Media statement - Open Space Strategic Management Plan adopted
Published on 21 July 2025
Elected members adopted a revised Open Space Strategic Management Plan on 15 July 2025.
The revised Open Space Strategic Management Plan (OSSMP) reflects community and local member of parliament feedback, ensuring a smarter, more sustainable investment in parks, reserves and play spaces across the city.
In response to feedback, the council changed the service level from a proposed 1 kilometre to 750 metres, so most households will have a play space within easy reach.
The council also responded to strong support for greener, more climate-resilient spaces.
As a result, sites where small play spaces are not renewed will not be lost. They’ll be reimagined with trees, irrigated grass, biodiversity plantings or even community gardens.
Other key updates based on feedback include:
- aligning footpath and open space projects to improve access
- retaining irrigation to support greener reimagined sites
- a clear commitment to ongoing community engagement as renewals and projects progress.
The final OSSMP aligns with council’s Long-Term Financial Plan and Community Vision 2034. It supports active lifestyles, climate resilience, and a well-connected network of high-quality open spaces.
Quotes attributed to mayor Moira Were
“I’m pleased Council has adopted the revised Open Space Strategic Management Plan—a plan that reflects what we’ve heard from our community and local representatives including members of parliaments. We’ve listened and turned that feedback into action.”
"This is not about cutting costs—our overall play space budget is not being reduced. We’re simply investing more wisely, putting more into bigger, better play spaces that serve more people, and reimagining smaller spaces to benefit the environment and neighbourhoods."
The council will continue engaging residents as individual play spaces are identified for renewal. Visit onkaparingacity.com/yoursay for updates and upcoming opportunities to get involved.
ENDS