Public open space strategy guide for local governments.
It is essential that a local government public open space strategy fits into the strategic planning framework of local government.
The State Government has legislated a new Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework for Local Government. This framework requires all local governments to consult with their communities to develop a vision for the future in a number of integrated plans as shown in figure 4. It expects all local governments to examine the demographic, social, environmental and economic trends shaping the future of their area and align their activities and resources to the community’s needs and aspirations.
The framework also requires local governments to manage their financial, infrastructure and human resources effectively and efficiently so that all local governments can deliver high quality services sustainably into the future.
In addition to this high level planning which establishes the vision, values and priorities for the next 10 years, there will be a range of informing strategies that will need to be considered. The Planning and Development Act (2005) requires local governments have local planning strategy, and a local planning scheme and planning policies that support the implementation of the scheme.
Beyond this, local governments have a range of other strategies that support their activities. The nature of these will vary from local government to local government and may include a:
The main processes involved within the WA planning system include: local planning scheme development/review/scheme amendments; subdivision; and development approval. Local government has varying degrees of control within these processes which is explained in general terms as follows:
Useful links to WAPC flow charts:
In assessing, recommending an outcome, and making a decision in regard to the above planning processes, a Local Government must comply with its local planning scheme and have due regard to its local planning policies and strategies.
Significantly, the same also applies to the ultimate decision maker even when it is not the local government1. This highlights the importance of ensuring that an individual local government’s planning framework (which includes its local planning tools) is appropriately designed and developed to support the vision of that local government, including its vision for public open space.
For more information on the planning process refer to the Guide to the WA Planning System for the sport and recreation professional – Department of Sport and Recreation (2010).
Key State Government documents that local government should be mindful of when developing a public open space strategy (Appendix 2 gives more information on the key state planning instruments relevant to planning for public open space.).
[1] Except for development within redevelopment act areas and improvement plan areas where Local Government local planning schemes become null and void.