FAQs

Public open space is all publicly owned land that is primarily set aside for recreation, leisure and nature conservation.
This includes public reserves, recreation reserves, parks, gardens, civic spaces (Cunninghame Street Mall) that are outdoors. In most instances, Wellington Shire manages the open space network for the purposes. 

Other public spaces that complement the public open space network, but are not considered public open space includes streetscapes, public school grounds, rail trails, and drainage reserves/wetlands (Glenhaven).  

The Public Open Space Strategy will set the strategic framework for how our public open spaces will be planned, delivered and maintained across Wellington Shire Council. 

As our publicly accessible open spaces are enjoyed by all in our community, it is therefore important for those that have interest in the outcome of the Public Open Space Strategy that their aspirations and need for these spaces are taken into consideration when developing a strategy. 

Public open space plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of our community, enhances township character, and supports biodiversity and a healthy environment.
To ensure equity across our townships, diversity of experiences, and to cater for future communities, Council needs to the Public Open Space Strategy to holistically and strategically plan for the current and future needs. 

Wellington Shire Council's Public Open Space Strategy 2026-2036 will inform decisions, guide future provision, design and management of public open spaces for the next decade and beyond.

The Public Open Space Strategy will guide the future supply, design and management of open spaces (new and existing) over the next 10 years.

The Strategy will examine the provision of existing publicly accessible open spaces, what the community values, and any issues that negatively impact the current use; it will identify the vision of where we need to be with our open space network to cater for population growth, new estates and creating liveable communities, social context and equitable provision, as well as addressing broader environmental opportunities.