Shaping Yarra Ranges
Council adopted its Recreation and Open Space Strategy (ROSS) in 2013, with the 10-year strategy expiring last year.
The previous ROSS was comprised of several components including Open Space, Recreation, and Sport. Council adopted its Active Recreation Plan in 2023, with work now underway to prepare a plan for open space. A subsequent project to explore sport provision in Yarra Ranges will be undertaken in future years.
In anticipation of the end of the ROSS, work commenced prior to the pandemic to develop a new document in its place. However, the project was paused as the after-effects of the pandemic, disaster recovery and other initiatives took precedence. The work to develop a new plan for open space has resumed.
We heard that going for a walk/ run was the most common way people currently use open spaces. This was followed by walking/ exercising dogs.
Other popular uses were sitting & relaxing, meeting up with friends, picnics and bike riding.
Responses indicated that connecting with nature is what people value most in open spaces. This was closely followed by physical activity, creeks/ waterways and experiencing outdoors.
Our team will also be reviewing additional suggestions provided, with consideration to existing projects, budgets and guidelines.
Thank you for letting us know how you use and what you value in open spaces.
Following engagement responses, our team is continuing to work in the background to create the draft plan for Open Spaces.
You can also click the 'follow' button at the top of the page to sign up to Shaping Yarra Ranges and be kept in the loop with updates for this project.
Yarra Ranges Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people, as the custodians of this land. We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the history of the region.
