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Open space plays a vital role in creating vibrant, healthy, and connected communities. This strategy sets out a long-term vision for how we plan, develop, and manage parks, reserves, and public spaces across our region.

The Open Space Strategy was endorsed in December 2025.

Open space plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and communities. It not only offers opportunities for recreational activities and social gatherings but also contributes to the unique character of urban areas and enhances the visual appeal of streetscapes.

By providing these spaces, communities can enjoy a range of benefits that promote environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and economic prosperity.

Objective and scope

Council has engaged Emerge Associates to deliver the Open Space Strategy for East Gippsland. The aim of the Open Space Strategy is to establish a strategic vision and overarching long-term strategic direction to guide the future planning, development, provision, and management of open space within East Gippsland.

Process:

• Background review - consultants will review all existing council reports/literature and draft an Open Space Strategy.
  
• Issues Paper - an Issues Paper will be prepared by the consultant and the internal Council working group.
• Community /Stakeholder Engagement - The Issues and Engagement Paper will be available for stakeholder and community feedback.
• Draft Open Space Strategy - the draft strategy released for community feedback.
• Final Open Space Strategy - the final Strategy will be prepared by the consultants, informed by community and stakeholder feedback

Consultation and community engagement

In 2024 we sought community feedback on the OSS Issues and Engagement that was developed following in-depth research and analysis and extensive engagement over five years.

Feedback informed the development of the draft Open Space Strategy for East Gippsland. Many integral groups have been involved, including East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA), Gippsland Ports, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

The Draft Open Space Strategy for East Gippsland is available here - Draft Open Space Strategy

Funding

This project is funded by East Gippsland Shire Council.

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