition.