Open Space means land that is publicly accessible and primarily set aside for recreation, environmental protection, or community use. This includes parks, reserves, natural areas, sports fields, and green corridors.

Public Realm means all spaces, both outdoors and sometimes indoors, that are open and accessible to everyone. This includes streets, plazas, town squares, footpaths, and other areas where people can gather, move, and interact.

The Open Space and Public Realm Policy provides clear guidance for the planning, development, and ongoing management of open spaces and public realms within the Council area. This includes parks, reserves, streets, and town spaces. The primary aim of the policy is to ensure that these spaces are easy for the community to access, environmentally sustainable, and actively contribute to the wellbeing of residents.

The guiding principles for the planning, development, management, and enhancement of open spaces and public realms are:

• Accessibility and Inclusivity
• Quality and Functionality
• Environmental Sustainability
• Community Engagement
• Connectivity and Integration
• Safety and Amenity
• Heritage and Identity
• Health and Wellbeing
• Equity and Distribution
• Adaptability and Innovation
• Community Land

These are detailed in the Policy.

The Open Space Contributions Policy outlines the requirements for developers when subdividing land within the Council area. Specifically, it sets the amount of open space that must be provided, which can be up to 12.5% of the development. This contribution may be provided as land, as a financial payment in lieu, or as a combination of both. The policy ensures that new developments support the creation and improvement of community spaces for everyone’s benefit.

The Open Space and Public Realm Policy helps deliver open spaces and public realms that are accessible and sustainable, supporting healthy and active lifestyles for all residents. Meanwhile, the Open Space Contributions Policy ensures that new developments continue to provide parks and recreational areas, maintaining and enhancing community spaces as the region grows.

Developers are directly impacted by the Open Space Contributions Policy, which requires them to supply public open space in the form of land, a financial contribution, or a mix when dividing land. The Open Space and Public Realm Policy provides principles for how these spaces should be planned and managed once established, ensuring consistent standards across the Council area.

Open space and the public realm are integral to the health and wellbeing of the community, as well as to supporting biodiversity and maintaining a healthy environment. It is essential to adopt a comprehensive and strategic approach to protect, expand, enhance, and manage the open space network within our council area.

Both the Open Space and Public Realm Policy and the Open Space Contributions Policy directly support the goals outlined in the Mid Murray Council Strategic Plan 2024–2028. In particular, they contribute to the development of vibrant townships, encourage active lifestyles, and promote environmental stewardship throughout the region.

Following the consultation period, if any submissions are received from the community or stakeholders, the feedback will be analysed, a summary report prepared and presented to Council. If there are no submissions, the policies may be adopted as originally proposed.