ordinary meeting of council to be held on tuesday, 26 april 2005 at ...

Ordinary Meeting <strong>of</strong> Council - 26 April 2005 12 / 2
Item 12
S04028
8 February 2005
PURPOSE OF REPORT
To seek Council's endorsement on the Draft Open Space Strategy
BACKGROUND
The 2004-08 Management Plan requires the completion <strong>of</strong> an Open Space Strategy. In 2004 the
preparation for the development <strong>of</strong> this strategy commenced. As part <strong>of</strong> its initial development,
comprehensive review <strong>of</strong> studies, resources and opportunities for Ku-ring-gai’s public open space
assets and the demands and needs <strong>of</strong> our population were undertaken. These identified that needs
currently expressed by our community include a range <strong>of</strong> new and upgraded sportsfields, parks and
playgrounds, more walking and bike tracks, an indoor leisure centre/swimming facility and an
increase in the num<strong>be</strong>r and diversity <strong>of</strong> events and programs. In terms <strong>of</strong> our demographic pr<strong>of</strong>ile,
the predicted changes <strong>to</strong> both num<strong>be</strong>rs and composition indicate that these needs are likely <strong>to</strong> <strong>be</strong>
expressed as demands in the near future.
Building from these findings, the development <strong>of</strong> the 2004 Section 94 Plan (adopted by Council)
shall provide for significant resources for open space in the future complementing Council’s
ongoing park, playground and sport capital works program.
COMMENTS
Increasingly open space areas are considered not only assets for recreation and conservation but
also a conduit for communities <strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong>gether, a component <strong>of</strong> urban liveability. The intention <strong>of</strong>
the draft strategy is <strong>to</strong> provide some structure and direction <strong>to</strong> the way Council provides for:
‣ the needs, health and well <strong>be</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> our residents now and in the future in relation <strong>to</strong>
open space assets;
‣ the protection and enhancement <strong>of</strong> the natural environment;
‣ the provision <strong>of</strong> affordable and economically sustainable programs and resources;
and
‣ <strong>to</strong> enhance the urban liveability <strong>of</strong> Ku-ring-gai.
The draft strategy has sought <strong>to</strong> address these though six program areas:
1. Planning open space and recreation facilities;
2. Protection <strong>of</strong> natural and cultural heritage;
3. Protecting and improving landscape and visual heritage;
4. Providing facilities for recreation and leisure;
5. Promoting recreation and leisure activity;
6. Managing our open space resources.
The intention <strong>of</strong> these areas is <strong>to</strong> ensure that Council’s investment in all its open space areas and
assets is cognisant <strong>of</strong> the changing community demands and needs, rising land values and
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