Elsie Lange
Deliberations and feedback on future priorities for the Macedon Ranges Open Space Strategy have been completed by the specially-formed community assembly.
The assembly, made up of 27 community members, met on May 21 and 28 in Macedon to develop their understanding of the strategy process and to set goals for the future of the region’s playgrounds, parks, sporting facilities and conservation areas.
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elder Uncle Ringo Terrick welcomed the assembly to Country, speaking of the importance of natural open space as places of connection and community, as well as the inclusion of traditional owner values in open space.
Macedon Ranges council environment and planning director Rebecca Stockfeld said council planners and project consultants told the assembly about the issues and opportunities of the strategy, and how their views would be considered.
“Assembly members were briefed on the challenges council faces in managing open space,” Ms Stockfeld said.
“This includes the pressures of growth, increasing demand and competition for open space, and our changing climate.”
Facilitator Todd Beavis from deliberative engagement specialists i.e. community – appointers of the assembly – said the process of choosing members delivered a diverse group who represented the community.
“The group worked really well together, with some great energy and collaboration,” Mr Beavis said.
Members worked to set community priorities and explored even primary townships in greater detail, giving feedback on primary uses of open space and what trends and developments were needed locally.
This was complemented by a decision-making framework to test a number of scenarios designed to assist with setting the strategy priorities.
In a statement, council said reports on the outcomes from the open space community assembly will be presented to councillors in late June.
“Assembly recommendations, along with all other public feedback and survey responses, will be used to inform the draft Open Space Strategy being developed by consultants and the project team,” council said.
Ms Stockfeld said council was “very appreciative” of the assembly’s efforts, providing clear recommendations to the project team.
“This draft strategy is due to be considered by council later this year,” Ms Stockfeld said.
“Further public consultation on the draft will be conducted before the final Open Space Strategy is refined and presented to council for adoption.”
