City of Burnside Open Space Strategy 2006-2016 Volume 1 – Strategy Report

The City of Burnside has a diversity of quality and distinctive open space that contributes to defining the unique character of the City and enhancing quality of life for residents, workers and visitors. Natural areas, parks, sportsgrounds and streetscapes are all highly valued by the community and essential for the social, environmental and economic development of the City. The importance of this resource is recognised by Burnside Council and the Open Space Strategy has been developed to ensure that open space in the City of Burnside is appropriately provided, enhanced and managed for the next 10 years and beyond. The Open Space Strategy has involved a comprehensive analysis of demand, supply, gaps and opportunities. The study has involved consultations with Council staff, community groups and other stakeholders, site assessments of all 113 Council parks and reserves, consideration of previous studies and consultations, and various other research and analysis. The City of Burnside is a diverse community with a number of key groups, including older people, the ‘early ageing’ (50 years +), children, youth and families. A range of open space types and recreation and sport facilities will be required to meet the needs of the various groups. The natural environment is a highly valued resource that requires protection and enhancement. This includes revegetation and the appropriate development of the Hills Face Reserves, and an ongoing commitment to sustainable landscapes, water management and environmental management. The City of Burnside has a good provision of open space with 199.43 hectares (which represents 4.84 ha per 1,000 people). However, nearly one half of the open space is natural area and there is a lack of open space in some suburbs. In addition, sporting open space is quite low. Open space in the City of Burnside is generally well maintained and appealing. However, some issues should be addressed with the potential for enhancement.
The Strategy includes three components as follows: Volume 1 – The Strategy, Volume 2 – Background to the Strategy; and Volume 3 – The Open Space Matrix (each of which are separately included in the PaRC library).