Shellharbour City Council last night endorsed its Open Space and Recreation Needs Study and Strategy 2020, outlining the way forward for the city’s outdoor recreation needs for the next 10 years and beyond. 
 
The Open Space and Recreation Needs Study and Strategy provide clear understanding of the city’s current open space, recreation, and aquatic facilities. It examines the amount and variety of space, recreation facilities, current usage, participation rates, issues, and trends.
 
The strategy was prepared to guide the long-term planning, delivery and management of open space and recreation areas, including parks, reserves, aquatics and associated infrastructure such as sporting grounds and courts, amenities facilities and walking tracks.
 
It was informed by a comprehensive Open Space and Recreation Needs Study, and extensive community consultation.
 
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said the strategy aimed to improve the lives of existing and future Shellharbour residents and visitors, through delivery of infrastructure and open spaces that support health and wellbeing outcomes and biodiversity values.
 
“Shellharbour is a city that loves the outdoors. Our beautiful public open spaces play a vital role in the community's wellbeing, providing opportunities to connect and live active, healthy lifestyles,” Cr Saliba said.
 
“Council recognised that well designed and maintained public open spaces will become even more important due to population growth, demographic changes, urbanisation and climate change.
 
“This strategy prepares us for the future and will provide existing and new residents with the infrastructure and open space to continue living active and healthy lives.
 
“The strategy reflects community and Council aspirations, which will guide future investment and funding allocation, over the short, medium and long term,” Cr Saliba said.
 
The draft documents were placed on public exhibition from Wednesday 15 January to 26 February 2020.
 
A total of 17 submissions were received during the 42-day public exhibition period. The submissions came from members of the public, sporting clubs and the Urban Development Institute of Australia.   
 
The submissions received reflected the high level of public interest and community input through the variety of consultation opportunities that occurred during the development of the project. 
 
The submissions expressed overall support for the strategy with most responses focused on detail and implementation as opposed to objections or major concerns with the documents.
 
Open Space and Recreation Needs Study

Open Space and Recreation Needs Study Appendices
 
Open Space and Recreation Needs Strategy
 
Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.