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The City of Greater Geelong is developing a new open space strategy to provide a long term framework to guide the planning and management of open space.

The Greater Geelong Open Space Strategy (GGOSS) will take a fresh look at all of the public open space across the City, which was last reviewed in the Study of Open Space Networks adopted by Council in 2001.

The strategy aims to establish the extent and quality of the City’s public open spaces, identify what is needed and wanted from open space and set out the actions to ensure that that Council is meeting those needs into the future.

The strategy will include all those public outdoor places that are managed by Council - or other government agencies that are partners in this project - where the people of Geelong spend their free time - for walking the dog, children’s play, sport, meeting friends, having a barbeque, getting fit, being in touch with nature or simply as somewhere to be alone to relax and reflect.

The GGOSS will seek to address these issues and provide a framework for high quality and spaces that support healthy and active lifestyles.

City of Greater Geelong acting Mayor Bruce Harwood explains “things have changed significantly in Greater Geelong since 2001.

“We have a larger population, new developments, a changing work environment, a growing tourism industry and different lifestyles.”

In the same timeframe a growing body of research from around the world has shown that a high quality public realm has direct benefits for physical health, mental wellbeing, sense of community and local economy.

Sport and Recreation Portfolio Councillor Jock Irvine said the new strategy will underpin future decisions about open space.

Councillor Irvine explained “we’re looking to establish future needs for public outdoor space that will support active and healthy lifestyles.

“So whether you are out in the park walking the dog, having a picnic, playing sport or getting the kids out for a play we’d like to know about it to help develop the new long term plan for outdoor space.”

The Council is calling on the community to have their say in GGOSS with acting Mayor Harwood adding “there’s no doubt we have beautiful parklands and reserves that are well used and loved.

“It’s now time for people to feed into the online survey to tell us when and how they are using parks and green spaces so we can plan for the future.”

For more information email Fiona Finlayson on FFinlayson@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or click here to complete the online survey.

16th September 2013 - VICTORIAN BATHING ICON REFURBISHED

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