5 DECEMBER, 2022 - COUNCIL SEEKING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK TO SHAPE OPEN SPACE STRATEGY

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Published
5th December 2022

To inform future management and investment in Cassowary Coast Parks and Reserves, Council is seeking feedback on Phase One of the development of the Cassowary Coast Open Space Strategy.

Across the Cassowary Coast, Council currently manages 315 open spaces, all with varying degrees of service and maintenance. The total area of open spaces equates to 17Ha of land per 1,000 residents. The industry recommended standard is currently 5Ha per 1000 people.

Council is developing an Open Space Strategy to guide the planning, management and resourcing approach which suits our community needs.

Phase One of the development of Council’s Open Space Strategy is to undertake community consultation regarding the proposed classification framework for our parks and reserves as outlined within the Open Space Classification and Service Level document.

Planning and Regional Development Portfolio Holder, Mayor Mark Nolan said consultation is the first step to ensuring Council creates the correct classification and hierarchy for our open spaces.

“Currently, the community’s open spaces fall under a wide variety of categories with an equally diverse level of embellishments.

“Through the consultation stage, Council wishes to create a uniformed approach, ensuring parks are categorised correctly and consistently, and what facilities or park features (termed embellishments) should be provided in these spaces.

“Council also aims to create a distinct framework that ensures the level of services provided, is the same for each category of park.

“By creating an agreed holistic strategy, Council will address an identified oversupply of open space and undersupply of quality regional parks; and provide clear guidance on management, future investment and replacement of aging assets,” said Councillor Nolan.

Consultation on the key classifications with the Open Space Strategy can be found at yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/open-spaces and will be open for a five week period. 

For further information please contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.