The strategy will guide the future planning, provision, delivery, and management of open spaces over the next decade.

In Greater Geelong, open spaces encompass our parks, gardens, sports reserves, and waterways.

We know these spaces are integral to our diverse communities, providing social, economic, and health and wellbeing benefits.

That’s why we’ve developed the strategy – to support the City’s commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive, sustainable, and diverse open spaces throughout the region, now and into the future.

Residents have already shared what they value most about open spaces during earlier community consultation, helping to shape the draft document.

The draft strategy is underpinned by three key objectives:

• equitable distribution
• diverse and high-quality experiences
• a sustainable, adaptable and resilient network

Each objective is supported by an action plan outlining the City’s role in delivering, partnering on, or advocating for these actions.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

Open space is one of the few free spaces available to all community members.

The Draft Open Space Strategy will help protect, optimise and grow the spaces our community values so deeply.

Councillor Anthony Aitken

Whether you live in Armstrong Creek or Corio, the Draft Open Space Strategy considers how we can make access to and enjoyment of open space more equitable for all.

Community input is essential, because open space is for everyone in our region and I encourage everyone in the community to submit their feedback.

Community engagement is now open and will close at 5pm on 31 May.

An in-person drop-in opportunity will be held at the Geelong City Market on Little Malop Street on 9 May.

To view the draft strategy or submit feedback, visit: https://geelong.link/OSS