FAQs

Open space, for the purpose of the strategy, is considered to be publicly accessible land set aside primarily for leisure, recreation, sport, natural conservation, provision of green space or urban stormwater management.

Council managed open space includes:

• parks
• sports fields
• natural areas
• foreshore areas
• pathways and trails for walking and cycling

Some parks and open space are owned by the State Government. The Strategy will include parcels of land where Council is appointed trustee and responsible for the control management of the land.

Whilse we will acknowledge the open space and recreational facilities owned and managed by other government agencies or in private ownership, the priorities and actions developed in the Open Space Strategy will not apply to these lands and facilities.

The Open Space Strategy will:

• identify community and stakeholder needs and aspirations for open space provision and management
• define the function and value of each open space
• identify the current demand for parks and open space and likely in the future based on population growth, changes in demographics and leisure trends
• establish an evidence base to prioritise and rationalise open space projects
• identify opportunities to improve connectivity and access between open spaces and where we live and work
• ensure the visual amenity, environmental, cultural and heritage values of our open spaces are preserved for future generations
• provide guidelines for planning open space in new developments and ensure open space is a key element of future planning
• identify sustainable management practices including water management and, more generally, climate change
• encourage opportunities to collaborate with external stakeholders
• demonstrate responsible financial management of Council’s recreation and open space assets

Further information is available by contacting Council's Recreation Planner, Jodie Hewett, on (02) 6670 2649 or email jhewett@tweed.nsw.gov.au