Draft Open Space Strategy is ready for community review

Published on 25 August 2025

Last year, we asked our community to contribute to our Open Space Strategy. The Strategy is now drafted, and we invite you to review and provide feedback one final time before the Strategy goes to Council for adoption in December.  

The purpose of the Strategy is to guide how we manage and improve our open spaces. When we talk about open spaces, we refer to public land and waters for outdoor recreation, leisure, environmental and cultural benefits, visual amenity and off-road walking and riding. 

The vision detailed in the Strategy is a connected, vibrant and thriving open space network that celebrates nature, culture and community.  

Implementation will: 

• Improve equity of access to high-quality open space. 
• Guide sustainable infrastructure delivery and renewal. 
• Enhance canopy cover, climate resilience and biodiversity. 
• Deliver spaces that reflect community diversity and cultural heritage. 
• Support stronger partnerships and more transparent decision making. 
• Optimise open space contributions and investment. 

You can review the draft Strategy on our website at mornpen.vic.gov.au/openspace until 3 October 2025. 

Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:  

“Open spaces enrich our lives and connect our communities. They’re essential for building liveable, sustainable and equitable communities. 
 
“The draft Strategy aligns with the values, expectations and needs of our diverse community, and ensures that our open space network continues to support the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors as well as protecting biodiversity, including wildlife and vegetation.”