MORELAND COUNCIL’S VISION FOR OPEN SPACES

a summary, based on Moreland Open Space Strategy 2004

as published on the Moreland Council’s website

(http://www.activemoreland.com/parks-pools-sport/parks-and-playgrounds/new-and-better-parks.html

Open Space Strategy (DOC 3Mb) )

or

http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/mccwr/publications/policies-strategies-plans/moreland-open-space-strategy.pdf

Moreland Council has a strategy in place for the open spaces of Moreland.  It sits within a broader policy framework that includes policies adopted at a State Government level.

Moreland Council’s strategy supports the State Government’s Melbourne 2030 policy which recognises the Merri Creek “as being part of the regional public space network” (ie. a major, rather than local, park which is consequently managed by Parks Victoria.)  Parks Victoria’s intention is to “protect, enhance and where possible link the significant riparian vegetation of waterways such as the Yarra River, the Plenty River, the Moonee Ponds Creek, the Merri Creek and Watsons Creek in order to establish regional wildlife corridors.”  So the Merri Creek is not considered only of relevance to the local area, but to the region.

The State Policy Planning Framework, Victoria Planning Provisions Cl.56-05, states the provision of public open space should “take advantage of and protect natural and cultural features, and incorporate land for regional linear open space where appropriate.”

Moreland’s goal is to “restore ‘natural’ landscapes, primarily along the waterways, to provide habitat for indigenous plants and animals and for informal outdoor recreation”.  To achieve this, council says it will “utilise up-to-date, sustainable environmental design and technology in open space development and redevelopment” and ensure that “any new buildings, other structures and car parks cause minimal encroachment into public open space…”

Council acknowledges that “to many people, the appeal of open space lies in vegetated landscapes and opportunities for contact with nature within the urban environment”, and the role these spaces have on “human spiritual and physical wellbeing”.  Council also notes that “in Moreland, most of the natural plant and animal communities, and even some landforms and creeks have been replaced by roofs, roads and other hard surfaces.”

Council says there is “still much work to be done in restoring the creek corridors to conserve and enhance their natural, cultural heritage, landscape and recreational values.”  And it is their intention to “acquire land to establish a minimum 30 metre wide public open space corridor along the Merri, Moonee Ponds and Edgars Creeks” as opportunities arise.