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.

What we heard (2024)

How did people get involved?

Residents in Yarra Ranges found out about the engagement and got involved in the following ways...

What we heard

  • How open spaces are used

    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.

  • Valued in open spaces

    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.

  • Other suggestions

    Our team will also be reviewing additional suggestions provided, with consideration to existing projects, budgets and guidelines.

    • Accessibility - paths, parking, transport, seating
    • Safety - lighting, shared spaces (dogs/ horses/ bikes)
    • Infrastructure - toilets, fencing, exercise equipment, bins

Community engagement

These surveys are now closed.

Thank you for letting us know how you use and what you value in open spaces.

Previous consultations

What we've heard so far

As part of earlier work, the community provided their views and aspirations for open space in Yarra Ranges. We are now checking in to see if they are still current, what may have changed (particularly as the way we use open space has shifted since the pandemic), and what is missing that the community would like to see included. Below are the main points drawn from the early feedback, grouped into themes.
  • Top five benefits

    • Enables quality time with friends
    • Improved physical health
    • A personal escape
    • Improved mental health
    • Connection with nature/natural environment
  • Top five features

    • Walking/cycling trails
    • Large regional parks
    • Social recreation parks
    • Sports fields
    • Pocket parks
  • Top ten uses

    • Going for a walk/run
    • Sitting and relaxing
    • Meeting up with friends
    • Walking/exercising dogs
    • Having a picnic
    • Supervising a child/multiple children
    • Riding a bike
    • Using the playspaces
    • Kicking a ball
    • Playing casual, non-competitive activities
  • Top ten things you want to see

    • Paths to connect open spaces.
    • Lighting improvements
    • Outdoor community led events
    • Increased number of wider, shared trail lanes
    • More drink taps and water facilities
    • Upgrades of facilities to cater for all sport and recreation users, not just more traditional sports
    • Dedicated dog parks
    • Less age specific play areas
    • Shade & sitting areas
    • Fitness stations located in closer proximity to children’s play areas

What's next?

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.