Public Open Space Strategy - City of Stirling

Public Open Space Strategy

Better parks for all

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Endorsed by Council 2 December 2008City of Stirling 25 Cedric Street Stirling WA 6021 Telephone (08) 9345 8555 Facsimile (08) 9345 8822www.stirling.wa.gov.au

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe value of public open space

The value that public open space (POS) provides to the community is a combination of social, economic and environmental factors. A principal role of POS is to support health, recreation and leisure functions including active pursuits, such as organised sports, exercise, children’s play and social activities; yet also encompassing passive uses such as quiet reflection in an attractive setting.

Environmental protection is also an essential role of public open space, through habitat and biodiversity conservation and air and water quality management. It also provides a strong connection to nature for people living in highly urbanised environments. POS is also highly valued for its natural beauty, contribution to neighbourhood character and community identity, cultural heritage value, tourism potential and the emotional connection people may attach to it.

POS Strategy vision and objectives

This Public Open Space Strategy has been developed by the City of Stirling as part of a comprehensive strategic planning framework that works to manage our recreation and open space assets and provide for current and future community needs.

The Public Open Space Strategy will work towards the City’s mission statement ‘To lead in the delivery of responsive, sustainable services to the City’s diverse community. In doing this, the City seeks to preserve and enhance its environment and lifestyle, now and into the future’.

The Strategy Vision is to:

‘Create a network of resource efficient quality public open space across the City that will satisfy current and future recreational needs in an equitable and sustainable manner.’

To achieve this vision, the following objectives were established to guide the preparation and implementation of the strategy:

To recognise and provide for the range of functions of public open space •including ecological, cultural, visual and recreational.To establish a hierarchy of public open space types of sufficient quantity •and quality to meet community needs.To address the importance of accessibility and walkability to public open •space, particularly within the local context.To promote the safe use and enjoyment of public open space through •appropriate siting and design. To improve land efficiency through partnerships and multi-purpose use •opportunities.To recognise and respond appropriately to constraints on the City’s •resources (environmental, social and economic).To establish a sustainable model to allow consistent decision-making for •the ongoing development and management of public open space.To ensure the community’s needs and aspirations are addressed through •appropriate community engagement.

Policy context

The City’s POS Strategy sits within a broader context of state and local legislation, policies, guidelines and strategies. These documents provide strategic direction, objectives and considerations for the formulation of the POS Strategy, as well as having statutory and operational impacts in some instances that have been considered in the development of this strategy. These policies, guidelines and strategies relate to core values and principles encompassing sustainability; environmental conservation; best practice in urban planning and design; future spatial planning considerations; transportation efficiency and community vibrancy, health and well-being. This strategy also integrates core values in regards to a number of existing City of Stirling strategic documents such as the Strategic Plan; Sustainable City Agenda; Economic Development Plan; Leisure Planning Framework, Local Planning Strategy, Green Plan and the Access and Inclusion Plan.

TrendsThere a number of current trends in sport, recreation and POS provision across Australia that have been taken into account in this strategy to ensure appropriate and flexible open spaces are provided that meet current and future requirements. Key trends that will influence provision and the future character of POS include sustainability; lifestyle changes; reduced federal and state government spending; POS as a marketing tool; communication; increasing expectations, and safety, security and risk management. Additionally, the current national trends in sport and recreation participation and demographic trends that influence POS provision and management have also been analysed and considered.

Local IssuesThis Strategy also identifies that there are a number of issues specific to the City of Stirling that require consideration and should be addressed. The key issues discussed include resource availability; competing uses; dwelling changes and population density; coordinated planning and management of POS; partnerships; demographic and social planning.

An issue of growing importance and urgency is the availability of groundwater for irrigation of reserves. Despite growing community awareness of the potential impacts of climate change the community demand for green, reticulated parks and spaces still appears to be strong. In some areas the City has already reached its capacity in regards to bore water use allocation and there is increasing pressure from the regulators to conserve ground water use. The City has been working with the Department of Water to develop innovative strategies in the sustainable management of bore water such as the introduction of hydrozoning and ecozoning. The POS Strategy provides a framework for prioritisation of the implementation of water conservation initiatives in the various classifications locations of POS across the City.

Community valuesIt is now widely accepted that community involvement in the development of significant strategic planning strategies is vital to ensure that community needs and values are adequately addressed and to enhance community support for the implementation of proposals. Recently the City has undertaken engagement with the community in varying forms relating to a number of projects that provide vital information about the community’s use, value and attitudes towards POS.

The POS Strategy recognises these key initiatives and identifies the community values obtained from each. Surveys have indicated the City’s parks and reserves are its most utilised recreation facility, used by approximately 70% of the community. Consultation at the local level generally illustrates community satisfaction with the City’s parks and reserves and a high value is placed on POS for the major contribution they make to local character, amenity and community vibrancy. However there is always a high community demand for improving POS and providing more facilities. Community opinion appears to be divided on the question of quality versus quantity of POS.

‘To create a network of resource efficient quality public open space across the City that will satisfy current and future recreational needs in an equitable and sustainable manner.’


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Current POS provision in the City of Stirling

The City of Stirling is in the fortunate position of having a large number and variety of POS dispersed across the municipality. There are 400 plus reserves and 50 major sporting reserves within the City of Stirling. The current POS network also includes large areas of bushland and wetland conservation and reserves along the coastline. In total, the City has 1342 hectares of open space for recreation and conservation reserves. This equates to 13.5% of the total area of the City and approximately 75m² of open space per head of population (based on an approximate population of 180,000 people in 2006).

In the past, the City has classified POS on a simplistic size and function basis, i.e. major/minor, active/passive. However, there was a need to recognise that each POS can actually provide areas or zones for a range of activities within the one POS, such as active, passive, conservation etc. Although industry best practice, trends and issues analysis and leisure planning principles and guidelines have been utilised in determining upgrades to POS, there has been no formal framework in which to address and determine provision and distribution.

In terms of organised sporting users, space allocation has largely been dictated by the availability of larger POS areas, the relevant sporting code sports field requirements and maintenance needs. Infrastructure provision associated with sporting clubs/associations is largely based on needs. The City’s Leisure Planning Principles and Guidelines provide a needs-based framework, based on core sustainability principles, and sets a clear direction for provision and upgrades.

The provision and distribution of POS, for passive and/or unorganised recreational use at the local level has mostly occurred as a result of residential land development processes where reserves are ceded free of cost to the Crown for the City to manage (10% of the gross area of a residential subdivision in WA since the 1950s). POS provision based primarily on percentage does not take into consideration the complex issues regarding distribution; location; quality; role; or trends, needs and use patterns relating to sport, recreation and leisure.

The nature of land subdivision by private developers, being inherently ad hoc, further impacts on the ability of local government authorities to strategically plan for POS provision. Also, in the past, developers tended to give up the land for POS purposes without developing the land. The City would then provide infrastructure and facilities as deemed necessary. More recently, some developers have fully developed POS to add value to the residential land being sold. This unpredictable and irregular nature of residential land development practices over time has resulted in inconsistent provision, distribution (’gaps and overlaps’) and development (infrastructure and facilities) of POS in the City of Stirling.

Attempts have been made by the City in the past to rectify the inequity in the provision of POS. Town Planning Scheme 35 dealing with the rationalisation of POS was drafted in the 1980s. Difficulties regarding proposed implementation resulted in the scheme amendment not being adopted by Council. However, the City has purchased land from time to time as opportunities have arisen in accordance with the intent of TPS 35 to improve POS provision. Other precinct-based approaches have also been taken from time to time to rationalise POS provision.

The City has implemented a number of strategic approaches in the development of POS infrastructure and facilities, such as the community park program, 25-year irrigation replacement program, POS master plans and playground policy/capital works programs. These initiatives have highlighted the benefits of strategic planning of POS infrastructure and facilities, but still lacked the overarching strategic direction and integration.

The strategy model

PrinciplesA set of guiding principles has been used in the preparation of this strategy to help guide the vision and the development of classification criteria. These principles will also assist in the future assessment and classification of POS and strategy implementation initiatives. The principles are based on:

sustainability; •access and availability; •equity; •quality and enjoyment; •financial responsibility; •flexibility; •diversity; •partnerships, culture and heritage, management, sport and recreation; and•community health and well-being and efficient use of resources.•

Network hierarchy and role of POSA new classification system has been developed that better identifies the different types of POS within the City of Stirling and enables the diverse supply of POS across the City and within specific areas to be analysed by their role, as well as size, catchment population, location, timing of use and facilities. Council adopted a network of seven (7) different categories in 2005. These classifications have been reviewed and revised as the Strategy has been developed:

Classifications:

Local open spaceSmall parklands that service the regular low-key recreation needs of the immediate residential population.

Community open space Parks that serve as the recreational and social hub of a community.

District open space Large reserves that provide for concurrent organised, formal sporting and recreation (passive leisure and informal active) uses for surrounding suburbs.

Regional open space Large signature reserves that are of high recreational (formal and informal sport), leisure, social, environmental and tourism value.

Natural conservation areas The primary purpose of these areas is to support intact or rehabilitated examples of the local natural environment such as bushland, wetlands and coastal habitats.

Special purpose open space Unique or single purpose spaces that are provided in addition to the local, community, district and regional POS hierarchy.

Residual landSpaces that have been identified as being surplus to a well-structured POS network that adequately service the needs of the City’s residents and visitors.

The classification hierarchy allows the provision of a diverse range of POS to be provided within a given area, as each space serves a different role and different amount of people (catchment population). The hierarchy of public open spaces is based principally on size, location and distribution; starting with small public open spaces being in close proximity so that they meet the daily/weekly needs of a small local population, extending to larger spaces that can collectively meet a wider variety of needs and functions and that are shared among a larger catchment of users.

New POS provision standards

A new set of provision standards or classification criteria has also been developed as part of the new POS Strategy hierarchy and classification system. These provision standards identify the size, role, type and diversity of spaces that it is desirable to provide across the City.

The classification criteria include five different provision headings — size; service area; location; timing of use, and facilities, which establish the target provision and development standards for each type of POS in the established POS network:

Size The size criterion identifies the desirable or preferred size for each type or classification of space within the POS network. The size of each type/classification of space is directly related to its role and also the number and location of these spaces within the urban environment.

Service area/catchment populationThe service area generally identifies the preferred size of the geographical area surrounding the POS that is designated as the catchment. This identifies that a certain space is servicing the needs of people living or working within a specific area surrounding that particular POS. The service area standards also identify where walkability is a priority or where other modes of transport may be needed.

LocationThe location criterion establishes the most desirable location for each classification of POS. The principle consideration in location of POS is accessibility. The criterion stresses the importance of being able to access public open spaces by the pedestrian, cycle, road and public transport network. The location criterion also addresses the urban context of the POS with key considerations being visibility, profile and visual amenity.

Timing of use Timing of use is used to define the time of day that the space is generally used — particularly daytime, early evening or late evening. Timing of use relates to each particular classification in terms of the level and use and types of activities on the park or reserve.

Facilities Identifying the appropriate facilities required for different types of POS is a major element of this strategy. The facilities standards have been tailored to the identified role of the POS as different types and amounts of facilities are required based on the size, function and amount of use of the space. This criterion identifies core and optional facilities allowing flexibility in responding to the unique nature and role of each POS.



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Community reinvestment principles

A community reinvestment framework has been developed to help guide reinvestment back into local areas with the following set of principles:

The City will reinvest funds obtained from the sale of residual land back into •that local area.The City will pursue reinvestment from the state, back into that local area •where Crown land is not required.The City will acquire land in some areas where open space is lacking.•The City will upgrade parks to an even higher standard.•The City will consult with the local community where significant change is •being considered.

Additionally, it is proposed that reinvestment funds will be utilised to provide better amenities, such as playgrounds, picnic facilities, footpaths, lighting, recreational facilities and also support community activities such as community events, community recreational programs, youth programs etc. in that local area.

Implementation

Ultimately the POS model will provide a comprehensive framework that will guide the provision and development of all POS within the City for the next fifteen (15) to twenty (20) years. The POS Strategy principles and model have been rigorously tested, in a real-life trial area, reviewed and revised to ensure that provision standards were appropriate and practical outcomes can be achieved in implementing the Strategy. The results of the trial will form one component of an action plan.

The POS model will, in time, need to be applied to all POS across the City. In relation to this, POS priority action/implementation plans should be developed for each local area and will assist in strategic business planning and the development of forward and annual capital and operational budgets. There is also an opportunity for the City to use the POS Strategy principles and model immediately to address current, day-to-day requirements for planning ongoing replacement and renewal works and addressing requests regarding POS provision, upgrades and the development of infrastructure and facilities.

There are several actions that need to occur in conjunction to support the implementation of the Strategy such as the development of a framework for strategic organisational integration; financial forward planning; the development of POS provision guidelines for developers; the development of operational and resource management policies; further enhancement of strategic alliances with external agencies (particularly in relation to state and federal agencies in the areas of land development/urban renewal, education, health, the environment and transport) and implementation of appropriate GIS and asset management systems

Community and external agency comment will be sought on this strategy, and any required changes incorporated prior to endorsement being obtained from Council.

A detailed implementation/action plan, outlining key short-, medium- and long-term actions must then be developed, endorsed and incorporated into the corporate strategic planning framework to ensure the objectives of the POS Strategy are realised.

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CONTENTS 1 1. OVERVIEW 31.1 INTRODUCTION 31.2 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS 31.3 CITY OF STIRLING PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STRATEGY VISION, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES 41.4 THE VALUE OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 41.5 STRATEGY DEFINITIONS 5

2. STATUTORY AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS 72.1 REGIONAL PLANNING 72.2 DISTRICT PLANNING 7

3. TRENDS, ISSUES AND CONSIDERATIONS 93.1 SIGNIFICANT TRENDS 93.2 KEY CITY OF STIRLING ISSUES 16

4. COMMUNITY VALUES 214.1 OVERVIEW 214.2 CITYWIDE CONSULTATION 214.3 OTHER RELEVANT CONSULTATION/FINDINGS 224.4 COMMUNITY VALUES SUMMARY 25

5. CITY OF STIRLING PUBLIC OPEN SPACE MODEL 275.1 CITY OF STIRLING EXISTING PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROVISION 275.2 CURRENT STATUTORY PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROVISION STANDARDS 275.3 THE STRATEGY 29

6. IMPLEMENTATION 416.1 APPLICATION OF THE NEW PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STRATEGY 416.2 COMMUNITY COMMENT 436.3 REVIEW, MONITORING AND REPORTING 43

7. APPENDICES 45



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1. Overview

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Public open space is a vital component of any urban environment: it compliments the built form, contributes to the identity of place and provides recreational opportunities; this is integral to building quality places to live. The many functions public open space performs make it a highly valued aspect of the urban environment. A principal function is for recreational use, which covers a variety of activities that are undertaken for health and leisure, such as organised sports, exercise and children’s play; yet also encompasses passive uses such as quiet reflection in an attractive setting. Environmental protection is also an essential role of public open space, through habitat and biodiversity conservation and air and water quality management. These spaces also play important roles in social interaction and tourism. As well as its functional uses, open space is also highly valued for its intrinsic benefits, such as natural beauty, its contribution to neighbourhood character, its cultural heritage value and the emotional attachment people may have to it. The value that public open space provides to the community is a combination of social, economic and environmental factors.

The City of Stirling recognises that the open space held in the public realm contributes strongly to the quality of life of its residents as well as contributing to the quality of Perth’s environment. The City seeks to develop and manage its extensive public open space network in an efficient and equitable manner so that all residents may enjoy its many benefits, whilst not placing an undesirable burden on the City’s public resources. As community needs, expectations and demographics change rapidly it is vital that the City develops a long-term sustainable strategic plan for the future provision and management of public open space.

This Public Open Space Strategy has been developed as part of a comprehensive strategic planning framework that works to manage our recreation and open space assets and provide for current and future community needs. The strategy provides the strategic direction for the development of more detailed plans, policies and actions relating to sport and recreation, the natural environment, community development and land use planning.

This strategy encompasses a study and analysis of open, developed and undeveloped areas termed ‘public open space’ that is owned by or vested in the City of Stirling, including parks, reserves, bushlands, wetlands, coastal reserves and special purpose open spaces. It does not deal with areas of privately owned open space, road reserves, or built recreation centres, yet does consider open space retained by educational institutions. The strategy includes a comprehensive analysis of the provision and condition of open spaces within the broader context of community needs, planning objectives and management issues. The strategy aims to provide clear direction on the purpose, level of provision, development priorities and management of open spaces across the City of Stirling for the next 20 years and beyond.

1.2 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

The City of Stirling developed a Leisure Plan in September 2002. Whilst the plan contained useful data on demographics, location and club statistics it did not deal with facility planning or groups of facilities, nor did it provide any guidance or direction in relation to policy development. In this regard, the City developed a leisure-planning framework that details the City’s approach to leisure planning. This process now supersedes the 2002 Leisure Plan. The Leisure Plan identified eleven recommendations; one of these recommendations highlighted the need to undertake a review of all active and passive reserves within the City in relation to their classification, location, suitability, usage and future needs.

In the 2001/2002 financial year, Council approved funds for the City to engage consultants, Hames Sharley, for the purpose of establishing a public open space classification system and provide recommendations for future development levels.

In February 2003, Council adopted a revised public open space classification system for public open space.

As part of the February 2003 resolution, Council also endorsed officers to develop public open space classification criteria, undertake a review of all public open space to determine classification and the identification of strategies relating to the future management and provision of public open space within the City of Stirling.Progression on this stage (Stage Two) was delayed to await the outcomes of the City’s Community Needs Analysis Study, which was completed in mid-2005.

A Public Open Space Framework was then developed by Recreation and Cultural Services which highlighted four (4) key components or modules that needed to be completed to ensure the development of an all encompassing Public Open Space Strategy for the City. A council briefing session was undertaken on 2 August 2005. Following this presentation, Council adopted the direction and intent of the Public Open Space Framework on 23 August 2005.

The stages that were outlined as part of the Public Open Space Framework included:

Stage Two — Classification criteria review and endorsement, audit of •existing public open space, classification allocation and trial of sample area.Development of Public Open Space Strategy.•Community comment regarding the Public Open Space Strategy.•

Following Council endorsement, the Recreation and Cultural Services and Parks and Reserves Business Units, in partnership with Policy and Strategic Development, commenced the development of the Public Open Space Strategy and trial area testing.

The first stage of the project involved the establishment of a suitable trial area in liaison with key business units. The Dianella area was chosen for a number of reasons, specifically as a local area planning project was programmed for Dianella and would provide valuable feedback in regards to community values which could then be integrated into the Public Open Space Strategy. Additionally a variety of public open space classifications were contained within the area and this allowed officers to test the success of the new public open space provision model.


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Following establishment of the trial area, officers undertook a site audit of each public open space area within the Dianella area. A pro-forma was established and utilised on site to collect relevant data on each public open space. Following completion of the on-site audits a desktop analysis was also undertaken to confirm land ownership, land use constraints (e.g. drainage etc.) and obtain an aerial photo for records.

A review of the public open space hierarchy, specifically the classification criteria, was undertaken and, as a result, a revised set of classification terminology and criteria was developed.

These criteria provided direction relating to each public open space classification, such as the purpose of each classification, preferred size, service area, siting, timing of use and also a list of core and optional facilities. These were then applied to the Dianella local area. A significant amount of time was set aside for applying these criteria to the trial area. The outcome of the application of the draft public open space model to the trial area resulted in the need to undertake further research and development in regards to the Public Open Space Strategy. In summary, lessons learnt in testing the model in Dianella informed and influenced the development of the Public Open Space Strategy document to ensure that the key principles of the Strategy could be sustainably applied to all public open space within the City.

1.3 CITY OF STIRLING PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STRATEGY VISION, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

The City’s MissionTo lead in the delivery of responsive, sustainable services to the City’s diverse community. In doing this, the City seeks to preserve and enhance its environment and lifestyle, now and into the future.

Strategy VisionTo create a network of resource efficient, quality public open space across the City that will satisfy current and future recreational needs in an equitable and sustainable manner.

Objectives To achieve this goal, the following objectives have been established to guide the preparation and implementation of this strategy:

To recognise and provide for the range of functions of public open space •including ecological, cultural, visual and recreational.To establish a hierarchy of public open space types of sufficient quantity and •quality to meet community needs.To address the importance of accessibility and walkability to public open •space, particularly within the local context.To promote the safe use and enjoyment of public open space through •appropriate siting and design. To improve land efficiency through partnerships and multi-purpose use •opportunities.To recognise and respond appropriately to constraints on the City’s resources •(environmental, social and economic).To establish a sustainable model to allow consistent decision-making for the •ongoing development and management of public open space.To ensure the community’s needs and aspirations are addressed through •appropriate community engagement.

To achieve the objectives of this Public Open Space Strategy, a model has been developed which includes guiding principles that have assisted in the development of the Strategy as well as provide further guidance at the implementation stage. These are detailed in section six (6) of this document.

1.4 THE VALUE OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

Value of public open spacePublic open space is a vital component of any urban environment: it complements the built form, contributes to the identity of place and provides recreational opportunities; these are integral roles in building quality places to live. Public open space performs many social, environmental and economic functions that make it a highly valued aspect of the urban environment. Fundamentally, public open space is provided to assist with significant positive outcomes concerning community health and well-being. A principal role is for sport and recreational use, which covers a variety of activities that are undertaken for sport development, health and leisure, including both active, informal and passive recreation. Environmental protection is also an essential role of public open space, through habitat and biodiversity conservation, and air and water quality management.

It is assumed that one of the most important roles of public open space is that associated with relaxation, health and well-being.

The importance of physical activity is significantly recognised given the health consequences of physical inactivity and also the annual costs of associated direct healthcare and obesity as a result. It is well documented that public open space that is of high quality and is accessible is important in providing spaces and opportunities for people’s physical and mental health and well-being. Additionally, the social community benefits are well known, including providing tools for social connectivity and building community capacity.

An except from Parks Victoria (2002) ‘Linking People and Spaces’ provided this statement referring to the value of public open space:

Open space is not only for recreation and conservation of environmental and cultural values; it is the foundation of urban liveability. It underpins many social, ecological, and economic benefits that are essential to the healthy functioning of the urban environment.

The main functions of public open space include:relaxation•exploration•social interaction•exercise (humans and pets)•improving/maintaining health •sport (competing and spectating)•children’s play and development•opportunities for seniors’ activities •learning•improving / maintaining environmental quality•nature, wildlife habitat and biodiversity conservation•water management•interaction with the natural environment•supporting the organisation and function of the urban environment•connectivity of networks (pedestrian, cycle, wildlife migration)•sense of place, identity and history•visual amenity (landscape)•contributing to community and economic value of localities•tourism•arts•celebration•quality of life.•

Many spaces facilitate a number of these functions concurrently. In addition to these functional uses, open space can also have a high community value based on its intrinsic benefits — such as natural beauty, its contribution to neighbourhood character, its cultural heritage value and the emotional attachment people may have to it. Overall, open space held in the public realm plays an important role in the provision of quality urban and natural environments and contributes strongly to the quality of life of the City’s residents

1.5 STRATEGY DEFINITIONS

Public open spaceThe term ‘public open space’ is not clearly defined in state planning policies or legislation. However, the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) documents generally refer to public open space as land that is ‘required (under planning legislation) to be given up free of cost by a land subdivider and vested in the Crown as a reserve for recreation purposes.’ This land is then subsequently vested in the relevant local authority which assumes responsibility for its development and maintenance. State documents differentiate between ‘public open spaces’, which usually refers to small reserves vested in the local government, and ‘regional open space’, which refers to the larger/more significant reserves that are acquired by the state and thus usually remain vested in the Crown.

In terms of this strategy, it encompasses a broader definition and considers ‘public open space’ as all recreation and conservation reserves within the City of Stirling. These are areas of open, undeveloped and partially developed land, including parks, reserves, bushlands, wetlands, coastal reserves and other special purpose open spaces. These spaces are identified as ‘Reserve’ under either the Metropolitan Region Scheme (‘parks and recreation’) or under the City’s planning schemes (‘public open space’). This strategy does not deal with areas of privately owned open space, road reserves, or built facilities. Yet it does consider open space retained by educational institutions — although these are not public reserves, school ovals and the like can be considered public assets and thus to some degree ‘public open space’.

SustainabilityThe City defines sustainability as the need to ’ensure that what we do now does not compromise the quality of our current and future citizens’ lifestyle’. Council’s responsibility is to ensure that whatever we do is socially responsible, economically viable, environment-friendly and that good governance guides decision-making.

LeisureLeisure can be defined as the portion of time not consumed by work, study, home duties or other necessary activities which is used for personal relaxation, entertainment or other recreational pursuits. Leisure may also refer to activities undertaken during this time.

Recreation ‘Recreation’ in Western Australia can be defined as ‘those uncompetitive physical activities that take place in our community for leisure purposes’, as defined in the Department of Sport and Recreation WA Recreation Strategic Reform Agenda 2006.

Passive recreation involves unstructured and informal activities that are not highly physical in nature. This includes activities undertaken for relaxation, social engagement and general enjoyment of an environment, such as wildlife viewing or picnicking. Passive recreation generally requires fewer facilities or structured spaces than active uses and has less impact on the natural environment.

Sport and informal active recreation‘Sport and active recreation’ are defined as ’the various human activities that require physical exertion and/or physical skill through competition, play or self-motivation’, as defined in the Department of Sport and Recreation WA Strategic Directions for the Western Australian Sport and Recreation Industry (2006–2010) strategy.

Informal active recreationIncludes less formal and individual activities, undertaken solely or in groups, such as jogging or skateboarding.

Neighbourhood A neighbourhood is an identifiable small-scale geographic area usually with a common use or atmosphere. It is the smallest unit when breaking down an urban environment into sub-areas — City, region, district, neighbourhood. A suburb will often contain a number of neighbourhoods, due to size, changes in land use or character, physical boundaries or amenities which housing is clustered around. For the benefit of open space classification/provision this strategy considers a neighbourhood as a walkable area of approximately 800 metres in width (10 minutes’ walk to the centre)

Community Communities can be defined by their location, race, religion, age, occupation, interest or other common bonds. However, in terms of public open space planning, a community is defined by geographical measures, i.e. a community is a group of people living within a given area, such as the City of Stirling or one of its suburbs. For the purpose of classifying open space in this strategy a community is considered to be the people living within an identifiable small area (usually less than a suburb but greater than one neighbourhood). They are considered ‘a community’ due to their close proximity and lack of physical boundaries, which enables them to interact and share common facilities, such as local shops and a community open space.


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2. STATUTORY AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

2.1 REGIONAL PLANNING

Any proposed development on regional reserves vested under the Western Australian Planning Commission’s (WAPC) Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) requires the approval of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). However, development may be exempt from this requirement where the development has been included as proposed works in a management plan that has been endorsed by the Western Australian Planning Commission. Refer to WAPC Development Control Policy 1.2. 2004.

Clause 13 of the Metropolitan Region Scheme text states that:

Except as provided in Division 2 of this part, no person shall commence or carry out any development on reserved land, other than the erection of a boundary fence, without first applying for and obtaining the written approval of the commission to do so.

Clause 16(1a) in Division 2 states that:

Development on reserved land owned by or vested in a public authority may be commenced or carried out without the written approval of the commission if the development is —

(a) permitted development that does not involve the clearing of regionally significant vegetation on a site specified as a Bush Forever site.

In Clause 16(1a) “permitted development” means:

Works on land reserved for parks and recreation where the works are in accordance with a management plan endorsed by the Commission;

This means that all development on regional reserves requires the approval of the Western Australian Planning Commission prior to the commencement of works, UNLESS the development has been included as proposed works in a management plan that has been endorsed by the Commission.

Any development on a regional reserve that is in accordance with a management plan endorsed by the Western Australian Planning Commission is exempt from the requirements under the Metropolitan Region Scheme to obtain approval for development.

However, this exemption does not apply where the development involves the clearing of regionally significant vegetation on a Bush Forever site, or where the development is not in accordance with the endorsed management plan. Such development will require approval from the WAPC.

There are no statutory requirements or guidelines for the format of a management plan. However the WAPC requires that they be prepared after extensive public consultation and cover topics including (as per Planning Bulletin 53):

Analysis of regional and local context.•Description, analysis and value of flora, fauna, landform, hydrology and •cultural heritage.Regional and local recreation needs.•Development opportunities and constraints•Conclusions and recommendations/actions.•

Section 6 of the Planning and Development Act requires that any proposed development must pay attention to:

The purpose and intent of any planning scheme that has effect in the •locality.The orderly and proper planning, and the preservation of the amenity of •that locality.

2.2 DISTRICT PLANNING

The District Planning Scheme, which was gazetted in 1985, is the current planning scheme that controls development across the City of Stirling. The scheme and the scheme map establish zoning of land, uses and development permitted on that land and development standards, such as parking and setback requirements for industrial or commercial development and also includes provisions for heritage protection and detailed requirements for special precincts within the City. A wide range of policies to control development has also been adopted under the scheme.

The City is undertaking a review of Scheme No.2 and is anticipating advertising a new draft Scheme No.3 in 2007.

Table 1 - State, Regional and Local Planning

STATE

THE WA STATE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY THE STATE PLANNING STRATEGY

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCE POLICYBUSH FOREVER

LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODSWAPC DEVELOPMENT CONTROL POLICIES

REGIONAL

WALGA RECREATION/LEISURE TECHNICAL GROUP

CITY OF STIRLING - LOCAL

STRATEGIC PLAN SUSTAINABLE City AGENDA

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STRATEGY

LEISURE PLANNING FRAMEWORK GREEN PLAN 2

LOCAL PLANNING STRATEGY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN

LOCAL AREA PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IMPLEMENTATION PLANS

REGIONAL RESERVES MASTER PLANS


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3. TRENDS, ISSUES AND CONSIDERATIONS3.1 SIGNIFICANT TRENDS

There a number of current trends in sport, recreation and public open space provision across Australia that must be taken into account in this Strategy to ensure appropriate and flexible open spaces are provided that meet future requirements.

Following are a number of key trends that will influence provision and the future character of public open space in the City of Stirling and the City’s approach to its strategic planning of public open space:

SustainabilityGrowing environmental awareness over the last decade has resulted in government and community practices placing increasing focus on ecological sustainability in providing for current and future needs. Local Agenda 21, a key result of the Rio Earth Summit on sustainability, identifies the need for local responsibility to achieve global sustainability. This has lead to leading local governments adopting an ideology of sustainability in all their practices. Contemporary planning principles also promote the need for sustainable development in all aspects of community planning and land development and provision. The sustainability concept is, however, more than just an influential trend, it is the foundation principle on which planning and decision-making should be based. Sustainability objectives affect the future provision of open space in several ways including:

Resource use — the need for sustainable use of natural and community •resources, including facility provision, land and water use, conservation of habitats and accountable public spending on provision and maintenance. Walkability — reducing car use and pollution and promoting equitable access •via a range of transportation options through the appropriate location and distribution of open space.Multi-use — developing spaces that can be used for a variety of uses, •including sport, recreation, leisure, conservation and water management to enable the most efficient land use. This usually requires larger open space areas that can accommodate a number of activities/uses.Community building — providing places for social interaction and connectivity, •community events and developing a civic heart of neighbourhoods and suburbs.Environment —increased environmental awareness and concern about •environmental quality in terms of natural areas. Retention of mature trees and new plantings in parks and reserves also presents an opportunity to reduce pollution and improve air quality. There are also opportunities to address water pollution through incorporating open spaces into the water management system, such as the use of constructed wetlands for filtration and pollution stripping.

Lifestyle changes and community well-beingOpen space has an important role in contributing to the health and well-being of the community. Spaces that are inviting and enjoyable can attract more people and more frequent use, thus having a greater impact on individual quality of life. Individual well-being can also be improved through the physical and mental health and fitness benefits provided by sport and recreation activities that are facilitated by appropriately designed public open space. Public open spaces that bring people together for social interaction and group activities can also strengthen community well-being as a whole. An element of this is childhood development through play and interaction in parks. Although lifestyle is an individual choice, it is evident that certain lifestyle trends are evolving in Australian society that influences public open space provision. These include:

Changes in recreational pursuits — particularly with an emphasis on •sporting and recreational opportunities, with a need for open space areas to accommodate changing interests and popular pursuits. The popularity of the typical Australian ‘outdoor lifestyle’ remains evident. Additionally, there is increasing competition for sport and recreation time from personal computers, PlayStations, entertainment systems and private recreation facilities.Increased health awareness — the community in general has increased its •awareness of the benefits of physical activity that has lead to more regular exercise and the need for spaces for recreation, cycling and walking. This is supported by Federal and State Government promotion of ‘active living’ to promote and enable physical activity.Workforce changes — longer working hours for many resulting in less •recreational time, yet also more flexible and casual hours resulting in different sectors of the community recreating at different times. Current economic prosperity also provides many with increased disposable income to spend on recreational pursuits.Health — The Department of Health predicts that life expectancy is expected •to increase, however the total disease burden will increase with the predicted increase in population size and age. Unfortunately, it is predicted that the burden attributed to physical inactivity and obesity will be the highest of the major risk factors among females. An ageing population that will lead to a demand in public open space providing •more informal recreation and leisure opportunities.

Reduced government spendingRationalist economic policy has resulted in decreased government funding and spending on public services and facilities, including sport, recreation and public open space. Local governments are facing increasing pressure to limit/reduce/manage spending on facilities and maintenance, whilst still accommodating for growing populations, minimal rate/fees increases and increasing community demands for quality facilities.

Public open space as a marketing assetLocal governments are increasingly realising that their public open spaces are valuable assets and can be used to attract residents, visitors and businesses to the area. The provision and appearance of public open space can become a point of difference in local and regional economic competition. State and Federal Government and tourism agencies are also placing increasing focus on the natural environment as tourist attractors and areas such as Stirling’s beaches can be considered a marketable commodity in the global tourist market. The protection and enhancement of key regional facilities through the Public Open Space Strategy is needed to ensure Stirling’s competitive edge and can contribute to the state’s economic growth. Public open space is beginning to be referred to as ‘green infrastructure’, illustrating it is increasingly being considered as an asset, similar to the City’s road or essential services infrastructure.


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CommunicationThere is an increasing desire and need to continually disseminate information to the community in regards to awareness of City sport, recreation and leisure opportunities and scope to engage community awareness of the City of Stirling’s vision and principles relating to public open space to ensure support of the strategies and objectives. Additionally, the City encourages its residents, key community leaders, sporting associations, clubs and community groups to continue to communicate with the City about its values and attitudes towards public open space. There are several City of Stirling established programs with the key aim being to advocate core principles, philosophies and values and to continue to build partnerships with the community and key stakeholders to ensure effective communication and sustainable development of services and facilities.

It is important that the POS Strategy also takes into consideration the need to develop strategies to ensure broad community awareness of services and facilities.

Increasing ExpectationsThe City of Stirling and a number of local government authorities are facing continued pressure from the community to meet certain expectations about public open space quality, opportunities and infrastructure. It is evident that the community’s expectations with respect to the quality of spaces; the standard of maintenance; visual amenity; and standard of park infrastructure and amenities is increasing. Additionally, there are also increasing expectations from sporting associations and clubs concerning the availability of parks and reserves for sporting opportunities; requests for year-round access and sporting-related infrastructure upgrades, such as sportsfield lighting, clubroom upgrades and car parking access.

The City strives to meet, or exceed community expectations. However, it is also vital that the community has an understanding of and recognises that there are a number of factors that can constrain and influence decision-making regarding the availability of public open space opportunities, such as available land, economic availability, emerging trends and issues and sustainability principles. Additionally, there is also an opportunity to better articulate the City of Stirling’s vision regarding public open space, which this strategy aims to achieve. Establishing clear standards and principles regarding the provision of public open space and the level of development and facilities across all of the City’s parks and reserves will assist in meeting expectations in an equitable manner and will assist in communicating the City’s capabilities and intentions to the public.

Safety and securitySafety and security is a recognised issue in public open space that needs ongoing consideration and management. Although this issue is not currently recognised as a major problem across the City as it appears to be well-managed, safety and security must be a fundamental element of any public open space strategy. Notwithstanding this, individuals or a group of residents may have concerns or negative experiences with certain open spaces. All residents need to feel safe in and around open spaces and be able to enjoy them safely. This can be aided through design (layout and landscaping); appropriate security/safety lighting provision; appropriate location of reserves with complementary land uses and surveillance opportunities. The City also provides ranger and security services that improve safety and security across the City of Stirling. The quality of equipment and facilities is also something that needs to be maintained to ensure the safe use of open spaces. Additionally, encouraging greater use of public open spaces within the City through the provision of accessible, diverse ranges of quality public open space and opportunities will contribute to enhancing passive surveillance measures.

Risk managementRisk management has become an extremely important consideration in the provision of services and facilities, specifically concerning public open space. It has become a crucial factor when considering the provision, design, construction and ongoing maintenance of certain facilities and amenities. Unfortunately, with an increasingly litigious society, more pressure is being placed on local government authorities to consider these risks in their provision, maintenance and replacement of facilities and amenities. Additionally, this also places significant pressure on community groups and clubs as various legislation, practices and policies, specific to Occupational Health and Safety and risk management, are implemented. In this regard, risk management and public health and safety are also primary factors in the decision-making process relating to public open space facility and amenity provision, maintenance and replacement.

Sport and recreation participationThe types of recreational activities that Australians are undertaking change with trends, promotion, and awareness of different opportunities. Recent studies show that there has been a shift in participation from ‘organised sport’ to ‘convenient, informal participation or recreation’ over the past decades. This has resulted in declining membership in some sporting codes and community groups, whilst there has been an increase in those more popular informal and individual activities. Evidence of this includes less use of certain outdoor facilities, such as lawn bowls, yet the continued proliferation of health clubs. Different activities also go through periodic trends and in recent years the popularity of netball and tennis has been falling whilst the popularity of yoga and soccer has increased dramatically.

These trends in recreation directly affect the provision of public open space opportunities and facilities. As certain activities become more popular the community demand for appropriate facilities increases, yet local governments must be mindful of long-term sustainability and provide spaces that are flexible enough to adapt to and foresee changing trends over long periods of time.

The need to accommodate individual particular sports or activities must be balanced with promoting diversity and equity in facility provision and access for a wide range of users. It is clear, however, that recreation (passive and informal, active) has significantly increased and the City has to shift with the change from large open sportsfields to spaces that also accommodate a range of users simultaneously and at peak times.

The Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) is a joint initiative of the Australian Sports Commission and the state and territory government agencies responsible for sport and recreation. ERASS collects information on the frequency, duration, nature and type of activities that are participated in by persons aged 15 years and over for exercise, recreation and sport during the 12 months prior to the survey.

ERASS - 2005 National — overall participation:An estimated 11.1 million persons aged 15 years and over participated at least once per week in physical activity for exercise, recreation and sport, a participation rate of 69.2%. The participation rate drops markedly when higher frequency is considered. Females were more likely than males to participate three times per week or more in physical activity. People aged 15 to 24 were most likely to participate three times per week or more, while those aged 25 to 44 were least likely. Generally equal proportions of females participated three times per week or more across all age groups. Males had higher participation rates in the youngest and oldest age groups, but had a marked decrease in participation around the middle age groups, whilst women only had a slight decrease for those aged 65 and over. Whilst females were more likely to participate more often than males, it was found that males were more likely to participate for longer periods than their female counterparts. Older males tended to spend less time participating in physical activity than younger males. The gap across the age groups was less pronounced for females.

Those not in the labour force, including students and retirees, had a similar participation rate of three times per week or more to those employed and unemployed. The level of participation three times per week or more increased with the level of educational attainment from those who never went to school to those with a university degree. The highest participation rate was for those persons still at secondary school.

The activity with the highest participation rate was walking with an estimated 6 million persons aged 15 years and over walking at least once in the 12 months prior to the survey. Other sports and activities that attracted a high participation rate were aerobics/fitness, swimming, cycling and tennis. Walking had the highest participation rate for both males and females and across all age groups, with the exception of the 15 to 24 age groups. However, interestingly the proportion of participants in walking alone is relatively low. Generally most participated in either walking and another activity or a non-walking activity exclusively. For males, activities with the highest participation rates were walking, aerobics/fitness, cycling, swimming and golf. For females, activities with the highest proportion rates were walking, aerobics/fitness, swimming, cycling and tennis. In the youngest age group (15 to 24-year-olds) the activities that attracted the most participants were aerobics/fitness, walking and swimming. For the oldest age group (65 years and over) walking, aerobics/fitness and golf attracted the most participants. The activity that people participated in most frequently was walking, while other activities participated in frequently were aerobics/fitness, gymnastics, weight training and running.


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Table 2 - Top ten recreation and sport activities in Australia

Activity Rank

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Rank

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1

No. P

artic

ipan

ts 2

004

Parti

cipa

tion

Chan

ge

2001

–200

4Walking 1 1 6.16 million 41.7%

Aerobics/fitness 2 3 2.70 million 37.6%

Swimming 3 2 2.60 million 7.9%

Cycling 4 4 1.66 million 15.3%

Tennis 5 5 1.32 million -4.2%

Running 6 7 1.31 million 21%

Golf 7 6 1.25 million 0.8%

Bushwalking 8 8 0.82 million 2.9%

Soccer (outdoor) 9 10 0.66 million 19.6%

Netball 10 9 0.56 million -7.9% (Australian Sports Commission estimates for people aged over 15 years

National — organised participation:An estimated 4.5 million persons aged 15 years and over participated at least once per week in a physical activity that was organised by a club, association, fitness centre or other type of organisation. Far fewer people participated at higher frequencies.

Overall, males and females were equally likely to participate in organised physical activity three times per week or more. However, older persons were less likely than their younger counterparts to participate in organised physical activity three times per week or more. Participation rates were almost equal for males and females except in the 15 to 24 age group, which had more male participants, and the 45 to 54 age group, which had more female participants. Non-participation in organised physical activity shows a marked pattern with age where non-participation rates were lowest for the 15 to 24 age group and highest for the 55 and over age groups. Non-participation was higher for females across all age groups, except the 45 to 54 age group.

An estimated 2.2 million persons participated in activities that were organised by a fitness, leisure or indoor sports centre. Relatively few people participated in activities that were organised by school or work. Of interest, whilst activities organised by schools involved relatively small number of persons, school-organised activities were a significant source for organised physical activity for 15 to 19-year-olds. Females participating in organised physical activity were more likely than males to choose activities organised by a fitness, leisure or indoor sports centre.

Far more males participated in activities organised by a sport or recreation club or association than females. The organised activity with the highest participation rate was aerobics/fitness. Other sports and physical activities that had high numbers of participants involved in an organised environment were golf, tennis, netball, football (soccer) and Australian football and basketball.

Table 3 - Top ten organised activities by participants in Australia 2005

Rank Top Ten Organised Activities By Participants 2005

1 Aerobics/Fitness

2 Golf

3 Tennis

4 Netball

5 Football (soccer)

6 Australian Football

7 Basketball

8 Swimming

9 Lawn Bowls

10 Yoga (The Exercise, Recreation And Sport Survey (ERASS) – 2005)

Overall participation — comparisons over time:Overall participation three times per week or more has increased from 2001 to 2005. Participation by females has continued to remain consistently higher than males from 2001 to 2005. An upward trend is observable in the average weekly frequency of overall participation for both males and females. Additionally, the average weekly frequency of overall participation for females has consistently exceeded that for males and there has been a greater increase for females over the five-year period than for males.

The physical activities that comprise the top ten activities by number of participants have remained unchanged from 2001 to 2005.

Organised participation — comparisons over time:Participation three times per week or more in organised activity has remained stable; however there has been a modest increase in the number of people participating frequently in organised activities between 2001 and 2005. Organised participation for males and females has shown a similar trend over the five-year period, as has the median frequency of organised participation.

Western Australian — Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce Research over the past ten years or so increasingly shows that physical inactivity is a major public health issue. It is now clear that physical inactivity has become the second leading contributor to the burden of disease in Australia and is the leading contributor among Australian women.

The Physical Activity Taskforce (PATF) was introduced in June 2001, with the Premier of WA announcing a target of raising the level of physical activity in the state by 5% over 10 years, through a more integrated, coordinated and enhanced approach to promoting physical activity.

The Premier’s Physical Activity Task Force estimates that only 55% of Australians undertake enough physical activity to maintain good health and this proportion is declining in W.A., 40% of adults are overweight or obese and this is increasing at 1% per year. The statistics are even worse for children, with only 26% of 16-year-olds sufficiently active.

At less than 5%, WA has the nation’s lowest level of adults commuting actively to work or study and the highest level of car users. Motor vehicle transport accounts for 30% of global energy consumption and 60% of petroleum use. Traffic congestion in WA costs approximately $100 million weekly in lost time and productivity. Road accidents in WA cost more than $1 billion each year and are the major cause of death in people aged 6 to 28. Automobiles cause immense environmental problems and the roads that dominate the City generate excessive stormwater run-off. Physically active transport reduces congestion, accidents and pollution and greatly improves our health. The current growth in car trips in WA is becoming socially, economically and environmentally unsustainable.

The health, environmental, social and economic benefits of physical activity are many. But despite its many benefits, physical activity is still in its infant stages in terms of being integrated into health, family, transport, crime and environmental strategies.

The Physical Activity Taskforce has developed a Strategic Direction Report, which provides strategies to increase the physical activity levels of Western Australians. Cabinet approved the Four-Year Implementation Plan for 2003/04 to 2006/07. The overall strategy outlined in the Strategic Direction Report is strongly focused on active communities (a concept to promote physical activity at the community level in WA) as the unifying conduit to individual change. In relation to local government, the PATF is encouraging local government authorities to embrace and develop opportunities for physical activity.

Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce — Physical Activity Levels Of Western Australian Adults 2002In 2002, the Department of Sport and Recreation WA, the Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce, the Health Department of WA and the University of WA conducted a joint project titled Physical Activity Levels of Western Australian Adults 2002. There are a number of key findings and comments in this report, which are relevant to this report.

Physical inactivity has only recently been recognised as one of the most •important risk factors for ill health in Australia, accounting for 7% of the total burden of injury and disease.Physical inactivity has a substantial impact on health care expenditure with •studies estimating that for every 1% increase in the proportion of people in Australia who are sufficiently active, the national health cost of heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer could be reduced by approximately $3.6million per year.55% of Western Australians are sufficiently active for good health, which •means that about one-half of adults in our state need to do more.Walking for recreation was the most popular activity undertaken for both men •and women, then walking for transport and swimming or surfing.The local streets/paths were identified as the most frequently used facilities •for physical activity. 17% of adults reported using public parks and ovals for physical activity.Of those who did not exercise, men were less ready to be more active than •women. Increased fitness, enjoyment and weight control were the three main reasons cited for being active. Similar proportions of men and women stated fitness as their main reason for exercising, while a greater proportion of women compared to men indicated weight maintenance as a major reason.The main barriers to being more active for Western Australians was lack of •time, already being active, lack of motivation, poor health and child care. More women than men reported lack of time, no motivation and child care as barriers.Of those surveyed, 35% were overweight and 13% were obese. More males •than females were overweight with a greater proportion of adults aged 45 to 59 years being overweight and obese. A high percentage of adults, over 60% of those inactive or insufficiently •active, walked the dog with this increasing to 71% for those sufficiently active adults. Since the 1999 physical activity survey, the proportion of adult participation •in vigorous physical activity has decreased by 7%; the proportion of adults participating in 60 minutes or more per week of vigorous activity decreased by 5%. 4% fewer Western Australian adults participated in sufficient physical activity to benefit their health. The proportion of inactive adults has increased by 2% between 1999 and 2002.Participation levels in formal sport have reportedly been declining in Australia •for a number of years, and more recent studies show that general activity levels are as well. The information gathered from the last census period shows that approximately 29.7% engage in unorganised sport and recreation with 29.4% engaging in organised sport and recreation in WA.


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A significant finding of the report was that increased efforts are needed to raise the level of physical activity levels among all Western Australian adults to realise improved physical, mental and social health benefits... efforts should aim to create, promote, encourage and support more ways for Western Australians to be active and more places for them to be active by providing all adults with access to structured (e.g. recreation and sport clubs) and unstructured (e.g. open park space, informal sports) opportunities to be active in groups, with their families and on their own. The physical environment should be designed to provide and support ‘active choices’ such as taking stairs, cycling to work and walking to the shops and to encourage more people to make greater use of existing recreational facilities.

Combined efforts across all sectors and levels of government working together with non-government agencies and the community are most likely to lead to success and could include innovative programs, education campaigns and improved access to safe and convenient facilities.

Dog ownership and physical activityAs this document has highlighted, there have been many changes in Australian society concerning leisure, recreation and sport participation and trends. However, what has remained consistent is the value that Australians place on their relationship with their pets. The Petcare Information and Advisory Service Australia (PIAS) is an autonomous, uncommercial organisation committed to promoting socially responsible pet ownership. PIAS latest statistics (2005) indicate that pets are part of the family in 63% of Australian households. Of interest are the following statistics:

12 million Australians are associated with pets.•63% of the 7.5 million households in Australia own pets.•Australia has one of the highest incidences of pet ownership in the world.•Typically, the major carer of the pet is the female, married with children, living •in the suburbs and most likely employed. 91% of pet owners report feeling ’very close’ to their pet, reinforcing that pets •become an integral member of the family unit.Pets were a normal part of childhood for more than 83% of Australians.•Of the Australians who do not currently own a pet, 53% would like to do so •in the future.

The PIAS details statistics for Western Australians, which indicates that dog ownership in Western Australian in 2005 was approximately 338,000.

Along with a number of users of public open space, dog owners are also competing for space and facilities to socialise, obedience train, recreate and exercise their dog companions and, as such, there is increasing pressure on local governments to manage competing needs of a range of users.

Sporting code trendsWestern Australian Football Commission — WAFCThe Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC) strategic plan identifies that there are 474 Australian Rules Football Clubs with over 63,000 players in Western Australia. The report advises that an Australian Bureau of Statistics survey (2003) on participation rates in sport and recreational activities found that over a 12-month period, 4% of Western Australians over the age of 19 participated in Australian Rules football and that people were much more likely to participate in less formal, individual activities such as walking or swimming.

The document also sets out recommended field and facility requirements for the various levels of football and outlines strategies and principles relating to sustainable football clubs and facilities.

There is also an increase in female participants in the sport.

Western Australian Cricket Association — WACAThe strategic plan identifies that membership figures for junior cricket collected by the WACA and related cricket associations over the last 12 years indicate a continuing growth trend. Cricket Australia census figures for junior players in 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 show increases in underage participation rates.

The WACA expects that the growth trend will continue for both boys and girls as a result of junior cricket development programs and modified rules such as Super 8s, Super 6s and Kanga Cricket 8s.

Senior player membership data collected by the WACA and related cricket associations for the last 12 years illustrates cricket, as a sport, has not experienced any major reduction in numbers. A modest growth trend in the number of senior players is now occurring, however the growth is not uniform. The report also identifies that, as with other sports, cricket also experiences a drop-off of younger players who are not making the transition from junior to senior competitions. The plan also outlines club and facility sustainability criteria that are of interest.

Football (Soccer) West The strategic review document that was provided to the City in June 2007 provides some valuable statistics about football (soccer):

There are some 32,000 registered players statewide covering all demographics with over 150 registered clubs and 10,000 volunteers. Statewide participation is anticipated to increase from 22,500 junior and 9,500 senior players in 2007 to 27,000 junior and 11,500 senior players by 2010. Currently there are 18 football clubs within the City of Stirling’s boundary.

Football West advises that with the Socceroos qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, coupled with the Football Association of Australia’s inclusion in the Asia Football Confederation, that the code anticipates substantial growth in the sport in the immediate future. Additionally, perhaps some of the growth can also be attributed to the parents’ perception that the game poses a lower safety risk than that of Australian Rules football.

Football West (state association) is planning to expand the season of the code to provide year-round football opportunities. In some areas the junior participation rate has increased to a point where the club has needed to cap junior membership. A large proportion of immigrants are seeking opportunities to participate in the sport and there are also a higher number of female participants.

Tennis AustraliaThe Tennis Health Check was undertaken by Tennis Australia in 2005 and 2006. The document indicates that after gradually increasing over a period of six years, the number of affiliated clubs and registered players has been fairly static since 2003. In Western Australia in 2005 there were 207 clubs and 23,333 players. This equates to 112 members per club.

Demographic trendsA number of established demographic trends in Australia can be used to frame the trends observable in the City of Stirling. The first key trend that has a direct impact on planning for public open space is the ageing population. The median age of the Australian population was 36.4 years in 2004; the median age has increased three years since 1994, when it was 33.4 years. In 1994 11.8% of Australia’s population was aged over 65 years of age; by 2004 this had increased to 13%. Conversely, the proportion of the population aged under fifteen fell below 20% during this time period. The ageing of the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation combined with Australia’s low fertility rates will result in seniors becoming a larger population group than children

The ageing of the population has a direct affect on public open space amenity and opportunity provision in a number of ways. Firstly, it results in changing recreational interests, not only in the types of activities or sports preferred, yet generally increasing preferences for passive and informal recreation as opposed to organised activities and team sports (which are favoured more by youth). Changing recreational preferences will affect the design and use of public spaces. The needs of an increasing elderly population must also be recognised as retired people have more leisure time and may also have special needs that require public spaces to have universal design and ease of access. The declining proportion of youth can also affect parks and reserve facilities, for example with community preferences possibly shifting from a high demand for playgrounds to a preference for facilities for other demographics. Additionally, the baby boomer demographic is more active in leisure pursuits than the current seniors population.

Another clear Australian trend is in the changing household structure, especially the significant increase of one- and two-person households over the past decade and the continued decline of the proportions of the nuclear family (two parents with 2.3 children). The traditional family structure is also being replaced by more flexible options, such as increases in single-parent families, working parents and adult children staying at home longer. The implications of these trends for public open space planning include changing needs, demand and facility provisions. The rise of one- and two-person households sees more people living in smaller dwellings, such as apartments and units, where there is limited private open space. These people therefore rely more heavily on public open space for recreational needs and social connectivity.

Changes in employment patterns affect recreation and the use of public open space. Labour force trends indicate full-time workers are working longer hours; the proportions of casual and part-time workers is increasing and Australians appear to be retiring at an older age. Australia is also currently experiencing a sustained period of low unemployment. Employment patterns influence the use of public open space as employment is conversely linked to the availability of personal recreation time. The ‘casualisation of the workforce’ as it is termed means that more and more people are working outside the traditional 9 to 5, Monday to Friday work hours and are therefore also recreating at different times. Longer work hours also mean less time for recreation, however increased income results in a desire/demand for better quality recreational opportunities and experiences.


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3.2 KEY CITY OF STIRLING ISSUES

Local governments across the Perth metropolitan area are facing similar issues concerning current planning, provision, use and maintenance of public open space. The City of Stirling has identified that there are a number of issues that require consideration and, as such ,the strategy has been developed to address the following key issues:

Resource availabilityResource availability can constrain the provision and management of public open space, and to some degree, its use. The natural, financial and human resources associated with open space provision and management are in limited supply.

A major resource constraint is the availability of water to irrigate public open space. The provision of bore water utilised by the City for reticulation of public open space is controlled by licences that are issued by the State Government Department of Water. In some areas the City has already reached its capacity in regards to bore water use allocation, yet the community demand for green, reticulated parks and spaces still appears to be strong. Whilst there has been an increase in general public awareness of water and sustainability issues, the City still receives frequent requests for increased reticulation of parks and spaces.

The City has been working with the Department of Water to develop innovative strategies in the sustainable management of bore water. Water Conservation Plans and Operating Strategies have been developed and formalise among other operational aspects, the introduction of hydrozones; different water application rates for different parts of a park depending on use to sustain appropriate turf quality in a manner that supports function, but with overall reduced watering requirements and ecozones; replacement of some turf areas not directly used for passive or active recreation with alternative ground cover treatments, water-wise planting or local native bushland planting. These initiatives reduce reliance on irrigation and create a landscape setting more appropriate to Perth’s climate while still accommodating sporting and recreational needs.

However, even with these strategies the City may need to consider more drastic measures to conserve groundwater depending on the future impacts of climate change. This could include temporary or permanent cessation of irrigation of some reserves. A POS Strategy will provide the rationale to help the City to identify the classifications and locations of POS where water conservation initiatives can be most appropriately to prioritise these actions to minimise impact on the community in these cases. It is also of importance to consider water sensitive urban design and storm water management principles in the future planning and design of public open space.

Additionally, the availability of land within the City of Stirling to develop new public open space or expand existing parks will also constrain the implementation of this strategy, particularly relating to opportunities to increase public open space that is already limited by the adjoining land uses.

The City’s financial resources also limit to what level an individual park can be developed. Given the need to ensure the sustainable provision and distribution of economic resources throughout the City, there is a strong need to establish a hierarchy and standards for the development of spaces and facilities across all of the City’s parks and reserves so that it is not done in an ad hoc or inequitable manner.

Public open space also plays an important role in conserving natural resources. The provision of open space is in itself important for reserving open areas in the urban environment for future enjoyment. However particular spaces also have important habitats or vegetation that must be conserved to protect biodiversity. Recognising special conservation areas and careful management of public impacts is also an important requirement of this strategy.

The issue of maintenance and associated costs has been previously highlighted, particularly in relation to limited resources available to achieve high community expectations. A key consideration of this strategy is whether all parks and reserves can/should be reticulated and the level of park amenity provision. This also raises considerations of whether it is sustainable to reticulate, mow, maintain and even upgrade parks that are quite small, are under utilised and provide no purposeful function as a result of a number of factors such as poor location, incompatible adjacent land uses or poor access. Establishing suitable and sustainable levels of development and facilities on public open space to ensure efficient use of financial resources, prioritise developments and identify facilities needed in relation to the size of the open spaces and the expected use (catchment population) is also important.

Additionally, in terms of maintenance of public open space zones utilised for organised sporting activities the City has clear guidelines for the availability of formal active sporting zones and the need to balance maintenance requirements with requests for organised sporting use.

Multiple use of POSPublic open spaces can often serve more than one purpose, yet have traditionally been allocated for a single or predominate use, for example a football oval or for drainage. However, in such instances this is not ensuring the most efficient use of land resources and opportunities and, additionally, may also even exclude members of the surrounding community from using these spaces.

The conservation of special areas raises the issue of the competition between conservation and sport and recreation in public open space. On one side there is an increasing concern for the environment from individuals or groups seeking to protect and conserve natural areas. On the other side there is an increasing number seeking to utilise or develop natural areas for a range of activities. Whilst the City seeks to establish a balance between conservation and use, it is acknowledged that in some instances these different objectives cannot be reconciled, for example trail bike riding in sensitive bushland areas. This issue again highlights the need for appropriate classification and management of spaces.

There are also competing uses among recreational and sporting activities that can be difficult to resolve. For example, a number of different sports codes or clubs wanting to use a reserve simultaneously, which can result in overuse, impacts on ground condition and amenity or exclusion of some groups. There may also be competing uses relating to different functions of a space that may conflict with each other, such as quiet reflection, dog exercise and organised sport.

This issue must be addressed on a number of levels, firstly through ensuring the adequate provision of public open space — both in total area and in different types of opportunities to meet a range of diverse community needs (an understanding of community need and the space needed to meet these needs is also required). Secondly this issue can be addressed through the design of open spaces, through a planned approach to public open space zones and location and siting of facilities. Given that uses can change over time as a result of emerging community needs, trends, issues and demographics, the need to design spaces for flexibility and variety of use is important (multi-use spaces), although there also needs to be due consideration and understanding of the key needs of a range of users. For example, the dimensions of playing fields for different sports are relatively fixed to meet training and match play requirements. The issue of competing uses must also be addressed through ongoing innovative management of public open spaces.

Dwelling changes and population densityThere is an increase in medium to high density living in certain areas within the City. This coupled with the emerging decrease in backyard space as a result of changes in the workforce and available social time to commit to maintaining large backyards, will continue to place demand on the provision of accessible, quality public open spaces that offer a diverse range of sport, recreation and leisure opportunities for residents. The issue of larger numbers of people living in more confined spaces, particularly in and around key activity areas, are all factors that need to be considered in determining the sustainable provision of public open space and the opportunities it offers within medium to high density areas. In terms of developer contributions relating to public open space this also needs to be considered when proposing medium to high-density residential developments.

Average household size in the City declined steadily to 1996, when it levelled at an average of 2.1 persons per household. This declining trend is typical of Australia generally, although average household size is lower in the City of Stirling than in Perth as a whole (2.6 persons). The number of lone-person households in Stirling is rising in almost every suburb, with 19 out of the 31 suburbs in the City having more than 25% lone-person households in 2001. This trend presents implications as outlined in Australian trends and previously in this strategy. The trend in smaller household sizes can also be linked to a slight rise in the number and proportion of flats or apartments between 1991 and 2001, with a converse drop in the proportion of single dwellings over this time. This pattern, combined with the declining average lot size through urban infill results in declining private open space. Average lot size in the City is falling with increasing development. The current average size of new lots in middle metropolitan suburbs is 447m², whilst the average across the Perth region is 556m².

Coordinated planning and management of public open spaceThere is a strong desire and need to develop a clear framework to ensure a coordinated approach to the provision, use and maintenance of public open space within the City. In this regard, it is vital that a clear set of processes, policies and guidelines are developed for the future management of public open space within the City of Stirling. The master planning of specific key public open spaces, which is a current leisure planning practice, is also vital in ensuring sustainable public open space opportunities. Master planning ensures that, along with the sustainable provision of public open space, future developments of these key spaces are in accordance with an agreed vision and have due regard for the key issues and trends.

Although previous public open space planning at the City of Stirling was often ad hoc and generally reactive, over the last few years there has been a significant shift concerning the value of integrating sport, recreation, social and strategic planning key principles and philosophies to ensure the sustainable provision of public open space development and opportunities within the City. This strategy provides a clear direction regarding industry best practice, benchmarking, key principles and guidelines for public open space.

PartnershipsThere is an increasing need to develop long-term partnerships with a number of key agencies to assist in meeting needs for community access to public open space and facilities. Additionally, there is also a need to ensure the equitable distribution of economic and community resources and ensure sufficient access.

The City of Stirling is an established and developed local government authority with very limited opportunities to create new spaces and places. In this regard, partnership opportunities are paramount to meeting increasing expectations for access to public open space to cater for a range of activities. Additionally, the same economic, social and environmental influences also impact on our partners and, as such, there is a significant need to integrate planning philosophies and share natural and economic resources. For example, educational institutions generally also provide ovals for student physical activity programs, school carnivals and interschool competitions with the use of these facilities primarily between the hours of 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. This provides opportunities to utilise these spaces for activities such as junior sporting use and hopefully in the longer-term perhaps this access can also be expanded to include access to playgrounds, netball courts etc.

Demographic and social planning The composition of Stirling’s population has a number of implications for public open space provision. An understanding of how current and anticipated demographic trends influence sport, recreation and community needs is required if the Public Open Space Strategy is to be successful in accommodating the current and future population, particularly density changes. Analysis of the most recent available (2001) Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data provides an insight into the composition, trends and implications of Stirling’s population and highlights the following key issues. Additionally, population analysis must be considered in the wider Australian context, looking at similarities and variances to current trends.


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Stabilising of the population The City of Stirling, with 167,578 persons in 2001, has the largest resident population of all municipalities in Western Australia, and has maintained continuing, but slowing growth as it gradually approaches its full development potential. Current population growth in the City is approximately 0.6% per annum (compared to 1.5% p.a. for the metropolitan region as a whole). The Department for Planning and Infrastructure projects that this relatively slow rate of growth is likely to continue. According to available figures, the prediction is that the City’s population will grow from approximately 180,000 in 2006 to 227,400 people in 2031.

This stabilising of the population is largely due to the location of the City within the metropolitan region, being within the established middle ring. There is very limited opportunity within the City for new subdivisions that would see significant population growth (as the conversion of rural land does on the urban fringe). Although there are opportunities for ongoing urban infill in many areas of the City (due to current or future medium density zonings), this is not likely to produce a significant increase in population as trends show that urban infill generally results in lower occupancy rates (i.e. more dwellings yet with fewer occupants in each).

A relatively stable population therefore does not give rise to high demand for the provision of new public open space. This strategy therefore does not have a major role in identifying locations for public open space in future growth areas, as a strategy for an outer metropolitan local government such as the City of Wanneroo would. However, the need to establish parameters for ideal size, design and locations of open spaces is still highly relevant for existing suburbs, albeit considerably harder to achieve and retrofit in these areas. Additionally, as mentioned previously in this report, density changes are probably the more significant factor that may influence public open space provision.

Ageing populationThe City of Stirling is significantly influenced by the national trend of an ageing population. The median age of the population is 36 years, which is notably higher than the metropolitan Perth average of 34 years, and the City has a higher proportion of the population aged 65 years and over (approximately 14%) than the total proportion of the Perth region that is aged 65 and over (approximately 11%). This situation gives rise to the implications outlined in Australian trends.

Young adults versus young childrenThe City has an established pattern of higher proportions of young adults than it does younger children. By comparison, approximately 14% of the City’s population is under 16 years of age, whilst 27% of the population is aged between 20 and 34 years. This pattern is projected to continue over the coming decade; however the total amount of people in both aged groups is projected to gradually increase in line with the City’s growth rate, with there being approximately 27,000 more young adults than children by the year 2011. This has implications for both the types of facilities that are provided within public open space (e.g. playgrounds) and how spaces are designed (e.g. what proportions are allocated for children’s play, team sport or passive uses).

N.B. It should be noted that the general demographic trends in the City of Stirling are not uniformly distributed across the City, as there are some clear spatial patterns. There needs to be some flexibility in regards to the strategy as a result of local variations and key demographic considerations.


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4. COMMUNITY VALUES4.1 OVERVIEW

It is now widely accepted that public participation in the development of significant strategic planning strategies is vital in ensuring that the community needs and values are adequately addressed and to improve community support for the implementation of proposals. The City of Stirling has been striving to improve and extend its communication and engagement with its community, most notably the City has diversified its communication methods, going beyond statutory requirements to use innovative and extensive qualitative and quantitative methods to truly understand community needs and expectations. Recently the City has undertaken engagement with the community in varying forms regarding a number of projects that also provide vital information concerning the community’s use, value and attitudes towards public open space. It is also proposed that the City’s vision, objectives and key principles specific to this Public Open Space Strategy will also be made available for the purpose of obtaining public comment.

4.2 CITYWIDE CONSULTATION

Following are a number of initiatives that have been carried out by the City to date that have provided useful information regarding the community’s attitude towards POS issues.

Annual customer satisfaction surveysAnnual telephone surveys are conducted on behalf of the City of Stirling to assess residents’ awareness, usage and satisfaction with the City’s services and facilities. The most recent survey was conducted between November and December 2005 and the results provide some clear responses on the community’s usage and satisfaction with public open space. A total of 23 services and facilities provided by the City, such as recycling, libraries etc., were measured for satisfaction levels. Based on participants’ responses, each service was given a score out of five (‘1’ being ‘completely dissatisfied’ up to ‘5’ being ‘completely satisfied’) and given a rank out of 23. The survey questions considered ‘parks and reserves’ in general and also ‘children’s playgrounds’ as an additional facility.

In terms of overall satisfaction with the City’s services and facilities, parks and reserves scored an average of 4.13 out of 5 (‘4’ representing ‘satisfied’) and this category ranked 9th position (out of a total of 23). Parks and reserves have consistently rated over 4 for the past seven (7) years and in 2005 its ranking at 9th place was an improvement from its previous position of 11th most satisfying service/facility. Children’s playgrounds scored an average of 3.93 out of 5 in 2005, being slightly below ‘satisfied’. The ranking of children’s playgrounds has been slipping since 1999 when it was ranked 13th, to a current ranking of 17th. The rating and ranking of children’s playgrounds presents opportunities for the City to ensure improvements are made in this area.

In terms of usage of the City’s services and facilities, 66% of all respondents in 2005 used the City’s parks and reserves and 23% used children’s playgrounds. The use of parks and reserves fluctuated between 66% and 75% over the past five years and children’s playgrounds ranged between 23% and 32%. There is a noticeable drop in the use of both facilities over the past two years; however a two-year trend is not long enough to substantiate an ongoing drop in usage. The average frequency of use of parks and reserves by individuals was approximately once (1) every ten (10) days. In 2005, 48% of users used parks and reserves more than once a week. The top five reasons for using parks and reserves, by the percentage of users, were as follows:

Table 4 - Top five reasons for using the City’s parks & reserves

Rank Activity Participation

1 Exercise (e.g. walking and running) 64%

2 Play with children/playgrounds 41%

3 Sitting/relaxing/socialising 29%

4 Walking the dog 22%

5 Organised sports activity 7%

Some usage patterns can be identified from the survey results with relation to demographics or locational variations. Use of parks and reserves was highest amongst families with children under 12, and secondly those aged 18–44 years. The lowest user group was couples without children. In 2005 residents of the Lawley and Osborne wards of the City used parks and reserves significantly less than those in other wards, (56% and 49% of respondents in those wards used these facilities). Residents in the Balga ward were most likely to use parks and reserves to walk the dog (high dog ownership in this ward) whilst those in the Coastal ward were most likely to use the beach for sitting, relaxing and socialising. Using parks for children’s play was most common in the Doubleview ward, interestingly however this ward has far more lone-person and couple households than families.

Community needs’ study In 2004/05 a comprehensive community needs’ study was undertaken by consultants on the City’s behalf. This study aimed to identify if the City is providing the services, facilities and programs required by existing communities and if they will meet community needs for the coming ten years. This included identifying things that were needed that were not being provided and things that are provided that weren’t needed, as well as gauging community satisfaction levels, aspirations and priority actions for the future. The community consultation for this study involved several focus groups, interviews and surveys of residents, ratepayers, business owners and community groups across the City. The study also involved producing a SIMALTO (simultaneous trade-off) analysis where participants identified acceptable trade-offs to achieve their priorities, (i.e. what sacrifices or service reductions would they accept to achieve improvements in other areas), what is the optimum level of service for each type of service, and what level of council expenditure is required (potentially to gain feedback regarding rates and fees and charges).

An optimisation assessment was conducted to identify what levels of service are/would be considered unacceptable by the community and what they would like to see improved. This identified that the current levels of service for ‘local park facilities’, ‘distance to local parks’, ‘regional parks’ and ‘bushland maintenance’ were not considered unacceptable. However it also recognised significant demand for improvements (from both residents and businesses) to public open space, including:

Improving local park facilities (parks of 3,000–5000m²) to include reticulation, •furniture, a playground and tree planting. ‘Improving local park facilities’ was in the top four required improvements of residents in all of the above-mentioned five regions of the City.The provision of furniture such as shade shelters and barbeques at regional •parks. This was most requested by those in the north-east and south-west.When offered a decrease in council expenditure/rates, respondents indicated •that they were not prepared to decrease the distance to a local parks that had reticulation, furniture and a playground to greater than 1.5km; a 2km walk or drive was considered unacceptable, with a 400m to 800m walk the most preferred.


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When offered increased expenditure there was considerable support from residents for small rate increases ($20 - $40 annually) to pay for improvements in key areas. Of all services, improvements to local park facilities were the most requested by residents and improvements to regional parks was the fourth most desired improvement. These improvements came 4th and 6th with business owners, however they were less in favour of increasing rates. Other open space issues such as increasing beach facilities, increasing local parks, and community involvement with bushland, were also supported improvements, however were not identified as services many people would be prepared to pay higher rates to achieve.

Whilst the study examined community needs and opinions in relation to 33 different services, facilities and programs provided by the City of Stirling, it also took an in-depth look at four major issues concerning the City, one of these being the provision and maintenance of small parks. The overall results indicated that there was ‘a real level of community division in relation to the future of “small” pocket parks across the City’. Residents were asked to choose between three scenarios regarding disposal or retention of small and underdeveloped parks. Opinions were quite divided and some locational variations were identified. The results are as follows: Table 5 - Community preferences for small underdeveloped parks

Scenario North

-eas

t

Sout

h-ea

st

Cent

ral

North

-wes

t

Sout

h-w

est

Dispose of undeveloped small parks, proceeds to go to general revenue

15% 8% 9% 5% 4%

Retain all, mow and clean rubbish, as now 31% 56% 34% 53% 53%

Dispose of most, use proceeds to upgrade other local parks. 54% 36% 57% 42% 43%

North-east — Mirrabooka, Balga, Westminster, Nollamara and the northern part of Dianella.South-east — Mt Lawley, Menora, Inglewood, Coolbinia, Yokine and southern Dianella.Central — Balcatta, Stirling, Tuart Hill, Joondanna, Osborne Park, Glendalough, Wembley.North-west — Watermans Bay, Carine, Hamersley, North Beach, Karrinyup, Gwelup, Trigg and north Scarborough. South-west — Doubleview, Innaloo, Wembley Downs, Churchlands and southern Scarborough

Clubs Forever and reserve bookings — recreational trendsGeneral assumptions can be made about local recreation trends in the City by undertaking an analysis of the information obtained from annual reserve booking requests and feedback:

A significant amount of people request to hire reserve pergolas and shelters •on reserves.There are a large number of children’s birthday party bookings.•A large number of requests are made for the use of barbecue facilities.•Wedding reserve and beach bookings are increasing in popularity with the •most utilised parks being Stirling Civic Garden and Albert James Park.There are a number of requests for social cricket matches in the summer •months.People are seeking reserves that provide public toilet facilities, barbecues, •playgrounds and enough open space areas to kick a football or play an informal game of cricket with the family.The most popular parks for casual bookings include Stirling Civic Gardens, •Copley Park, Clarko Reserves, Jackadder Lake and MacAuley Park.

4.3 OTHER RELEVANT CONSULTATION/FINDINGS

Charles Riley Reserve — 2005 Community Needs SurveyA community needs survey was undertaken in the coastal area in July 2005 about general sporting and recreational use of the Charles Riley Reserve. In this regard, a number of issues and trends were identified concerning community values:

The top ten reserve uses included:•walking (paths)•dog walking•play (playgrounds)•running/jogging•relaxation – use of shade and trees•organised sporting club participation.•

Of those who responded about their sporting use of the reserve most utilised •the reserve between 8 to 10 hours per week followed by 0 to 2 hours, 2 to 4 hours and then 4 to 6 hours.Of those who responded about their recreation use of the reserve most utilised •the reserve 2 to 4 hours per week, followed by 0 to 2 hours, 8 to 10 hours then 6 to 8 hours.Most indicated that they would travel up to 1km by foot to the reserve or up •to 5km by vehicle.

Local area planning project The City commenced public consultation for its local area planning program in March 2006 through the pilot Dianella local area planning project. Since then, Balcatta-Stirling and Carine-Hamersley communities have deliberated on the future of their areas, and plans are at various stages of development. A total of 11 local areas across the City will be involved. The programme is an attempt to improve the planning and management of areas in a more place-sensitive way through a shared process between the City and local stakeholders. Consultation undertaken to provide much of the basis of the resulting local area plans and subsequent implementation plans is intended to inform a variety of other projects, such as this strategy.

Consultation for local area planning typically involves an initial community survey followed by stakeholder forums, although other mechanisms are also employed where appropriate. The consultation examines values, attitudes and aspirations towards key attributes of the local area. Public open space is one element examined and discussed in depth

The community survey asks a range of questions relating to public open space in the area. When asked to identify one or two favourite places in the area, parks and reserves were identified as by far the most special places in all three local areas (Dianella, Balcatta-Stirling and Carine-Hamersley). In Dianella, 50% of all respondents nominated a park or reserve as their favourite place, most commonly the largest two reserves, Dianella Regional Open Space and Breckler Park. In Balcatta-Stirling, Stirling Civic Gardens and ‘other park or reserve’ were identified as the top two favourite places. In Carine-Hamersley, 82% of residents identified Carine Regional Open Space as their favourite area, citing the large area of open space, multifunctional nature of the area, natural environment and appearance as reasons for liking it.

In terms of places most in need of improvement, open space rated highly amongst many residents. On a descending scale of 1 to 5, ‘Parks, reserves and wetlands’ rated 2 in Balcatta, and ‘Carine Regional Open Space’ rated 2 and local parks rated 3 in Carine-Hamersley. Conservation was among the top three key priorities for improvement in the Dianella area for 30% of respondents, whilst the amount of parks and ovals within walking distance was in the top 3 for 15% of respondents. In Balcatta-Stirling, approximately 18% of participants required improvements to water level/quality in lakes, especially at Spoonbill Reserve, improved facilities such as seats, barbecues and youth facilities, and increased plantings and shade.

In all areas, the majority of respondents wanted to find a balance between the quantity and quality of public open space, as illustrated below. Limited support was shown for increasing or decreasing the number of reserves.

At the conclusion of community forums, participants discussed their top priorities and preferences for their local area. In Balcatta-Stirling, improving parks and reserves — both the quality of the natural environment and the social and recreation facilities — rated highly both in individual and group priorities, with 50% of all tables agreeing that improving the environmental quality of parks is one of their top 3 priorities for the local area. In Carine-Hamersley a key priority was protecting or increasing vegetation, developing a green belt, and/or improving the quality of public open space. Dianella residents’ highest priority when developing its vision was to be a leafy suburb, achieved through maintaining parks and reserves.


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Leisure Plan research — 2001Community surveys were undertaken during 2001 as part of the research and preparation of the City of Stirling’s Leisure Plan. This research examined participation in a range of leisure pursuits, the use of the City’s facilities, and opinions on the quality and possible improvements of facilities and activities. A number of the findings have implications for public open space planning. The survey found that the three most used City recreation facilities overall are parks, beaches and swimming pools. Ovals, playgrounds and cycle paths were also commonly used. The least used facilities were sports clubs, bowling clubs, gyms and tennis courts. Respondents were also asked to rate the general quality of the most popular facilities, as shown below:

Figure 2 - Quality rating of popular recreation facilities

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Park B eac h Pool Oval Cylc e Path Playground

Good

A verage

Poor

Respondents were also given the opportunity to make general comments on facilities, suggested improvements and particular problem areas. The most common comments in direct relation to open space planning and maintenance were:

Increasing activities for teenagers. •Safety problems at local playgrounds.•More evening/night events in parks.•More seats, BBQs, toilets and picnic tables at local parks and ovals.•More cycle paths to parks, possibly with drink fountains.•Lack of shade and protection at the beach.•Lighting, security and parking problems at beaches.•

Capital development requestsThe community is seeking access to more quality multi-use public open space that provides a diverse range of opportunities. Additionally, there have been requests for spaces that:

Cater for differing age group needs.•Provide opportunities for those from different cultural backgrounds.•Recognise universal access principles.•Enhance the environment.•Improve linkages with existing spaces and pedestrian/cycling networks.•Provide opportunities for socialising and community connectivity.•Provide spaces for low-key informal celebrations and events.•Cater for a range of uses to occur simultaneously at peak times.•Opportunities for dog exercising and socialising.•Improved safety and security.•Improved access to quality public open space.•Natural and artificial shade.•Cleanliness of facilities.•

Carine, Yokine and Dianella Regional Open Space master plansThe master planning processes carried out for Carine, Yokine and Dianella Regional Open Spaces encompassed significant community consultation processes including liaison with key user groups, extensive comment periods and public meetings.

Key themes that evolved from the consultation in terms of community values regarding public open space were:

High quality infrastructure and facilities are expected.•Comfort for users is important (shade, seating, etc.).•Native habitats are highly valued.•Different cultural associations and personal backgrounds/circumstances •create a diversity of values and needs — can lead to conflict.Safety and security is important.•Change must be carefully managed.•

Community Parks Development ProgramIn 2001 council endorsed a strategic plan for the redevelopment of key City reserves. This programme was commonly referred to as the Community Parks Development Program. The plan aimed to focus capital expenditure on improvements to a limited number of reserves more evenly spread across the City to provide a network of parks that encouraged recreation and socialisation at a community level.

The most valuable outcome of community consultation undertaken to provide feedback on proposals identified that community values and needs varied pending on the location of the reserve. This can be attributed to the fact that unique features of the site, issues impacting the community and the composition of the community can all combine to affect how a local community views the role of public open space and how they are likely to interact with it.

Cultural eventsThe City endeavours to foster local community participation in community events and art projects, as a means of promoting community development. Through our cultural activities we aim to develop a sense of community spirit and neighbourhood belonging, while exposing our community to new cultural experiences, such as through events, community arts projects, financial assistance to enhance cultural development opportunities within the City and also enhancing public and visual art.

The City also recognises and aims to preserve the cultural values and heritage of certain places within the City. This principle is incorporated through public open space development and within the context of contemporary needs and uses.

4.4 COMMUNITY VALUES SUMMARY

Australia has quite an active population. However, it is evident that the use of public open space is influenced by trends: demographic characteristics, particularly age; household structure and economic factors. The type of use and the value of public open space are also affected by proximity, condition and facilities provided. The City of Stirling has a large, diverse and ageing population, with slow growth and small household sizes. The residents of Stirling’s suburbs are not uniform and some spatial patterns are evident. The City’s parks and reserves are its most used recreation facility, used by approximately 70% of the community. There is a general satisfaction with the City’s parks and reserves; however satisfaction levels with children’s playground provides an opportunity for improvement. Improvements to the facilities at local and regional public open spaces are also among the top community priorities for infrastructure and amenity improvements. However, there is divided opinion on the question of quality versus quantity of public open space.

Consultation at the local level illustrates the high value parks and reserves can have to the local community and the major contribution they make to local character and amenity.


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5. CITY OF STIRLING PUBLIC OPEN SPACE MODEL

5.1 CITY OF STIRLING EXISTING PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROVISION

The City is in the fortunate position of having a large amount and variety of public open space dispersed across the municipality. This includes hundreds of small reserves, traditionally referred to as passive spaces, and many larger active spaces for sport and physical activity dispersed across its suburbs. The current public open space network also includes large areas of bushland and wetland conservation and reserves along the coastline. In total the City has 1342 hectares of open space for recreation and conservation reserves. There are over 400 parks and currently 50 active reserves. This equates to 13.5% of the total area of the City and approximately 75m² of open space per head of population (based on an approximate population of 180,000 people in 2006). If the total amount of open space stays as it is for the next 15 years (i.e. no total increase or decrease) this would equate to 67m² per person with the anticipated population of 200,200 people by 2020.

The current public open space network includes a wide variety or habitats, landscapes, facilities and amenities to cater for a wide range of functions and the many sporting and recreational needs of its large population. The range of spaces includes:

320 children’s playgrounds.•Sports fields catering for over 180 sporting clubs and various sporting codes •over 50 active reserves.Numerous natural area reserves including 9 Bush Forever sites, and •incorporating 3 wetlands.1 public golf course.•Various public tennis court facilities.•Several public toilets.•Two skate parks.•Several walking trails.•Barbeque/picnic facilities on 21 reserves.•Numerous informal sport and recreational facilities such as hit-up walls, •basketball and netball hoops, exercise trails etc.Several special purpose spaces such as war memorials, amphitheatres and •boardwalks.

* A map of the City’s reserves is attached in the Appendices.

In the past, the City has classified public open space on a simplistic size and function basis, i.e. major/minor, active/passive. However, there was a need to recognise that each public open space can actually provide areas or zones for a range of activities within the one public open space, such as active, passive, conservation and so on.

Provision of public open space within the City over the last few decades has been based on the Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s 10% provision criteria and cash in lieu standards. Primarily the establishment of new public open space within the City has been limited as there have been very few opportunities for new developments.

In terms of organised sporting users, space allocation on certain public open space has largely been dictated by existing active areas, the relevant sporting codes sportsfield dimension recommendations and maintenance needs. Infrastructure provision associated with sporting clubs/associations is largely based on needs.

The City’s Leisure Planning Principles and Guidelines, which provide a needs-based framework based on core sustainability principles provides clear direction for its provision and upgrades. Maintenance of sporting clubrooms and facilities is based on asset management best practice and key principles.

Although industry best practice, trends and issues analysis and leisure planning principles and guidelines have also been utilised in determining upgrades to public open space there has been no formal framework in which to address and determine provision, upgrades or maintenance nor which to communicate to the public. Additionally, of importance is the need to more strongly focus and integrate statutory planning guidelines and principles with those of health, well-being and sport and recreation.

5.2 CURRENT STATUTORY PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROVISION STANDARDS

Existing provision standardsTraditionally the supply of public open space has been based on standards requiring a certain amount of public open space per head of population, for example the standard commonly used in Britain is 2.83 hectares per 1,000 people, whilst the National Recreation and Park Association of America recommends 10 acres (4ha) per 1,000 people. In Western Australia the standard of 3.36 hectares of public open space per 1,000 people was established in the Stephenson-Hepburn Report of 1955. This standard was converted to 33.6m² per person, on a standard density of 30 persons per hectare, which results in 1,008m² of public open space to be supplied for every hectare (10,000m²) of land. Thus, the standard established was that 10% of a residential area was to be public open space. This 10% standard has been consistently applied in WA since the 1950s, where the subdivider of land has been required to give up 10% of the gross area of a residential subdivision to the Crown, free of cost, for public open space purposes.

The adequacy of this standard was reviewed by the former state government town planning department in 1980, concluding that the standard remains appropriate and should still be applied, although some flexibility would be considered in special circumstances. The 10% provision has been subsequently upheld in the current Western Australian Planning Commission’s Development Control Policy 2.3 Public Open Space in Residential Areas. This policy confirms that the 10% requirement applies to the gross area of subdivision, excluding school sites, major regional roads and public use reserves. However the applicant may also be required to give up an area of foreshore reserve free of cost in addition to the 10%. Additionally, areas identified as a regional reserve — parks and recreation can be included in the 10% where appropriate or may be required to be set aside for acquisition by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).

The WAPC has acknowledged that issues do arise with an arbitrary application of 10%. A standard of public open space provision based on amount only does not take into consideration the importance of the location; quality; role; or trends, needs and use patterns relating to sport, recreation and leisure. The 10% rule unfortunately, has, in part, given way to a number of the issues that have been highlighted in this strategy. More focus appears to have been given to providing the required amount of public open space rather than ensuring that it is in a safe and accessible location, is of a high quality and has been designed to meet the catchment population’s needs. The process has resulted in a number of issues for local governments, including integrating the spaces into a functional environment and the costs associated with developing and maintaining spaces to the community’s expectations. This again highlights the need to find a balance between quantity and quality of open space.


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Provision Standards — Western Australian Planning Commission — Liveable NeighbourhoodsThe Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) seeks to improve public open space planning in new areas through the Liveable Neighbourhoods development code that has been outlined in this strategy. The policy aims to provide ‘a range of site-responsive urban parkland that is under surveillance, safe and conveniently located’. Provisions to achieve this include a hierarchy of different size spaces and functions, such as playgrounds, sporting fields, natural areas and cultural features; designs for accessibility and passive surveillance; and joint recreation and drainage functions. In addition to this, the code outlines what can be included in the 10% provision beyond recreation sites to include natural features, wetlands, water management areas and community purpose sites. However Liveable Neighbourhoods concentrates on public open space provision in new residential subdivisions, not on existing developed areas of the metropolitan region. Some of the principles can be applied to some degree to public open planning for the City of Stirling.

Liveable Neighbourhoods is based on ‘New Urbanism’ and sustainability principles which encourage the development of walkable neighbourhoods where shops, schools, public transport and public open space are within walking distance of homes. It recommends that households should be within 400 metres (or 5 minutes’ walking distance) from a neighbourhood park. To convert this back to a supply standard, a 400m radius neighbourhood would have a total site area of 50 hectares so the 10% provisions requires 5 hectares of public open space for each neighbourhood. These five hectares would be divided among small local parks, larger neighbourhood parks, local bushland or buffer sites and a proportional share of district parks. A suggested example of how this would be provided over four adjoining neighbourhoods is:

Table 6 - Liveable Neighbourhoods POS provision

4 neighbourhoods @ 50 hectares each(800 metres in width each) 200ha

Subtract areas for regional reserves, school sites & other contingencies - 30ha

Gross subdivisible area 170ha

12 local parks (3 per neighbourhood)@ 3,000m² each 3.6ha

4 neighbourhood parks (1 per neighbourhood) @ 8,000m² each 3.2ha

1 district park (shared by 4 neighbourhoods) 6.8ha

1 community purpose site (e.g. community centre, library, kindergarten) 0.2ha

Restricted open space (e.g. bushland, wetland buffer area) 3.2ha

TOTAL OPEN SPACE PROVISION 17ha

Cash in lieuThe 10% contribution of public open space in small-scale subdivisions can often be impractical because 10% of a small land holding does not provide a useable public open space area. In this instance a local government may request that the Western Australian Planning Commission requires the developer to pay cash in lieu of providing the actual land. The money is to be used by the local government for purchasing other land for public open space, repaying loans taken out to buy public open space, or where approved by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, for improving or developing existing public open space (DC Policy 2.3 details acceptable expenditure provisions).

Cash in lieu provisions are not however only applicable to small scale subdivisions, Development Control Policy 2.3 and Liveable Neighbourhoods identify a number of situations where it may be required or accepted by the local government and/or Western Australian Planning Commission. This includes where:

The land is such that a 10% contribution would be too small to be of practical •use.There may already be sufficient public open space in the locality.•Public open space is planned in another location by way of a town planning •scheme or local structure plan.

The 10% public open space contribution has traditionally not been required of developers producing five lots or fewer. However under the new Planning and Development Act 2005 (Section 153 c2) the minimum amount of lots created before the owner/developer may be required to give up an public open space contribution is three (3) lots. This presents significant ramifications for urban infill, where in the past most people dividing up one or two existing lots into three or four higher density lots or grouped dwellings have not been required to make a contribution (or pay cash in lieu). This has been the case in the City of Stirling, where significant small-scale urban infill (2–5 lots) has taken place over the past decade. Such infill is expected to continue over the next decade and beyond, which will result in increasing use of existing spaces and facilities. Public open space contributions by small scale developers must therefore be reconsidered in light of the opportunity created by the legislation to provide additional funds for improving or expanding existing public open spaces.

5.3 THE STRATEGY

OverviewOne of the eleven (11) recommendations of the City’s Leisure Plan was that a review be undertaken of all the City’s reserves in relation to their classification, location, suitability, usage and future needs. To implement this recommendation it was resolved that a number of actions were required to be undertaken, these were:

Establish a public open space classification system. •Develop public open space classification criteria. •Classify all existing public open space utilising an assessment proforma. •

It was proposed that the information gathered would then be used as a foundation to develop strategies for the future provision and management of public open space within the City. An essential part of such a review includes identifying the objectives of public open space provision, both overarching objectives for the City, as well as individual objectives relevant to the different types of public open space provided. Classification of public open space must begin with identifying what constitutes public open space and understanding the many roles and functions it plays. This information is then used to identify the different types of public open space that exist or are needed within the City. Classifying the different types of public open space in the City of Stirling then involves considering the role, functions, use, appearance, size, location and community value of different spaces.

New Public Open Space Strategy principlesA set of guiding principles has been used in the preparation of this strategy to help guide the vision of the strategy and the development of classification criteria. These principles will also guide the future assessment and classification program and implementation of the strategy:

SustainabilityThe fundamental guiding principle of this strategy is sustainability. This requires balancing the current and future needs of the community, the environment and the economy in providing and maintaining public open space. Sustainability in public open space principally involves ensuring appropriate use and protection of resources, including the best use of parklands, the protection of habitats, maintaining open space reserves for future generations, and appropriate use of public assets.

Access and availabilityA range of open spaces of different size and function should be accessible to all of the City’s residents. Ease of access and choice of transport mode are key considerations in land use and transport planning in and around open spaces.

Equity An equitable distribution of public open space, in terms of amount, condition, protection and access of spaces across the City so that locations, user groups or segments of the community are not disadvantaged. The strategy also has a responsibility to consider intergenerational equity and ensure good quality spaces and healthy environments are available for future generations.

Quality and enjoymentThe provision of quality spaces for the enjoyment of the City’s residents is both a strategic and operational objective. In preparation of this strategy, the principle of quality and enjoyment has been used as a reference point, each decision must be mindful of whether this will result in good quality open spaces that people will safely enjoy using.

Financial responsibilityThe City must be accountable and responsible in how it uses public funds and assets. The Strategy must address the cost of provision and ongoing maintenance in a responsible, equitable and sustainable way. Investment in open space must be justified in terms of an efficient use of resources, whilst funds obtained from developer contributions or any open space disposal must be used appropriately to achieve the objectives of the strategy.

FlexibilityImplementation of the strategy must be responsive to community needs, changes in priorities and to regional and local issues. The strategy continually evolves to accommodate unforeseen issues and changes over time, for example recreation trends. Therefore a degree of flexibility must be incorporated into classifications, actions and implementation. This includes considerations for different circumstances, environments, needs and aspirations in different areas and communities across the City.

DiversityTo provide a diverse range of opportunities offered in public open space across the City.

PartnershipsTo recognise the importance of partnerships in assisting to achieve the objectives of this strategy and the need for others to recognise and support the City in the provision of multi-use spaces and opportunities.

Culture and heritageTo recognise the local culture and heritage of an area when considering the provision of or development of public open space within the City.

Management To ensure the most effective and efficient management of public open space within the City and to continue an ethos of continuous improvement in internal partnerships, process and land use planning.

Sport and recreationThe recognition that public open space in the City provides important leisure, sport and recreational opportunities.

Community health and well-beingRecognition of the significant benefits that public open space provides concerning positive community health outcomes such as fostering social connectivity and building community capacity.

Efficient use of resourcesRecognition of the need to manage natural and community resources in a sustainable manner and to ensure integration of best practice principles such as the efficient use of water.

Community engagementContinue to foster community input and ownership through the use of appropriate communication and consultation methods.

New public open space hierarchy and roleA new classification system has been developed that better identifies the different types of public open space within the City and that enables the diverse supply of public open spaces across the City and within specific areas to be analysed by role, size, siting, quantity and catchment area.


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A network of seven (7) different categories has been produced:Local open space•Community open space.•District open space.•Regional open space.•Natural conservation areas. •Special purpose open space.•Residual land.•

The development of these categories has been based on a review of current best practice examples, City internal multidisciplinary workshops and contemporary planning principles. The importance of a hierarchy allows the provision of a diverse range of public open spaces to be provided within a given area, as each space serves a different role and different amount of people (catchment population). There is a need for people within the City to have access to a variety of different public open spaces, as no single space can meet all the sporting and recreational needs of a community. A hierarchy of public open spaces is based principally on size, location and distribution; starting with small public open spaces being in close proximity so that they meet the daily/weekly needs of a neighbourhood, going up to larger spaces that can collectively meet a wider variety of needs and functions and that are shared among appropriate amounts of people, housing or areas.

To achieve this hierarchy, the City has identified different levels of public open space: local, community, district and regional. These four different spaces are intended to cater for different size communities and recognises the relationship between the size of a space and its capacity to serve a certain amount of people and/or functions. The hierarchy is based on the principles of sustainability, accessibility, choice, equity and quality. The principal role of each of the different categories of public open space has been identified and criteria on the optimum size, service area, location, timing of use and facilities have also been defined, that are known as the classification criteria.

A hierarchy of different size public open spaces must also be combined with a diversity of spaces. This requires that people have access to a choice of spaces of different appearance as well as function. This is particularly important in terms of environmental habitat, as vegetated and natural areas are just as necessary as cleared sites for sports use and picnic areas for social connectivity. A diversity of spaces is also important so that different natural habitats can be conserved and enhanced so that spaces respond to local character, instead of uniform spaces across the City. Other public open spaces in addition to the four listed above should be provided within a comprehensive public open space network. This includes setting aside areas for conservation of different habitats and providing or identifying spaces that perform a specific function outside general recreation uses, such as drainage or historical reference. These spaces fit into the classification framework under ‘natural conservation areas’ or ‘special purpose open space’.

The classification ‘residual land’ acknowledges that there are public open spaces within the City that may be identified as surplus to the above public open space hierarchy network. The residual land classification is based on the principles of sustainability, financial responsibility, access and quality. The process of classifying all the City’s public open space under the new hierarchy and classification criteria will also identify that there are some reserves that are underutilised and poorly developed, due to a number of factors previously identified but also largely as a result of oversupply within a defined area. This can be determined through the process of conducting a detailed inventory, assessment and mapping of all public open spaces within an area of the City. This is further discussed in section seven (7) of this strategy. This process will identify any reserves that do not meet the classification role and criteria and are residual to the identified public open space network of that area.

Table 7 - Public open space hierarchy — classification and rolesThis table outlines the determinants for classifying POS

Classification Role

Local Open Space

Local open spaces are small parklands that service the regular small-scale recreation needs of the immediate residential population within five to ten minutes walking distance. The predominant use is for informal recreation for individuals and households, especially low level children’s play, dog walking and relaxation. The site should be a quiet, intimate and naturally shaded space, conveniently located within a residential street. Local open space is of particular benefit in areas of higher density with limited private open space and or concentrated populations. These spaces also have value in providing ‘green relief’ to break up the urban form; contributing to local identity; and providing a venue for social interaction at a personal level.

Community Open Space

Community open spaces serve as the recreational and social focus of a community. Residents of surrounding neighbourhoods are attracted to community open spaces due to the variety of features and facilities and opportunities to socialise. They are large enough to provide for both passive and informal active uses to occur simultaneously, while managing potential social conflict. These spaces also have value in providing ’green relief’ to break up the urban form; contribute to local identity and may also incorporate natural areas that serve conservation or environmental goals.

District Open Space

District open spaces principally provide for organised formal sport and recreation (passive and informal, active) for surrounding neighbourhoods, yet are large enough to accommodate a variety of concurrent uses, including organised sports, children’s play, picnicking, exercising the dog, social gatherings and individual activities. The public open space accommodates the recommended dimensions of grassed areas for formal sport, informal active recreation and hard surface multi-use courts and also contains larger passive/leisure landscaped areas. District open space provides a significant visual break in the urban environment, particularly along major thoroughfares. Facilities on site are provided for the benefit of City of Stirling residents in the adjoining neighbourhoods, yet may also be utilised by non-residents and sport and recreation groups and neighbouring schools. There may be limited collocation with other built community facilities subject to available space. District open space also generally serves conservation and environmental management goals and can include areas of undeveloped land with natural/native vegetation and water bodies. Sensitive environmental areas may have some restricted public access.

Regional Open Space

Regional open spaces are the City of Stirling’s large signature parks that are of high recreational, social, environmental and tourism value. These spaces serve broad-based sport and recreational needs providing numerous quality facilities for residents, as well as for visitors from outside the City. Regional open spaces also aim to serve conservation and environmental management goals and include sizeable areas of undeveloped land with natural/native vegetation and may include water bodies. Regional open spaces provide for the highest level of simultaneous use due to the nature of their very large size.

Natural Conservation

Areas

Natural conservation areas represent intact or rehabilitated examples of the Western Australian natural environment such as bushland, wetlands and coastal habitats. These areas have been set aside for conservation to preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats across the City. Any site development should be considerate of the conservation intent of these areas. Appropriate levels of public access will be determined and managed. Recreation is to be strictly limited to uses that have low impact on the area. These areas will be dependent on the availability of natural resources and the opportunity to create new or existing habitats.

Special Purpose Open Space

Special purpose open spaces are unique or single purpose spaces that are provided in addition to the local, community, district and regional open space hierarchy. These spaces include urban spaces, such as plazas and squares; landfill sites, historical and cultural spaces, such as memorial parks; linear parks, such as cycle routes; and other special use sites, such as drainage and landscape buffers. These spaces can contribute strongly to local character and identify and often provide an ideal space for community events.

Residual Land

Residual land is land that has been identified as being surplus to a well-structured public open space network that adequately services the needs of the City’s residents and visitors. Residual land does not provide a useful function to a significant portion of the community, due to poor location, incompatible adjacent land uses, poor access, and limited size, lack of infrastructure or oversupply. The retention and maintenance of these spaces may be considered unsustainable by the City and the community and therefore may be considered for disposal or alternative land uses so that funds may be reallocated to the development of other new or existing spaces within the community.


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New public open space provision standardsAs part of the new public open space hierarchy and classification system that has been developed and discussed in the section above, a new set of provision standards or classification criteria has also been developed as part of this strategy. These provision standards go beyond the traditional and simplistic active/passive classifications and investigate the size, role, type and diversity of spaces that it is desirable to provide across the City, and with defined smaller areas. The new standards have been developed to address the issues discussed in this strategy, including the provision considerations discussed later in this section. The provision standards are combined with the network of seven different classifications to provide a comprehensive framework that will guide the classification, provision and development of all public open space within the City for the next fifteen (15) to twenty (20) years. This framework is referred to as the public open space classification criteria and is discussed in detail below.

The classification criteria include five different provision headings — size, service area, location, timing of use, and facilities, which establish the target provision and development standards for each type of public open space in the established public open space network. The provision standards are more easily defined for those spaces which fall into the local/community/district/regional hierarchy as these spaces will have some degree of uniformity across the City — more particularly to do with size, location and facilities, (not appearance or character which should be more locally-specific instead of uniform). The criteria also identify what standards can be applied to natural conservation areas, special purpose and residual open spaces, yet there is limited ability or need to apply uniform standards to these relatively unique spaces. An explanation of each provision heading is provided below and a table outlining each classification and provision standard is provided in Appendix A.

1. SizeThe size criterion identifies the desirable or preferred size for each type or classification of space within the public open space network, most particularly the size range of each space within the local/community/district/regional hierarchy. The size of each type/classification of space is directly related to its role and also the number and location of these spaces within the urban environment. The smallest spaces are the local public open spaces, of which there are currently several hundred in Stirling — they are small and plentiful so that all residents can easily access an open space. The size of spaces then increases through the hierarchy as the amount of larger spaces decreases and the distance between them increases. There can be fewer district and regional public open spaces because residents already have some public open space near to them; there is limited opportunity to develop more of the larger district and regional open spaces; and the nature of these larger spaces makes travelling further and the use of various transportation modes generally more acceptable to the public.

Each type of space must be large enough to accommodate the expected activities and amount of use generated by the size of the catchment population relative to its function. Certain classifications of public open space must also provide sufficient size for playing fields for certain organised sports. The size standards also address the appropriate size in terms of maintenance and development, where public open spaces less than 0.2 hectares in size are generally considered unsustainable to maintain or develop. The target size range of the space also assists in providing safe and attractive public open spaces that meet the role of the space and where people want to use it. In some instances, a particular public open space may be identified as too large or too small. It may even be desirable to expand public open spaces that are too small but are needed as part of the network, and therefore land acquisition may need to be investigated. Whilst on the other hand other small spaces may be identified as residual to the network and either disposed of or alternative land uses determined. Increasing the size of conservation spaces may also be pursued for environmental sustainability/biodiversity needs.

In a predominantly developed area like the City of Stirling, the size of individual public open spaces is largely dictated by resource availability and opportunities and what is already in place. However the size standards provide a mechanism for assessing if existing public open spaces are adequate and appropriate and will assist in decision-making relating to future development and maintenance. The size standards do provide for some overlap in sizes between different classifications of spaces in the hierarchy. This indicates that size is not the only element that dictates the classification and role of the space, for example there may be three parks of approximately two (2) hectares each within close proximity — one of these may be operating or designated as a community open space and the other two (2) as local open spaces as part of that areas network. All aspects of the public open space classification criteria must be considered in classifying a space, not just its size.

2. Service area/catchment populationService area refers to the area or catchment that a particular type/classification of public open space is intended to service. This generally focuses on identifying the size of the geographical area surrounding the public open space that is designated as its catchment area. This identifies that a certain space is servicing the needs of people living or working within a specific area surrounding that particular public open space. Identifying the service area also establishes how far apart, or the distribution of, public open spaces of the same role should be located, so that they are close enough together to be accessible by the catchment population and well-used, yet not so close that they are in significant oversupply and underutilised.

The service area standards also identify where walkability is a priority or where other modes of transport may be needed. It establishes that there should be at least one (1) public open space providing a local public open space role generally within five minutes’ walking distance (400 metres) of all residents, yet it is acceptable that other forms of transport may be necessary to access district and regional open spaces. The service area measures are based on a radius surrounding a space, rather than the ped shed of that space, principally for ease of mapping as the City has many hundred spaces. However, in mapping the radius/catchment of each space there is also consideration of access constraints and physical barriers that may restrict the catchment population from accessing that site. For example if a major road falls within the 400 metre radius of a local open space there may well be a need to provide another local public space on the other side of the barrier, resulting in the two spaces being less than 800 metres apart.

The service area criterion also acknowledges that different classifications of public open spaces within the hierarchy can perform the same role. For example, a community space can perform the role of both community and local open space for those people within 400 metres. In these situations it may be unsustainable to ‘double up’ on public open spaces, i.e. those within 300–400 metres of a community space may not need to also be within 400 metres of a local open space, and similarly those within 2km of a regional space may not need to also be within 2km of a district space, if the regional space provides the same roles and has similar facilities that the district space would. However it must be acknowledged that the catchment area, or the distance between certain spaces is not the sole consideration for identifying spaces as residual, or available for disposal. Spaces that are closer together than designated by the service area may be performing an important function or value to the community or environment and would therefore need to be further considered as part of the network.

3. LocationThe location heading establishes the most desirable location criterion for each classification of public open space. It does not designate specific sites for each public open space across the City; rather it identifies criteria for where certain open spaces should be located. The principle consideration in location of open space is accessibility. The criterion stresses the importance of being able to access certain classification public open spaces by the pedestrian, cycle, road and public transport network. Pedestrian access is particularly emphasised for local and community open spaces to maximise accessibility and use and to encourage walking for transport and as a form of recreation and physical activity. Constraints to access must also be assessed, for example major roads or other physical barriers that make walking difficult or unattractive.

The location criterion also addresses the urban context of the public open space — whether the space should be central or peripheral to a neighbour and on what level of street it should be located. These issues again relate to accessibility, yet also to visibility and profile of a public open space and its contribution to visual amenity. For example, locating a community public open space near other community amenities and at the junction of two local distributor roads will provide good access to the site and its high level of visibility may attract more users as well as providing ‘green relief’ or visual amenity in key locations.

The location criterion also addresses the need to make spaces feel secure and welcoming so that people will use them more regularly and they will feel safe and comfortable there. This can relate to the street location and the orientation of housing and other land uses around the public open space (i.e. facing the park to provide casual passive surveillance). For certain public open spaces, such as district and regional, a balance may be required between providing casual surveillance and providing a buffer between high activity areas and residences to avoid social conflict resulting from noise. This may require locating noisier activities within the public open space further from dwellings.

The location heading also acknowledges that the location of public open spaces is often related to resource availability. This is particularly relevant for large spaces as there is a very limited opportunity within the City to acquire large areas for district or regional open space. The location of conservation spaces also depends upon resource availability and the opportunity to conserve habitats (however habitats can also be planted or expanded).

The potential for collocation of certain spaces is also acknowledged, particularly collocating district spaces with school sites to allow shared use and management, where desirable, by both organisations. Additionally, these public open spaces may also be located with key community recreational and social facilities and services to effectively create key hubs or activity areas within a community.

4. Timing of use Timing of use is used to define the time of day that the space is generally used — particularly daytime, early evening or late evening. All public open spaces would of course be used predominately during daylight hours; however the use of some spaces would extend into the early or late evening. The timing of use standard identifies where evening use is permitted or supported, for example in community open spaces where social gatherings may run into the evening, or regional spaces where sports clubs may host functions at night-time, or in spaces where night-time community events are organised by the City or other organisations. Identifying the timing of use does not necessarily require that the space is closed to public access outside the designated time, although this may be required in specific instances; rather it relates to lighting and social facilities provision as well as appropriate siting and design to balance the security and disturbance of evening uses.


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5. Facilities Identifying the appropriate facilities required at different classifications of public open spaces is a major element of this strategy. The City has in the past made ad hoc decisions on facility provision based on community pressure or political will. This can result in inequitable provision and resource spending, with areas where no one complains sometimes being overlooked. Additionally, when public requests are made for new facilities, for example for a skate park or a barbeque area, there is no established framework for identifying the desirable location for such facilities in terms of public open space. Again an ad hoc decision may be made or a needs analysis study may be required for that specific facility. At times there may also be insufficient information to explain or justify the decision-making process to the community.

The classification criteria have established a list of required and desirable facilities for each classification of public open space in the framework. The list is comprehensive of all facilities that may be required in that type of public open space and includes such things as shelters, BBQs, reticulation, lighting, play equipment, active sporting facilities, informal, active recreation facilities, parking, drinking fountains and paths. The list can be used to identify shortfalls in facility provision within a given area or specific public open space and will guide future planning for new facilities. This list can also assist in the classification of public open spaces, by examining what facilities it currently has. Having a set of established standards of what is required or possible in a certain type of public open space ensures consistent and transparent decision-making. It also assists annual and forward budgeting and funds allocation and planning and the equitable and sustainable use of council financial resources.

The facilities standards have been tailored to the identified role of the public open space as different types and amounts of facilities are required based on the size, function and amount of use of the space. Whilst the aim of these standards is to provide uniformity of the classification and number of facility provision across the City, it is acknowledged that there will be some need for local variations based on different community needs and the variation in size between parks of the same function.

Other public open space provision considerations The provision of public open space on an amount per head calculation is a simplistic planning tool that offers both benefits and complications. The 10% provision guidelines has resulted in a relatively good amount of public open space across most areas in Perth developed since 1956 and provides a high degree of equity and certainty for developers and local governments. Supplying an equal amount of public open space in all areas also offers some degree of equity to communities, yet although different areas may have the same amount of public open space, the quality and type of space different communities enjoy, can vary considerably. An arbitrary provision calculation (area/head) does not take into consideration unique needs such as the desires and resources of different communities as well as changing environmental, social, economic and demographic trends and issues. The public open space planning principles presented in Liveable Neighbourhoods, such as accessibility and surveillance, go some way to improving provision planning principles. However, in establishing a set of supply standards for an established local government there are a number of other factors that must be taken into consideration.

Balancing passive and active spaceTraditionally recreation has been broken into either ‘active’ or ‘passive’ recreation, based on an assumption that different spaces are needed to be provided for each use. Variable standards have been applied to how much or what ratio of active to passive space should be provided within a given area. These standards have changed over time with changes in leisure pursuits and sport and recreation trends and use. Current trends indicate that more people are taking part in informal, active and passive recreation activities than organised sporting activities. (ABS and other data indicates approximately 70% of the population take part in some sort of passive/active, informal recreation whilst approximately 30% take part in organised sport or physical activity). This has led to a possible mismatch of types of spaces to the local community’s needs and furthermore requires that trends that will create significant future demand be catered for. For example, the City of Stirling’s ageing population coupled with increasing interest in recreational walking will create a growing need for passive recreational spaces, which must be anticipated and planned for.

Yet sustainable spaces are those that are flexible enough to adapt to changing trends. Continuing to provide separate spaces or reserves for active and passive sport and recreational uses is not a sustainable practice. Although some activities may not be compatible within the same area, a well-designed public open space can accommodate a range of uses from those wanting to engage in leisure activities to passive recreation, informal active recreation and sport. This allows more diversity of use and appearance of the space and allows a wider proportion of the surrounding population to use and interact within the space. Multiple use is therefore the preferred supply objective, rather than a space that provides single purpose objectives or uses. Allocating, or designing portions of a public open space for sport or recreational use will vary according to local factors. However, an equitable target is approximately 50:50, allowing for the increasing dominance of leisure and recreational activities, whilst also recognising that organised activities (which can usually use the same space) generally require a larger land area than passive uses. Additionally, organised sport land use requirements are in most cases guided by the playing field dimensions set out by the relevant codes’ associations, whilst more informal, active and passive recreational areas are generally not set by standards or guidelines. It must also be acknowledged, however, that some spaces within the City’s existing public open space network have been designed and maintained purely for active sporting use and are required to be maintained to continue to provide these opportunities to cater for current sporting user group needs, such as sports teams and clubs, that rely on that space. In some instances these spaces may be considered a ‘special use’ reserve, or if they are identified as district open spaces improvements to the range of facilities may be required in order for it to better meet the informal, active and passive recreational and leisure needs of the surrounding population.

Balancing environmental conservation and sport and recreation A good quality open space network system makes provision for both environmental conservation and opportunities for sport and recreation. This involves having a good understanding of conservation and sport and recreational needs, identifying opportunities for conservation and allocating appropriate spaces/areas for each role/function. Sometimes sport and recreation and conservation of sensitive environmental habitats are not compatible and therefore there may be a need to restrict or even prohibit some uses, such as sport, in a conservation area. Additionally some forms of recreation or other activities may be considered a threat to conservation of bushland or other habitats and it may be considered appropriate to set a figure on the amount of a certain reserve that will remain as a conservation area. The aim is to ensure a diversity of spaces and functions within the public open space network, which serves different community sporting, recreational, leisure and environmental needs.

Within the City of Stirling’s existing public open space network there is a wide range of both conservation and sporting and recreation areas. There are several large conservation areas dispersed across the City, such as Star Swamp Bushland Reserve in North Beach, Trigg Bushland and Cottonwood Reserve, Dianella. In many reserves conservation and recreation and even sport currently coexist. Generally it is mostly passive recreational activities that are being undertaken within conservation areas, such as walking or nature interaction. However there have been examples of conflict mainly within conservation/bushland areas and in this regard it is vital to have a clear understanding of the role/function of the areas and determine appropriate uses.

A major mechanism to ensure that adequate amounts and diversity of habitat are provided within the City’s public open space network is the state government’s Bush Forever policy which recognises nine (9) sites across the City for conservation of vegetation diversity or threatened habitats. All of these sites are within large reserves that are currently reserved under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) and the state proposes to formally recognise and protect all Bush Forever sites through the creation of Bush Forever Protection Areas under the MRS and an associated Statement of Planning Policy — Bushland Policy for the Perth metropolitan region. It should be noted that the Statement of Planning Policy would require the preparation of a local bushland strategy by councils as part of a broader biodiversity strategy. The City of Stirling’s Green Plan currently performs this role to some extent by not only identifying these major bushland conservation areas, yet also recognising the importance of smaller areas within reserves and the ecological links between public open space reserves and natural areas in overall biodiversity protection. Bush Forever and Green Plan sites provide the best mechanism for identifying conservation areas within the City’s public open space network and for ensuring a diversity of environments and balance between conservation, sport, recreation and leisure and thus must be formally recognised in the classification process.

The City’s Bush Forever sites are located at:The coastal reserve from City Beach to Brighton Beach.•The coastal reserve from north of Scarborough Beach to Trigg Beach & •Karrinyup Bushland Reserve.Herdsman Lake.•Lake Gwelup.•Star Swamp Bushland Reserve.•Carine Regional Open Space.•Mirrabooka Regional Open Space.•Cottonwood Crescent, Dianella. •Dianella Regional Open Space, Dianella.•


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Provision of a diversity of spaces/experiencesDiversity of spaces within the public open space network is critical to enabling the network to fulfill the diversity of functions required of public open space and to providing for the diverse needs of the City of Stirling’s large community. Diversity of public open spaces allows people to enjoy a range of sporting, recreational and leisure experiences and also contributes to local character and identity. At a state or regional planning level a ‘recreation opportunity analysis’ can be used to identify and classify the different type of sporting and recreational opportunities provided by the public open space network, based on what recreation and social experiences are provided by different settings. This allows for needs analysis and gaps in provisions to be identified to enable land use and resource development decisions to be made. Local governments cannot provide a full range of sporting and recreational experiences due to size and environmental diversity limitations, however the City of Stirling being both a large and populous local government can and does provide a wide diversity of spaces and experiences. This is made possible by the diversity of habitats and landscapes within the City, including a broad range of natural settings — the coast, wetlands, large areas of bushland within different vegetation complexes; and an established range of developed spaces such as golf courses, sports ovals, skate parks, playgrounds etc.

The provision of a diverse range of public open spaces and recreational experiences is/will be provided for through this strategy with the implementation of the provision standards, specifically the provision of various different types/classifications of public open space as it sets out clear roles/functions of each public open space classification. The implementation of the strategy to each relevant area will assist the City in determining gaps/and or oversupply relating to public open space types/classifications, ultimately ensuring the sustainable provision of a diverse range of leisure, recreational and sporting opportunities for the community. Additionally, there may also be opportunities to expand roles of existing public open spaces. Diversity is not just created through the provision of various types/classifications of public open space but also the theming of infrastructure and amenities that contributes to the identity and diversity of a public open space. It is vital that where multiple public open space classifications are contained within a community, usually local open spaces, that diversity is encouraged through providing unique landscape settings and theming of infrastructure and amenities on public open space.

In addition to sustainable provision standards and principles outlined in this strategy and detailed in section six (6.3) a fundamental element of public open space planning is determining need. This involves identifying factors that affect the demand for public open space, establishing how these factors are operating in the community and predicting how these factors will influence need in the future. The three major elements of needs analysis that are relevant to public open space planning for the City of Stirling are key demographic needs, trends and locational needs. This requires an understanding of how certain attributes of a community or sub-community, such as its growth rate, density changes or demographic trends, affect need and use of open space, and then identifying how needs may vary across the City due to different characteristics of the population in different areas. Needs analysis in the City of Stirling, due to its established nature, is generally not focused on predicting the need for new spaces, yet rather understanding the needs within existing communities and ensuring the right type, mix and quantity of public open spaces and opportunities have been/are provided to meet key needs.

Demographic needsThe City is identified as a ‘middle-ring’ local government district, with demographic and economic characteristics not greatly different from those of the metropolitan region, as a whole. However, because of its large area and population, an important feature of the City’s demographic profile is its uneven spatial distribution with respect to household structure, income and ethnicity.

The population of the City of Stirling was 167,578 persons in 2001. The population continues to grow, however at a slow rate. Between the 1996 and 2001 ABS censuses, population growth in the City was just 0.6% per annum, compared to 1.5% p.a. for the metropolitan region as a whole. The major population growth in this period occurred in the eastern (Dianella and Inglewood) and the south-western (Doubleview, Churchlands and Innaloo) sections of the City. This growth was, however, slightly offset by a decline in population in the south-eastern area of the City (Mount Lawley, Menora, Coolbinia). Further, substantial growth is largely limited to a small number of new broadacre subdivisions, including Princeton and Roselea estates in Stirling and the rural areas of Gwelup, and redevelopment sites at Edith Cowan Churchlands and Karrinyup private golf course. The City’s population is forecast to grow to approximately 200,200 people by 2020.

Small scale urban infill where existing individual lots are subdivided and developed also presents the potential for population growth, however at a smaller degree than large subdivisions and new estates. The ability for such infill to create substantial population growth is limited both by the City’s zoning and by housing patterns. A comprehensive residential density review in the mid 1990s saw increases in zonings in certain suitable areas in the City. This has facilitated substantial urban infill in the last ten years, particularly in the suburbs of Nollamara, Balga, Westminster, Innaloo, Scarborough, Doubleview, Glendalough and Yokine. Research undertaken as part of the preparation of the City’s Local Housing Strategy, which is currently being developed, indicates that urban infill through current zonings presents the opportunity for approximately 40,000 new dwellings over the coming years/decades. Council has resolved that they are generally satisfied with current zonings across the City and there are no current plans for substantial rezoning or density increases, which would facilitate major redevelopment of other suburbs. However, the forthcoming City’s Local Housing Strategy and the local area planning projects may result in density increases in strategic locations, enabling some further urban infill.

However, although urban infill has/will generate significant new housing development across many suburbs in the City of Stirling, it may not generate substantial population growth. The demolition of single houses and replacement with medium density units often does not create a significant net increase in population due to low household occupancy rates. The average household size in the City has declined steadily over past decades and has currently levelled at 2.1 persons per dwelling in 1996 and 2001. There is also evidence of increasing numbers of lone-person households across the City, with most suburbs recording an increase in lone-person households between1996 and 2001.

Additionally, the current density zonings do not, in most cases, facilitate the radical changes in density that would facilitate major population growth. The rezoning in the mid-1990s facilitates low-density areas to be redeveloped to medium density, mostly commonly to R30 and R40. The population growth generated by this scale of density increase, in itself, does not create substantial ‘demand’ for more public open space provision, when considering public open space provision on a ‘per capita’ basis. However, the increased density of development or changes in population demographics that are created by infill may generate demand for public open space, due to the loss of private open space in smaller lots or in terms of the type and use of space required by new residents.

The age of residents across the City must also be considered in further considering the need for public open space. It is evident that different age groups have different sport, recreation and leisure pursuits and therefore use public open space in different ways. For example playgrounds for small children, active recreation for (male) teenagers and passive pursuits for the elderly. Studies show that seniors participate less in active and organised sports yet more in passive recreational public open space needs, such as walking, relaxation and nature tourism. It is also noted that recreational activities help seniors maintain their sense of independence, and a higher quality of life than they might otherwise enjoy. The recreational needs of young people can be more difficult to plan for, due to changing trends and the nature of spaces required, such as built facilities like skate parks. The City of Stirling recognises that young people need ‘youth-friendly’ spaces in which to meet, where they are comfortable and not overly watched.

The current age distribution of the City of Stirling’s population is compared to that of metropolitan Perth in figure 3.1 below. It can be seen that as a whole the City of Stirling is home to relatively few children; rather it is currently a place where young adults and retirement-aged people are more likely to live. The City currently has 3% fewer children than the Perth average, whilst 3% more seniors. However the forecast ageing of the population is evident in the City of Stirling, with significant increases in the proportions of those aged 45–65 and 65 and over by 2020, coupled with drops in the proportions of 0–14 and14–29-year-olds.

Figure 3 - Current and forecast age composition of Stirling’s population

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

0 -14years

15 – 29years

30 – 45years

45 – 65years

65 +

PER TH 2001

S TIR LING 2001

S TIR LING 2020

Leisure, recreational, sporting and social trendsAdditionally, it is important to keep abreast of trends concerning participation and their impact on public open space needs. Research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on recreational participation provides baseline data at a regional and City level. Although the ABS data is extremely useful it is also vital that further research into participation trends and issues from a number of other industry agencies at a Commonwealth and state level are reviewed as they generally provide more detailed analysis of use trends and key issues. In addition, there are a number of local (City of Stirling) initiatives that are undertaken to determine local participation trends and needs and these are also a vital component in having an understanding of the local needs and values of a community in terms of public open space. When considering participation trends in terms of leisure, recreation and sport it is also vital to consider the other factors that are valued by the community in terms of use such as social trends and environmental/conservation values. The data and information portraying participation trends and values is then utilised to identify likely participation levels in terms of public open space needs within sectors of the City of Stirling’s population.


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Locational variationsAs previously noted, the demographic characteristics of the City of Stirling’s population are not uniformly distributed across the City. Within a large municipality like Stirling, with 31 suburbs, it is to be expected that different people will be attracted to different suburbs and that certain socio-economic patterns can be identified. Understanding who lives where in the City is an important part of needs analysis, particularly in terms of identifying areas of higher need for public open space, or the need for particular types of spaces to match the community living there. A number of key locational variations’ have been identified across the City in terms of population characteristics relevant to possible public open space needs. These locational variations within the population are summarised in Figure 3.2, overleaf.

Household structure varies considerably across the City. Based on ABS statistics few suburbs could be termed as traditional ‘family suburbs’ as couples with children make up less than half of all households in most suburbs, generally they constitute 30%–45% of households in most suburbs. However there is a stronger predominance of families with children (either couples or single parent) in the northern part of Stirling, where as in the south there are higher proportions of lone-person households. The predominant age of children also varies across suburb. The location of young children is linked to the predominance of families in the northern sector, whilst young persons (15–24 years) are not concentrated in a particular sector of the municipality; however suburbs of greater predominance or little representation can be identified. Also in terms of age characteristics, most suburbs within the City have a similar or higher proportion of persons aged over 65 than the average for metropolitan Perth, with the exception of the south-western section (Herdsman, Churchlands, Wembley) and the ‘family’ suburbs of Carine and Mirrabooka. Menora presents an anomaly, with much higher proportions of aged people due to several aged persons villages and nursing homes.

The predominance of children, youth or the aged presents different public open space needs in different areas, particularly in terms of the type and frequency of use, and some local variations in the design or facilities in reserves may by required for these special needs areas, for example more playgrounds, active youth spaces or passive spaces. In contrast, other age groups do not necessarily have different needs to be catered for, for example although the 25–34 age group has a higher participation in active sport and recreation they generally use public open space in the same manner as those aged 34–64 and in many common ways to youth and seniors.

Another consideration for areas of high proportions of children, youth and seniors is accessibility. Those aged under 17 and many elderly people do not drive and therefore have a greater need for public open space in close proximity. Being able to walk or cycle to open space is also an important need for children and youth as this forms part of the recreational experience. Accessibility is also important in those areas of low car ownership, most common in less affluent suburbs. Ease of access and use is also of crucial consideration for those with disabilities; approximately 20% of Stirling’s population has some form of disability, three quarters of which are physical disabilities.

In terms of identifying the needs of CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities may require specific consultation methods to understand their needs in relation to sporting and recreational opportunities of public open space. The City’s CALD programme will greatly assist in this area.

Another spatial pattern that must be considered is that of housing form and density. Although there is insufficient research data on how those in different housing types may recreate, there are assumptions that those in higher-density housing have less personal open space and therefore must have more need for public open space.

This is a fairly basic assumption as housing form influences household formation and occupancy with different open space needs. For example a medium-density area may contain a number of aged person units and higher-density housing would have more single-person households, both groups being those that recreate less. Additionally those living in medium- and high-density housing may do so because they place less value on public open space. Notwithstanding this, the City of Stirling has a high proportion of medium density zoned land, this coupled with decreasing housing affordability will likely result in an increasing amount and variety of people living in medium density housing, having limited private open space, and having a variety of public open space needs. For example a single income, one car family with children may only be able to afford a small property and having high recreational needs, will therefore be heavily reliant on accessible public open spaces to provide for their sporting and recreational needs.

Table 8 - Locational demographic features of Stirling

Characteristic Suburbs with HighestProportions

Suburbs with Lowest Proportions

Children (0–4 years)

Mirrabooka, Balga, Coolbinia Westminster, Carine, Gwelup

Herdsman, Glendalough, Osborne Park, Wembley*

15–24 year olds Glendalough, Churchlands, Carine

Woodlands, Dianella, Gwelup

Seniors Menora, Woodlands, Yokine, Joondanna, Innaloo

Herdsman, Carine, Wembley*, Churchlands. Mirrabooka

Couples without children

Yokine, Joondanna, Scarborough

Mirrabooka, BalgaCarine, Churchlands

Lone-person household

Herdsman, Osborne Park Glendalough, Tuart Hill

Carine, Mirrabooka Stirling, Hamersley

Medium & high density housing

Wembley, Osborne Park, Tuart Hill, Glendalough, Joondanna

Hamersley, Mirrabooka, Karrinyup, Trigg, Carine

Non-English speaking background

Mirrabooka, Stirling, Balcatta, Herdsman, Churchlands

Trigg, Watermans Bay, Gwelup, North Beach

Unemployed Herdsman, Westminster, Glendalough, Balga, Mirrabooka

Gwelup, Carine, Woodlands, Wembley Downs

Car ownership Coastal Ward(Watermans Bay, North Beach, Karrinyup, Gwelup)

Osborne Ward(Osborne Park, Tuart Hill, Glendalough, Joondanna)

(Proportions based on ABS census data for 2001) * only part of Wembley is within Stirling


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6. IMPLEMENTATION 6.1 APPLICATION OF THE NEW PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STRATEGY

In terms of implementation of the new Public Open Space Strategy there are a number of actions that need to occur in addition to the implementation of the strategy Citywide. In this regard, this section also outlines those future actions or strategies that need to be further developed or addressed and, to achieve this, a detailed implementation/action plan will be developed which will outline key short, medium and long-term actions. This section briefly outlines implementation considerations and proposed directions. The model illustrated on the following page identifies the broad forms of actions required to implement the strategy and strategic relationships within the organisation.

Implementation of public open space model CitywideTo assist in ensuring that the Public Open Space Strategy and new public open space model addressed all the relevant issues regarding public open space and to ensure that provision standards were appropriate and integrated the key provision principles, simultaneous to the development of the strategy, the public open space model and provision standards were applied to a trial area within the City of Stirling. Although the trial area is 90% complete there needs to be council adoption and community support of the key principles in this strategy prior to presenting the outcomes of the trial to council and the community for further consultation. In this regard, following council adoption of the Public Open Space Strategy and feedback from the community regarding the key principles and strategic intent, the outcomes of the trial area will be presented to council for consideration and adoption.

Ultimately the public open space model will need to be applied to all public open space across the City. In this regard, officers will need to develop a time path detailing the proposed commencement of public open space local area plans for key communities/neighbourhoods within the City of Stirling. In determining the priority of implementation across these local areas a number of key criteria will be utilised that have been outlined in this strategy, such as results of desktop analysis of existing public open space supply, previous community feedback; existing diversity of public open spaces and opportunities and key demographic and locational needs. Public open space priority action/implementation plans will be developed for each local area and will assist in the development of forward and annual capital and operational budgets and strategic business planning which is further discussed within this section.

Additionally, there is also an opportunity for the City of Stirling to implement the public open space model immediately following final council adoption and begin to implement the key principles and provision standards of the Public Open Space Strategy to address current and future daily requests relating to public open space provision, upgrades and development of infrastructure and amenities.

It is evident across the City that there are some public open spaces that are underdeveloped, i.e. they have poor facilities and minimal vegetation and may not be maintained to the community’s expectations. However there are also public open spaces that are not well used, due to their small size, poor accessibility, poor location or because there are better spaces and opportunities in close proximity.

See model for adoption and implementation of POS Strategy on page 42.

Additionally, the stabilising population indicates possible diminishing demand for particular types or locations of public open space. Ongoing maintenance or improving facilities in spaces that are underutilised or not highly valued by a significant proportion of the community is considered unsustainable.

In terms of addressing oversupply of public open space in local areas, a range of options will be made available concerning the site/s identified. For example, the land may be disposed of and sold, opportunities may exist for alternative land uses or the City may retain the land as an asset for possible future economic benefit. Undersupply of public open space identified through the local area public open planning processes will require a framework to be developed to identify appropriate purchasing opportunities, financial availability and options, development considerations and communication processes.

Organisational framework and resourcesIn the first instance, there needs to be clarity of roles and responsibilities in terms of the future public open space planning and the management, review and monitoring of the implementation of the Public Open Space Strategy in terms of business unit/directorate responsibilities. In this regard, an organisational framework will need to be developed to guide future strategic planning and the implementation of the Public Open Space Strategy. Additionally, there will need to be consideration of appropriate financial and human resources to ensure successful development and implementation of future tasks.

Policy FrameworkIn addition to the Public Open Space Strategy there are a number of policies and guidelines that will need to be reviewed or developed to ensure that the strategic intent of the strategy is also integrated into relevant City policies and guidelines. Examples include a review of the playground policy, establishment of infrastructure design guidelines and standards of provision, public open space disposal processes/procedures etc. and public open space planning processes.

Forward planning — strategic and financial

Strategic business planningThere are a number of City of Stirling strategic plans and documents that clearly identify the City’s vision and objectives relating to a range of disciplines. In this regard, there is a need to ensure the integration of the strategic intention of this strategy with other relevant strategies within the City, such as the City’s Strategic Plan, local area planning, master planning, etc.

Financial This strategy will provide guidance and support to annual capital and operational budgets through the provision of an endorsed strategic direction for the sustainable provision of public open space amenities and infrastructure specifically in terms of annual operations, maintenance and development. In terms of development, prioritisation criteria will need to be developed to inform the decision-making processes relating to priority developments. To ensure clarity of roles in terms of internal management, administration and decision-making a development framework will also be developed. In terms of economic sustainability the City will also identify opportunities for external financial assistance to assist with the implementation of local area public open space plans.

Strategic alliancesThere are a number of key external agencies that need to have a clear understanding of the City’s vision and objectives for public open space to ensure integration of the City’s strategy into other state and Commonwealth strategies. Through the formation of strategic alliances, there is an opportunity to promote similar values and philosophies about community vibrancy, health and well-being; environmental conservation, cultural development and sustainability.

Additionally, as local government authorities are the main provider of sporting and recreational opportunities in the community, it is paramount that a clear understanding of the City’s current active playing space availability and issues are understood and integrated into state sporting association and community level sporting club strategic plans.


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Adoption of POS Strategy

Adoption of Implementation Plan

Endorsement of Trial Area POS Plan for

Community Consultation

Organisational Actions

Business Planning

Broad Policies

Strategic External Alliances

G.I.S. & Asset Database

Technical Applications

Community POSPlans

Trial Area Plan Implementation

Land Development Requirements

Detailed Guidelines

Capital Works Requests

Operational Management

Str

ateg

ic In

terg

rati

on

Reso

urces

Community vibrancyPublic open space planning is also about people, heritage and culture and aims to ensure that meeting the needs of the community is a key principle in urban space planning and development and that this influences decision-making concerning enhancing and supporting community vibrancy, and health and well-being. The Public Open Space Strategy aims to integrate urban space planning processes with health and well-being planning, such as fostering community spirit through cultural events and recognising community heritage through public art development. In this regard cultural initiatives will also need to be integrated into public open space planning processes to ensure recognition of local heritage and character and sufficient opportunities for the community to engage in cultural activities.

Sport and recreation developmentThe City of Stirling has a sought after diversity of places and opportunities for the community to engage in sport, recreation and leisure activities. In ensuring that the City continues to provide and support active communities and enhance community health and well-being, in time, sport and recreation plans will be developed for the purpose of clearly articulating the City’s role and responsibility and the development of sustainable strategies that maximise community benefit in terms of the delivery of sporting, leisure and recreational services and facilities.

Public open space mapping and database (GIS)The City currently has a public open space database and mapping system. However, to ensure the most efficient management of public open space and to assist the implementation of this strategy and local area public open space plans, the current system requirements will need to be expanded to ensure that the City has an accurate public open space asset management database in terms of information and mapping capabilities. This will need to include access to up-to-date aerial photos and the ability to detail locations of infrastructure and amenities on the public open space itself. Additionally, there will need to be access to databases that provide up-to-date detail regarding ownership, maintenance schedules, relevant development information and strategic planning initiatives of each public open space within the City.

Developer public open space provision guidelinesAs previously outlined in this strategy, developer public open space provision standards have been guided by the 10% provision standard that has been consistently applied in WA since the 1950s. In this provision standard, the subdivider of land has been required to give up 10% of the gross area of a residential subdivision to the Crown, free of cost, for public open space purposes. As addressed in section six (6) of this strategy, specifically relating to provision standard considerations, there are a number of other vital considerations that need to be examined before determining what is viable and sustainable in terms of the provision of public open space and the diversity of opportunities. The Liveable Neighbourhoods Development Code attempts to address the 10% provision standard through the development of planning principles that seek to provide ‘a range of site-responsive urban parkland that is under surveillance, safe and conveniently located’. It does not consider other key considerations or issues.

There is a need to ensure that all future public open space provision and developments undertaken through subdivision development/upgrades meets the intention of this Public Open Space Strategy and, as such, it is vital that the City proactively manages developer public open space proposals and contributions accordingly. In this regard, the City of Stirling will develop a set of ‘Developer Guidelines’ with the intention being to clearly identify the City’s provision standards and planning processes in relation to public open space.

Operational and resource managementThe City is continually praised by a number of users for the high quality maintenance of its parks and reserves. To ensure that there are clear standards for operations and maintenance of public open space, a parks and reserves operational schedule will be developed.

Additionally, mechanisms will also need to be implemented to ensure that in the first instance, all assets located within each public open space are recorded and secondly to implement an audit process in terms of identifying the need for replacement, substantial repair, improved presentation, removal and/or redesign. This will also enable the City to assess infrastructure in terms of compliance with legislative requirements and relevant standards and to prioritise actions. In addition, processes need to be established and implemented to ensure that all new developments are included as part of an asset register for public open space.

This process also allows the City to develop forward capital and operational budgets for public open spaces and associated amenities and infrastructure and financially prioritise developments, maintenance and upgrades.

Community reinvestment principlesA community reinvestment framework has been developed to help guide reinvestment back into local areas with the following set of principles:

The City will re-invest funds obtained from the sale of residual land back into •that local area;The City will pursue reinvestment from the state, back into that local area •where Crown land is not required;The City will acquire land in some areas where open space is lacking;•The City will upgrade parks to an even higher standard; and•The City will consult with the local community where significant change is •being considered.

Additionally it is proposed that reinvestment funds will be utilised to provide better amenities such as playgrounds, picnic facilities, footpaths, lighting, recreational facilities and also support community activities, such as community events, community recreational programs, and youth programs in that local area.

6.2 COMMUNITY COMMENT

Public Open Space StrategyTo ensure transparency of the Public Open Space Strategy and the involvement and support of the City of Stirling’s community in the City’s vision, objectives, principles and new public open space provision standards it is proposed that a public comment process will be undertaken following council adoption of the Draft Public Open Space Strategy. A draft communication plan has been developed which outlines the City’s proposed public engagement process.

Following the public comment process the Public Open Space Strategy will be submitted to council for formal adoption and implementation.

Community POS PlanIt is proposed that a more detailed community engagement process would be undertaken in relation to community public open space plans. A draft communication plan has been developed which outlines the proposed community consultation process.

6.3 REVIEW, MONITORING AND REPORTING

Progress of the Public Open Space Strategy and public open space local area plans will be continually monitored and reported annually to Council and to the community via the City’s annual report.

A project management framework will be developed to assist in the implementation of the strategy and public open space local area plans given the complexity of implementation of various components and integration with a range of business units.

The Public Open Space Strategy will also need to be revised within a five (5) to seven (7) year period to ensure the strategic intent and principles of the strategy are still sustainable.

Model for adoption and implementation of POS Strategy.Public Open Space Strategy

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7. APPENDICES 45 APPENDIX A – PROVISION STANDARDS 46

APPENDIX B – RELEVANT POLICIES AND STRATERGIES 54 COMMONWEALTH 54 STATE 54 REGIONAL 63 OTHER RELEVANT RESEARCH DOCUMENTS 64 LOCAL — CITY OF STIRLING 67

APPENDIX C - THE EXERCISE, RECREATION AND SPORT SURVEY (ERASS) — 2005 72

APPENDIX D - PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS, WA ADULTS 2002 — KEY AGE GROUP FINDINGS 75

APPENDIX E - MAP OF CITY OF STIRLING RESERVES 76

APPENDICESPublic Open Space Strategy

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APPENDIX A – Provision Standards (post POS classification)

CLASSIFICATION SIZE CATCHMENT POPULATION/SERVICE AREA

LOCATION TIMING OF USE FACILITIES — CORE AND OPTIONAL

Local 0.2 to 2 hectares Serving the residents of approximately a 400metre catchment (5 to 10 minute walk) unless serviced by other POS that provides the same purpose.

Should be located to be easily accessed by foot by the catchment population. Locations should take into account physical constraints to access such as cul-de-sacs, long street blocks, distributor roads and highways, natural barriers such as steep topography, wetlands and bushland, undeveloped land and large private lots. Local open spaces should be located on a pedestrian network and should preferably be located near or on intersections on local roads or through roads. Local open spaces should have frontage to one or two streets and it is preferable that adjacent residences face or side onto the park providing opportunities for passive surveillance to be encouraged.

Daytime to early evening through to sunset. Predominantly utilised during daylight hours.

On-street parking.Service vehicle access.Local play equipment.Informal play areas.Relaxation areas.Areas for dog walking under control.Natural shade cover.Irrigated lawn.Minimum 1 bin.Minimum 1 seat.Minimum 1 drinking fountain.Footpaths.Signage.

Community 0.5 to 5 hectares Serving the residents of approximately an 800-metre catchment unless serviced by other POS that provides the same purpose.

Should generally be centrally located within the catchment and be easily accessible to residents, preferably by foot, bicycle or public transport. Locations should take into account physical constraints to access such as cul-de-sacs, long street blocks, distributor roads and highway, natural barriers such as steep topography, wetlands and bushland, undeveloped land and large private lots. Street frontage is required on at least one local distributor or on or near intersections. Residences should preferably face onto community open spaces providing opportunities for passive surveillance to be encouraged and it is vital the space is visible from adjoining streets to create a welcoming environment.

Day to late evening. Social gatherings common with some structured community events.

On-street parking with formalised verge parking where necessary to meet traffic safety requirements.Sharing of parking in adjacent public facilities is encouraged.Service vehicle access.Community play equipment similar to that found in a major playground.Informal play areas.Relaxation areas.Areas for dog walking under control.Natural shade cover.Formal shelter structures.Irrigated lawn.Bins.Seating facilities.Drinking fountains with minimum 1 universal access fountain.Universal picnic areas with barbecues and washing facilities.Small universal access public toilet facilitiesSmall-scale hardstand multi-use court such as basketball/tennis.Lighting for limited evening use — safety and security only (e.g. barbecues).Footpaths connected to surrounding network.Bus stop location desirable.Signage.Bicycle racks.Power supply access.


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District 5 to 20 hectares Serving residents and visitors of approximately a 1.5km– 2.5km radius. Can also serve the catchment of local and community POS if providing the same purpose. Unless function provided by regional open space.

Location of these open spaces is usually determined by resource availability and opportunities to utilise and/or protect the public open space. District open spaces should be accessible to the entire population of the City of Stirling. Street frontage is required for the majority of the perimeter of the public open space on local and district distributors, bus or train routes and cycleways. Preferably schools are located in conjunction with district open space enabling joint use and maintenance of public open space such as playing fields. Some residential development may be within a short walking distance of the site, but high use activity areas should generally be segregated from adjacent residential areas where possible to reduce issues possibly associated with potential noise pollution and traffic flow etc.

Day to late evening. Community events common

On- and off-street including associated public vehicle entry/s.Service vehicle access.Play equipment similar to that found in a district and regional playground. The number and type of playgrounds will depend on the layout of the public open space and location of other play facilities in close proximity.Formal sport and recreation activities (primary).Multi-purpose clubroom facility/s with outdoor open social areas, community areas, storage areas, informal spectator viewing facilities (where appropriate).Sportsfield lighting.Informal active recreation facilities (multi-use courts etc.).Informal play areas.Relaxation areas.Areas for dog walking under control.Possible canine facilities or exercise stations.Natural shade cover.Formal shelter structures.Irrigated lawn.Waste facilities —commercial and standard bins.Sports benches and seats.Drinking fountains with minimum 2 universal access.Picnic areas with barbecues, shade structures, tables and washing facility/s.Universal access public toilet facilities.Safety and security lighting and possible ancillary features where required.Path networks (informal trails, dual use paths etc.).Bus stop location desirableSignage — directional and interpretive.Bicycle racks.Natural area associated facilities.Drainage, electrical, sewer and communication infrastructure.


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Regional 30–80+ hectares Serves all City residents and wider metropolitan region. Principle catchment area is approximately 2.5km radius. Can also serve the catchment of local, community and district open spaces if providing the same purpose.

Location of these public open spaces is usually determined by resource availability and opportunities to utilise and/or protect the public open space. Street frontage is required for the majority of the perimeter of the space on distributor roads, with connectivity to the bus and/or train routes and cycle ways. Some residential development may be within a short walking distance of the site, but high use activity areas should be segregated from adjacent residential areas where possible to reduce concerns of noise pollution, traffic flow etc.

Daytime to late evening. Activities possible in buildings extending into early hours of the morning.

On-site and formal verge parking or on-street parking with restrictions as required.Internal roadways for service, building and car park access.Entrance statements and features.Service access and compounds with lockable storage facilities. Regional play equipment. The number and type of playgrounds will depend on the layout of the POS and location of other play facilities in close proximity.Formal sport and recreation activities (primary).Multi-purpose clubroom facilities with outdoor open social areas, community areas, storage areas, informal spectator viewing facilities etc.Sportsfield lighting.Informal active facilities (full court, multi-use court facilities etc.).Informal play areas.Relaxation areas.Areas for dog walking under control.Possible canine facilities and exercise stations.Natural shade cover.Formal shelter structures and or pavilions or varying sizes to cater for group functions and social activities.Irrigated lawn.Waste facilities and compound for clubs/groups. Numerous bins.Numerous sports benches and seats.Several standard and universal access drinking fountains.Several picnic areas with barbecues, picnic tables and washing facilities.Universal access public toilet facilities as required and distributed throughout the reserve servicing relevant nodes.Safety and security lighting and possible ancillary features where required.Path networks (trails, circuits, dual use and designated Bikewest network paths).Bus stop location desirable.Signage — directional, interpretive and informational (e.g. conservation points).Bicycle racks.Natural area associated facilities.Possible multi-purpose recreational facility.Possible event infrastructure, such as amphitheatres and spectator seating as required.Drainage, electrical, sewer and communication infrastructure.Unique and strong landscape identity.


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Natural conservation Variable No specific catchment, need dispersal across City for accessibility

Dependent on natural resource availability and opportunity to create or improve new or existing habitats. Natural conservation areas may either be an individual site or form a component of other public open spaces that fall under other classifications (e.g. bushland areas in a regional open space or wetland/lake in a community open space).

Generally daytime only. Supervised evening use associated with relevant activities such as nocturnal observation wildlife walks etc.

Street parking preferred.Limited on-site parking at perimeter (non-bituminised surface).Consolidated limestone tracks or sand trails.Wildlife observation stations and boardwalks with benches where required.Drinking fountains at trail heads where required.Park identification and regulatory signage.Interpretive and directional signage along trails where required.Adjacent to facilities on other POS.Fire tracks and breaks.Vehicle control fencing and perimeter fencing for pedestrian control where required.

Special Purpose Variable Dependent on its function Various. Dependent on function Varies. Usually daytime to late evening. Evening use associated with special events and activities.

Parking related to size and function.Focal points, cultural features and unique theming, landscaping and treatments where appropriate.Streetscape furnishings, other infrastructure deemed appropriate for its function where required.Signage.

Residual land Unsustainable size (usually < 0.2ha).

Surrounded by other public open spaces that better service the catchment area.

Citywide Not applicable. No new development or investment.No infrastructure.No signage or other reserve identification.Maintained at minimum level until resolution of long-term future achieved.


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APPENDIX B – Relevant Policies and Strategies

COMMONWEALTH

The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act Commonwealth legislation and various standards underpin the City’s efforts through the recently adopted Access and Inclusion Plan 2006–2010 to ensure facilities including its reserves and buildings are accessible to all. In this regard, forward planning needs to ensure wherever possible that facilities and services can be universally accessed. This includes the principles embraced by universal design, including the design of products and environments to be: useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design.

People with disabilities have the same right to access services and facilities as other members of the community. This principle is embodied in Commonwealth Law:

WA Disability Services Act (1993)•Western Australian Equal Opportunity Act •(1984 and as amended 1988 & 1992)The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992•

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has released Advisory Notes on ‘Access to Premises’. These notes prepared by the commissioner are not legally binding; they aim to assist people to understand their existing responsibilities and rights under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992). These notes should be used as a principal reference until the Disability Standard on Access to Premises has been developed.

Native Title Act 1999/Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972A review of these Acts is under way to assess their applicability to public open space.

Commonwealth of Australia — Department of Health And AgeingThe Australian Government has developed physical activity guidelines for Australians (2004). The main recommendations include:

National physical activity guidelines for 5–12 year olds:•Children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity •each day.Opportunities should be provided to participate in a variety of activities that are •fun and suit their interests, skills and abilities.Active play and informal games, as well as organised sport, provide •opportunities to learn how to run, jump, throw etc. Recommend limiting the amount of time spent watching TV, videos etc.•Cycling and walking on local streets and paths also provides kids with skills •that make them more streetwise and aware of their surroundings. Swimming teaches kids about safety.•Daily movement helps to develop a child’s sensory and motor systems. It •helps them gain an understanding of the surrounding world.Include physical activity in family outings; support active play, recreation and •participation in sport; encourage and support walking and cycling to school.

National physical activity guidelines for 12–18 year olds:Recommend 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.•Recommend if you are currently not doing much physical activity try and build •up to 30 minutes a day with moderate activity such as walking or bike riding. Then steadily increase the time spent being active until you reach the goal of one hour or more each day. Recommend limiting the amount of time spent watching TV, videos or DVDs, •surfing the net or playing computer games.Recommend being active with friends; choosing a range of activities; walking •more to school, to visit friends, to shops or other places in the community; take the dog for a walk; try new challenges/activities; be active with family members and check out the activities at your local recreation facilities.

National physical activity guidelines for adults:Put together at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on •most, preferably all, days.Enjoy some regular, vigorous activity for extra health and fitness.•Walk or cycle instead of using the car•Park further away from your destination and walk the rest of the way.•Walk or cycle to and from your train station or bus stop.•Take the stairs instead of the lift.•Play with children in an active way.•

STATE

Hope For The Future, The Western Australian State Sustainability Strategy — Sustainability Policy Unit, Department Of The Premier And Cabinet, 2003The Western Australian State Sustainability Strategy 2003, prepared by the State Government is designed as a whole of government strategy to promote sustainability. It establishes a framework of sustainability principles that reflect the core values of sustainability, visions for Western Australia’s sustainability and goals for government across key issues, such as economic health, sense of place and heritage, appropriate planning and biodiversity. This is followed by examples and actions for governments, business and the community to consider, stressing the need for a triple bottom line approach to sustainable development that encompasses environmental, social and economic sustainability. The State Government defines sustainability as:

Meeting the needs of current and future generations through simultaneous environmental, social and economic improvement.

The foundation principles include: Long-term economic health.•Equity and human rights.•Biodiversity and ecological integrity.•Settlement efficiency and quality of life.•Community, regions, ‘sense of place’ and heritage.•Net benefit from development.•Common good from planning.•

The process principles include: Integration of the triple bottom line.•Accountability, transparency and engagement.•Precaution.•Hope, vision, symbolic and interactive change.•

Sustainability represents a new emphasis in traditional planning practice. The strategic and statutory planning tools to prepare, implement and review policies and plans offer a powerful mechanism to apply the principles of sustainability.

The core process in sustainability consists of:Finding a strategic vision of the future, which is the desired outcome for a •majority of the community based on common good principles.Setting out practical steps that integrate economic, social and environmental •outcomes relevant to that vision and which can be taken through every element of development.Embedding this through statutory and strategic planning processes and •procedures, where appropriate, to make significant contribution to the implementation of the State Sustainability Strategy.

The State Sustainability Strategy, through integration of environmental protection, social advancement and economic prosperity, shows how we can meet the needs of current and future generations. It proposes new principles, approaches and actions to help us to achieve a more sustainable future, to help us make a better place to live.

The State Planning Strategy, Final Report — Western Australian Planning Commission, December 1997The State Planning Strategy, released by the then Ministry for Planning in December 1997, is prepared and administered by the principal state planning agency, The Western Australian Planning Commission, to guide planning, development, resource protection and conservation across the state. The State Planning Strategy concludes that there is overwhelming evidence that the population of Western Australia will continue to grow and that the changes arising from this need to be managed.

Principally, the Strategy:Sets out a common vision for development within the state.•Provides guidance on land use planning responses, programs and actions •necessary to achieve the vision set out in the strategy.Identifies likely changes and possible responses.•Establishes monitoring and updating mechanisms.•

The Strategy acknowledges that in the interests of sustainability, it will be necessary to change the focus of planning from the management of urban growth to the wider scope of the management of all land and its uses. In doing so, key principles, strategies and actions have been formulated to:

Provide controls securing retention and enhancement of environmental •quality.Sustainably restore, manage and conserve natural resources.•Plan for a growing population.•Provide for urban settlements, which are more responsive to community •needs.Provide more equal access to education, health, community services and •transport across the state.Build on the state’s economic, social and environmental advantages.•Consider and manage transport impacts and implications for planning.•Facilitate the provision of strategic infrastructure to support regional •development.Manage growth in the Perth region and other rapidly growing centres.•Develop policies and use different approaches where growth pressures and •conflicts are greatest.

Of the five (5) key principles two (2) relate directly to public open space provision. These two principles and their associated strategies are used to guide the development of the City of Stirling’s strategy:

Environmental: To protect and enhance the key natural and cultural assets of •the state and deliver to all Western Australians a high quality of life which is based on environmentally sustainable principles.Community: To respond to social changes and facilitate the creation of vibrant, •accessible, safe and self-reliant communities.

Bush Forever 2000Bush Forever is a Western Australian Government strategy for the conservation of bushland and natural environments across the Perth region. The strategy aims to protect ten per cent of each of the 26 different types of vegetation complexes originally found on the Swan Coastal Plain, and to conserve threatened ecological communities. The strategy identifies valued sites across the region that should be preserved, maintained or rehabilitated for conservation and/or recreation purposes; these may be in public or private ownership. There are nine sites contained within the City of Stirling, all of which are preserved under the state’s Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) for parks and recreation purposes. Eight of the nine sites are managed partly or fully by the City.

Table 2 of the Bushland Forever Site Implementation Guidelines — Summary table, parks and reserves, examines Note No.14 — Existing parks and recreation reserves, and land currently reserved in the MRS for parks and recreation, identifies the key objective as:

To assess the boundaries of existing parks and reserves on a case-by-case •basis to secure wider conservation outcomes and planning objectives for an area subject to a comprehensive assessment of vegetation against the regional significance criteria of the draft BPB 1998/Bush Forever.Non-bushland criteria will form an important part of this review as parks and •recreation reserves perform a variety of functions beyond just conservation.To reinforce the existing level of protection and management, where appropriate, •by including conservation in the reserve purpose.


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Implementation guidelines and actions:IG11 The WAPC will consider future case-by-case reviews of parks and •recreation reserves in the MRS, which achieve wider conservation, planning and community outcomes, subject to other planning and environmental considerations.IG 12 Future planned recreational development; management and service •provision should avoid regionally significant bushland within parks and reserves, where possible. Where no alternative exists, proposals will be subject to an assessment of vegetation against the regional criteria of Bushland Forever, where required, and planning and environmental considerations beyond bushland protection.

Following the release of Bush Forever, the Western Australian Planning Commission is now in the process of finalising its Statement of Planning Policy 2.8 Bushland Policy for the Perth metropolitan region to provide statutory support to Bush Forever and bushland protection.

Liveable Neighbourhoods January 09, Update 02.The Planning Commission first released Liveable Neighbourhoods in 1997, it is designed to act as a comprehensive development code that seeks to promote and guide sustainable development across Western Australia. The document principally deals with the design, layout and servicing of new subdivisions, yet also provides principles for the sustainable development of established urban areas.

The Liveable Neighbourhoods community code provides an alternative to the subdivision policies contained in the Commission’s Development Control Manual. The codes seek to promote a more traditional, sustainable urban form and were implemented, as a variation to the DC Policies, on a trial basis until February 2001.

The City of Stirling adopted the codes, in principle, in November 1999. However, in recognition of the predominantly developed nature of the City and the limited applications Liveable Neighbourhoods therefore has, Council also supported the development of a ‘Middle Neighbourhoods Code’, providing greater direction on ‘retrofitting’ opportunities that might be available in existing suburbs.

Being nearly fully developed, those policies dealing with infill and management are becoming increasingly important to the City over those relating to subdivision. Both, however, directly impact on the City’s planning and operation.

In terms of public open space the document outlines that these facilities contribute significantly to quality of life. Element 4 of the document deals with public parkland and sets out the desired location of open space within neighbourhoods and suburbs and emphasises the importance of accessibility to open space by residents. The key aspects of this element include:

Identifies the various roles of open space, including recreation, social •engagement, quality of life, local identity, conservation and water management.Establishes a hierarchy of different size parklands that have different locations •catchments and functions.Requires an appropriate distribution of open space across urban areas to •provide ease of access and equity with an emphasis on ’walkability’.Emphasises the importance of visual surveillance of parks in order to provide •safe environments.

Although the policy document provides some useful guidance for passive public open space planning, there is little to no discussion regarding active space or consideration of the current trends and issues impacting on sport and recreation. The draft strategy does not consider the sports dimensions requirements of organised sport and its impact on the required available space for both recreational and organised sporting opportunities such as oval widths for various sports, safety zones and lateral movement of sporting spaces to spread wear and tear.

The West Australian Planning Commission’s Liveable Neighbourhoods policy document also aims to achieve appropriate urban water management in a well-structured environment.

Network City: Community Planning Strategy for Perth and Peel 2004The strategy highlights key elements of planning for the future of Perth, Mandurah and Murray. The key principles of the strategy are to enhance efficiency of urban land use and infrastructure; protect and rehabilitate the environment, and improve resource efficiency and energy use; and enhance community vitality and cohesiveness. The Network City document outlines eight (8) key themes:

Manage growth by sharing responsibility between industry, communities and •government.Make fuller use of urban land.•Plan with communities.•Nurture the environment.•Encourage public over private transport.•Strengthen local sense of place.•Develop strategies, which deliver local jobs.•Provide for affordable housing.•

Spatially, the Network City concept has a number of implications for the City of Stirling:

A key target is to accommodate 60% of Perth’s projected growth as infill, •estimated to require some 200,000 new dwellings within existing urban areas. It is further proposed to develop local targets as a step towards meeting this goal.It nominates key activity corridors (including Scarborough Beach Road, •Wanneroo Road, Beaufort Street, and Karrinyup Road/Morley Drive), differentiating these from fast transport corridors (including Mitchell Freeway/Railway Line, Reid Highway and Alexander Drive) for longer-distance travel and freight.It identifies activity centres as focus for intensive and public land uses. It is •likely that the adoption of this spatial framework will lead to a review of the Metropolitan Centres Policy that will redefine the status of some of the City’s commercial and civic centres on the basis of other factors than floor space (such as employment, custom and accessibility).It suggests that ’industrial centres’ (including Balcatta and Osborne Park) •should be protected from encroachment by other land uses.It distinguishes between the ’older areas, which have many opportunities to •strengthen networks and centres’, ‘areas where there are fewer opportunities for urban consolidation outside activity centres and corridors’, and future communities, which will be designed around networks and centres’. The majority of the City of Stirling district falls into the first category, apart from the area north of the Reid Highway and north of Karrinyup Road/Morley Drive in Trigg, Karrinyup/Gwelup, and Mirrabooka/Dianella, which fall into the second category.

Other relevant proposals, less specific but providing strategic direction, include:

Promoting local sense of place and public engagement through cultural •planning and community partnerships.Continuing to pursue increased housing diversity.•Revitalisation of activity centres and suburbs.•Encouraging a richer texture of land uses integrated with transport.•Adopting sustainability as a decision-making framework.•Protection of ecological assets.•Water conservation and management.•Linking natural and open space areas to provide a continuous and meaningful •greenway through the region.Integrated transport planning to decrease private car dependence.•

The summary document released as part of Future Perth is a vision statement entitled ‘Towards a Vision for Perth in 2029’. The document highlights the need to plan for ‘living, working and enjoying’ the City (Perth) and provides very broad direction under these headings. Of most specific relevance to the City of Stirling are the highlighted needs to:

Focus on the ‘liveability’ of neighbourhoods.•Provide facilities, spaces and places for teenagers, to include, rather than •exclude them from society and public life.Develop Perth as an international gateway to Australia and tourist destination.•Enhance the City’s role as an education and intellectual centre for the region.•Facilitate more people-friendly environments through more outcome-focused, •proactive planning (including implementation of transit-oriented design).Focus on making Perth an attractive, interesting, environmentally responsible •City through, amongst other things, ‘greening’ the City and enhancing cultural heritage.

State Planning Policy No.2 Environment and Natural Resource Policy The Planning Commission prepares statements of planning policy to articulate its position on significant planning issues that are considered to be of state importance. These policies have statutory backing under planning legislation and local governments must give ‘due regard’ to the provisions of statements of planning policy in their town planning schemes and when making decisions on planning matters.

The Environment and Natural Resource Policy recognises that there is an increasing understanding in the community for the need to protect natural landscapes, whilst at the same time such areas are also highly valued for recreation and tourism purposes as well as for providing psychological relief from the built environment. The policy requires planning strategies to:

Identify and safeguard landscapes with high geological, geomorphological or ecological values, as well as those of aesthetic, cultural or historical value to the community and encourage the restoration of those that are degraded.


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Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) Development Control PoliciesThe Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) has a number of development control policies that set out the Commission’s operational framework and requirements relating to various aspects of land development. Two of these policies control public open space provision:

DC Policy 2.3 Public Open Space in Residential Areas — this policy is •based on the requirement for 10 per cent of the area of large subdivisions is to be given up free of cost for public open space. This requirement is based on the standard that 3.36 hectares of open space is required to meet the recreation needs of 1,000 residents. The policy also deals with the circumstances in which the subdivider may provide cash in lieu of providing the open space and identifies what the local authority may use this money for. The policy also contains some interesting statements about the provision of public open space in general. The policy’s intention is to ensure the provision of public open space allows for a reasonable distribution of land for active and passive recreation in the locality. Additionally, the objectives of the policy also include statements that are relative to this strategy, and include:

To ensure that all residential development in the state is complemented 1. by adequate, well-located areas of public open space that will enhance the amenity of the development and provide for the recreational needs of local residents.

The policy document also contains information relative to regional open space and outlines that regional open space can be utilised for appropriate local as well as regional purposes.

DC Policy 5.3 Use of Land Reserved for Parks and Recreation — The •purpose of this policy is to outline the circumstances under which the WAPC may approve the use and development of land reserved for parks and recreation for different purposes, specifically where the land is in the ownership of the commission. This includes large areas of natural landscapes as well as coastal and river foreshores; this land is generally identified as regional open space and/or natural conservation areas in the City’s Strategy. The policy also sets out procedures for the management of requests from sporting and community groups for the use of reserved land. The policy specifically outlines that the use and development of the land reserved for parks and recreation under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) shall be restricted to that which is consistent with further enhancement of the reserves and facilitating its use for recreational or conservation purposes. The policy document also provides information about conditions relating to the lease of commission-owned land by sporting, community and social groups.

There are also other relevant policies that should be considered as part of public open space planning and connection to environs such as:

DC Policy 1.5 Bicycle Planning — This policy describes the planning •considerations that should be taken into account in order to improve the safety and convenience of cycling. The policy supplements the statement and initiatives of the Department of Transport’s ‘Bike Ahead’ — Bicycle Strategy For The 21st Century and the Perth Bicycle Network Plan. The West Australian Government outlined a number of commitments in regards to bicycle planning. Those relevant to this study are:

Consider the needs of cyclists in all strategic and statutory planning 1. activities in cooperation with Bikewest. Ensure the needs of cyclists are accommodated in planning briefs and in 2. the development of parks and reserves.

The aim is to provide for the safe and convenient movement of cyclists. The document outlines policy objectives and measures to achieve greater understanding of cyclists’ needs and requirements. There are a number of important points that are provided and these should be taken into consideration as part of the public open space development.

DC Policy 2.4 School Sites — This policy contains the commission’s •general requirements for school and TAFE college sites in residential areas. It identifies when there is a need to consider the provision of sites for new schools, sets criteria for the selection of such sites and includes requirements for their design and locations within new subdivisions. Of specific relevance to this strategy is that the policy incorporates guidelines for the establishment and location of children’s services facilities associated with school sites and the collocation and joint planning of facilities for multiple-purpose community use. Additionally, through the policy the commission encourages wherever possible the integration of schools within local communities and cooperation with local governments in the provision of a wide range of sporting, recreational and cultural facilities.

Aboriginal Lands Trust — Western Australia — Land Use and Development PolicyThe Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) is a statutory body established under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (AAPA Act). The ALT currently holds 27 million hectares of land in trust for the ‘use and benefit of Aboriginal people’ in Western Australia. Under the AAPA Act, the ALT must ensure that the use of the land accords with the wishes of the Aboriginal people of the area, and that it is the most beneficial use of the land. The Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) provides policy and operational support to the ALT. It is important to recognise that any development on ALT land requires approval from the DIA.

Perth Metropolitan Transport Strategy 1995-2029The Perth Metropolitan Transport Strategy (MTS) was released in 1995 and provides direction for achieving an efficient and accessible transport system that is economically and environmentally sustainable for the Perth metropolitan region for the ensuing 35 years. The MTS proposes direction for moving from a transport system that is currently dominated by low occupancy car use to a more balanced transport system in which public and non-motorised transport options are feasible for many trips. It is anticipated that this will be achieved by:

Better coordination of the components of the transport system.•Greater integration between the transport system and the land uses which it •supports. Improved efficiency in the use of transport infrastructure and services.•

It is acknowledged that private vehicles dominate transport in Perth and that this trend is likely to continue in the foreseeable future. However, it is noted that simply expanding the current system will not address the long-term transport needs of the metropolitan region.

The MTS outlines innovative strategies, which aim to address some of the transport issues facing Perth:

Better provide for alternative modes of transport.•Incorporate higher density development and mixed land uses within new urban •areas to reduce the requirement for new roads and shorten trip lengths.Further the development of strong suburban centres that provide employment •and activities close to where people live and which can be a focus for public transport.Limit the ad hoc expansion of shopping, offices and other commercial uses in •localities outside existing and planned centres, which are not well served by public transport or readily accessible by a residential workforce.Providing a good non-motorised travel environment for the elderly and people •with disabilities to provide access to cultural, social, medical and community facilities.Cycling is an important transport option and can provide efficient transport to •destinations within about 4km and is a viable commuter alternative for trips up to 20km. Urban design needs to facilitate local trips by bicycle without the need for totally separate facilities. Cycling needs to be made safer for children. Bicycle use needs to be integrated with the public transport system. Walking as a form of transport requires good footpaths, shade trees and •interesting environments. Walking is feasible over short distances (mainly up to 600m and potentially 1.5km) for convenience shopping, education and leisure trips. Provide for an accessible transport system.•


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A number of more specific strategy documents have been prepared by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to meet the goals of the MTS, including:

Walk WA: A Walking Strategy for Western Australia 2007–2020.•Perth Walking: The Metropolitan Region Pedestrian Strategy (DoT 2000).•Bike Ahead: Bicycle Strategy for the 21st Century (DoT 1996).•The Perth Bicycle Network Plan (DoT1996).•Integrated Land Use and Transport Planning Policies (MFP 1998).•Better Public Transport: Ten-Year Plan for Transperth 1998–2007 (DoT •1998).Travelsmart 2010: A Ten-year Plan (DoT 1999).•Perth Metropolitan Freight Transport Strategy (DoT draft 1999).•

The recommendations of these are many and varied but, in terms of their impact on this strategy, they may be summarised as follows:

Consolidating the use of regional centres and improving their accessibility to •a range of transport modes.Integrating transport and land-use planning, and consolidating uses around •transport nodes.Providing greater amenity and infrastructure to pedestrians and cyclists.•

Walk WA: A Walking Strategy for Western Australia 2007–2020This strategy is a joint project between the Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s Walking WA Committee. The document details that current research indicates that 45% of Western Australian adults are not sufficiently active to achieve health benefit and, in line with trends nationally, the proportion of inactive children and adults in Western Australia is increasing, which has serious health implications for physical and mental health and well-being. The strategy has been developed as a coordinated, collaborative approach to encourage all Western Australians to walk and to develop environments in which the decision to walk is easier. The strategy indicates that access to attractive, large public open spaces is associated with high levels of walking and use by a multiple range of sport and recreational users. Well-designed public open spaces and recreational shared paths are important components of the recreational mix, providing many opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. It is also interesting to note that the strategy mentions that educational facilities have a large amount of public open space that could also be used by other users and walkers.

Of interest to this Strategy is the information regarding supportive walking environments. A supportive walking environment should consider the following aspects:

Access to easy to reach walking footpaths/trails and attractive public open •spaces for people of all physical activity levels and abilities.An environment that offers pleasant, clean and safe surroundings.•Comfortable spaces for people to walk with supporting amenities, such as •shade, shelters, seats and drinking water.

Perth Walking: The Metropolitan Region Pedestrian Strategy (Department of Transport)This Strategy, developed by the Department of Transport, makes important recommendations that will aid state and local governments maximise the pedestrian opportunities provided by current infrastructure and plan for future growth.

A metropolitan region survey, amongst many other results, concluded that to encourage people to walk more, the health advantage message is the greatest motivator.

The many benefits of walking as a mode of transport and a form of physical activity and social interaction are well documented and this strategy continues to reinforce the many benefits of walking from an economic, environmental, health and social perspective. The document also outlines The Australian Pedestrian Charter that sets out a number of principles concerning walking, such as accessibility, sustainability and environment, health and well-being, safety and personal security and equity.

Of importance is the statement that ‘it is fair to say that in the past there has been a concentration on providing for motorised transport, and particularly the private car, at the expense of the more environment-friendly, healthy and sustainable travel modes of walking, cycling and public transport’.

Bike Ahead: Bicycle Strategy For The 21st Century, Department of TransportThere are a number of strategies that have been developed by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure referring to cycling as a form of transport and a recreational activity. This strategy, along with the walking strategies, reinforces the need for alternative forms of transport to the private motor vehicle, in this instance the bicycle. The strategy states that every street is a bicycle street and encourages cycling as a sustainable transport mode. It suggests that walking and cycling planning principles and guidelines should be incorporated into all recreational and transport planning schemes and projects, wherever relevant.

The strategy also offers a number of recommendations for the provision of infrastructure and environments that will encourage bicycle use and advises that it will be developing a set of guidelines for the design of bicycle facilities.

Main Roads WA also provides a number of strategies for cycling and has developed a policy for cycling infrastructure.

SD4 — Strategic Directions for Western Australian Sport and Recreation 2006–2010, Department of Sport and Recreation WA, 2006Strategic Directions 2006–2010 (SD4) is the guiding framework for the development of the sport and recreation industry in the state. This strategic document identifies a number of emerging trends and issues that are of particular relevance to sport and recreation in relation to this strategy and they include:

Advocacy:Demonstrate the relevance and contribution of sport and recreation to core social, health and economic outcomes.The need for recreation planning and other disciplines to work together and build stronger strategic partnerships for improved outcomes.

Land-use planning:The sport and recreation industry must better articulate its medium- to long-term planning and provision requirements, ensuring future generations have places to participate in sport and recreation. These include: identifying and communicating critical needs through planning processes; establishing formal processes for sport and recreation’s contribution to land use planning; and incorporating policies and practices into statutory and urban planning frameworks that genuinely support and embed active lifestyles.An improved strategic approach is required for regional level sport and recreation planning and provision, including associated capital resourcing issues.

Sustainability:Sport and recreation infrastructure planning and provision must fully embrace the principles and best practice of: sustainability, evidenced-based decision-making, collaborative provision modelling, asset management and life cycle costing.

Physical activity:There needs to be greater encouragement of beneficial lifestyle choices to achieve participation outcomes, such as greater focus on parental and individual responsibility rather than looking to the government or community for solutions.Service providers need assistance to develop a range of innovative and creative participation opportunities.Sport and recreation service providers must value-add to community and government responses on obesity/overweight/physical inactivity agendas.

Climate change:Sport and recreation interests must contribute to the assessment of the implications of climate change and its consequences, especially as it impacts on active lifestyles of Western Australia.


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Department of Health — Healthy Lifestyles 2002–2007. A Strategic Framework for Primary Prevention of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease In Western Australia 2002–2007The framework provides a primary prevention, population-based approach to reducing or eliminating lifestyle and environmental risk factors for the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Western Australia as a result of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults. Cardiovascular disease is Australia’s largest health problem, whilst diabetes is the seventh leading direct cause of death in Australia that can also lead to a number of other serious conditions and complications. The main focus of the strategic framework is to modify lifestyle-based factors, such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition and smoking.

Of importance to the Strategy is the impact of physical inactivity on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Additionally, some of the relevant goals of the framework are to increase the proportion of the population engaging in healthy eating and regular physical activity; slow the trend of the increasing proportion of the population who are overweight or obese and to reduce the proportion of the population who are overweight or obese. The framework details a number of strategic objectives and then provides principles and actions to achieve the strategic objectives. A relevant example is the Department of Health initiatives to improve infrastructure promoting physical activity and the support of initiatives that increase leisure opportunities.

Office of Crime Prevention, Western AustraliaThe Office of Crime Prevention has prepared a crime prevention strategy that aims to reduce the opportunities for crime through the design and management of the built and landscaped environments. Consideration of these principles is important in this strategy as it promotes and encourages a safe environment for the use and enjoyment of the whole community. Relevant goals include:

Goal 1 —Supporting families, children and young peopleTo achieve positive outcomes for families, children and young people by •working with the strengths, capabilities and diversity of families to provide high quality services that support parents and improve developmental opportunities for children and young people.

Goal 5 — Designing Out Crime and using technologyTo reduce the environmental conditions that facilitate crime.•Strong communities, where relations between neighbours and families are •friendly and supportive, make for safer and more secure communities.Changes to the physical structure of a community can make a significant •difference to community relations and ultimately crime levels.Crime can be prevented or reduced by management of the physical •environment.Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is important to the •architecture of buildings, the design of public space, to town planning and state planning development.In recent years CPTED has improved safety in public spaces in terms of •passive surveillance, CCTV, traffic flow, lighting and security.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)Designing Out Crime is a crime prevention strategy, which aims to reduce the opportunities for crime through the design and management of the built and landscaped environments. It is also commonly referred to as ‘crime prevention through environmental design’ or CPTED (pronounced ‘sep-ted’). Designing Out Crime asserts that:

The proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime, and an improvement in the quality of life. (Crowe, 2000)

Designing Out Crime can reduce the incidence of crime and the fear of crime through the use of surveillance, territorial reinforcement, access control, space management or maintenance, target hardening and mixed-use development. A number of Designing Out Crime initiatives have been developed including:

A state Designing Out Crime Strategy •Designing Out Crime planning guidelines •Training and workshops •Grant funding. •

Department of Education and Training — ‘Community Use of School Facilities and Resources Policy’The Recreation and Leisure Services Business Unit has been negotiating with the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Sport and Recreation about the sharing of facilities, specifically public open space within educational sites, to provide access for junior organised sports use. As at 8 June 2007, the Department of Education and Training had developed a policy — ‘Community Use of School Facilities and Resources’, which advises that it is ‘Government policy that school facilities and resources are made available for use by the community’. Given that there are limited opportunities within the City to expand or provide further suitable areas of active open space, this initiative provides an opportunity to continue to provide junior organised sporting opportunities, particularly in areas where participation numbers in particular sporting codes are at or nearly reaching capacity.

State Water Plan 2006 (draft)A draft State Water Plan that establishes broad water management objectives for Western Australia has been developed as a draft document for further consideration and has three major components including an overview of water resources availability and use; water policy and planning frameworks and more than one hundred priority actions to progress water resources project management in WA by 2011. The planning horizon is to 2030, integrating with land and source development timetables where possible.

REGIONAL

North Metropolitan Regional Recreational Advisory Group (NMRRAG)NMRRAG consists of a number of northern representative local government authorities such as Bassendean, Bayswater, Joondalup, Mundaring, Stirling, Swan, Vincent and Wanneroo, additionally other representatives include the Department of Sport and Recreation WA, Edith Cowan University, Western Australian Local Government Authority (WALGA) and the Western Australian Sports Federation (WASF). The aim of NMRRAG is to foster improvement in the planning and coordination of community facilities; discuss cross-boundary facility initiatives; support and share management initiatives and to promote best practice in all aspects of objectives relating to communication, planning, management, development, cost and lobbying Western Australia.

Although a North Metropolitan Region — in Sport and Recreation Facilities Strategy Plan was completed in 1998, this document has now been superseded by issue-based planning at a regional level. An officers’ reference group comprising a delegate from each council, meets on regular occasions to discuss various issues affecting the northern region.

WALGA Recreation/Leisure Technical GroupA Recreation/Leisure Technical Group has been established by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) and has been operating for more than twelve (12) months. The role of the group is to discuss sporting and recreational issues affecting the metropolitan region at a high level and provide feedback and direction to WALGA on these issues. The City of Stirling is represented on this technical group by the Manager Recreation and Leisure Services.


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OTHER RELEVANT RESEARCH DOCUMENTS

Australia: Walking The 21st Century — Walking In Relationship To Public TransportWalking has been a neglected part of transport and urban planning, despite the fact that walking is a crucial part of everyday life and a virtual part of every other journey. Walking has declined in USA, Canada, Australia and Europe. In Britain, there has been a 5% decline in the number of on-foot journeys over a 20-year period (1975/76 to 1993/95) and the decline in walking distance has sharply reduced from an average of 249 miles per person 1995/96 to 200 miles in 1993/95.

Walking levels are higher in higher-density urban areas than in suburbs or rural areas. Walking levels are higher in smaller towns or cities, possibly where distances are less and bus and public transport not as well developed. Neighbourhood trips are more likely made on foot 95%, (Britain) compared to 20% in town centres.

For planning purposes, cycling should not be grouped with walking, as each is a distinctly different activity. Combining leads to bad statistics, evidence, and superficial thinking.

Public transport does affect walking levels. There is a three-way relationship between public transport and walking: a reduction in walking as a mode of its own; a reduction in walk length because of high public transport density; and more walking trips because of high transport use.

If bus penetration is high, walking levels may be lower. If walk journeys are interesting then walking levels may be higher. In pedestrian-friendly towns in Germany 44% of pedestrians walk more than a 2km a day during the week, this increases to 52% on Saturdays.

If there is a pleasant environment, walking can become a favoured, high status mode not the last resort of the poor.

Australia: Walking The 21st Century — Continuous Pedestrian Networks Liveable Neighbourhoods (notes of a presentation by Verity Allen, June 2003)Policy development viewed walking in terms of specific individual issues such as: an alternative transport mode, recreation, social cohesion, improved health, and reducing greenhouse gas. Reports have tended to wrongly deal with walking and cycling as a single issue, or treat walking purely as an alternative mode of transport. There is a need to begin dealing with walking as an integrated strategy, developing action plans and supporting budgets.

Walking is an important issue for creating a sustainable future. The Liveable Neighbourhoods study attempts to address this, providing a trial alternative to current neighbourhood and town design. The objective is to achieve compact, well-planned and more sustainable urban communities. New suburbs based on 400m or 5-minute walking ‘Ped Sheds’ to town or neighbourhood centres and 800 metres or 10-minute walk to rail stations. Aims include:

Providing walkable neighbourhoods.•Clustering urban development to form towns.•Meeting daily needs within walking distance.•Grid or interconnected street patterns to help people move more easily through •the neighbourhood.

The desired outcome is the development of integrated strategies and good design:

State walking strategy.•Single design standards.•

Australian Local Government Association — Working For A Sustainable Future — National Financial Sustainability Study of Local Government (PricewaterhouseCoopers) 2006The main purpose of the study was to complete a national study on the financial sustainability of local government. However, there were a number of challenges raised that are relevant to the Strategy. The study identified that local government is responding to rising community expectations by providing a growing range of essential services and infrastructure that underpin local communities. However, the study also identified that most community centres, aged care facilities, health clinics and sport and recreation facilities were established in the 1950s and, unfortunately, due to a lack of funds, as a result of significant expansion into new services and the suppression of rates, fees and charges to improve voter appeal, there was a backlog of funding for the renewal/revitalisation of these community facilities.

Additionally, the study recognised that the range of functions undertaken by local governments has expanded beyond to now include a variety of social and human services that has come about as a result of a combination of community pressure, Western Australian and Australian Government inducements and the withdrawal of services by other levels of government. Cost shifting was also raised as an issue that is making life difficult for local governments, particularly in terms of service expansion given the increasing cost of providing new services.

The study provides a number of recommendations as to how to achieve better efficiency gains. Of relevance to this strategy are:

Secure long-term funding prior to new services and infrastructure.•Work with other spheres of government to facilitate improved asset management •through government funded programs.Undertake more regular asset condition reporting for key infrastructure.•

Furthermore, of interest is the recommendation of the report that a local community infrastructure renewal fund should be established with the aim being to support councils in the more timely funding of renewal work across a range of community infrastructure assets, including community centres, aged care facilities, libraries, health clinics and sport and recreation facilities. At this stage the Australian Local Government Association has suggested annual funding support of around $200-$250 million p.a. The fund has not been committed to presently, however the Australian Local Government Association was calling for councils to register community infrastructure ideas with ALGA in July 2007 as part of the establishment of the new Federal Government ‘Community Infrastructure Initiative’. If the fund were established there would be significant funding opportunities available to assist with the development of community facilities on public open space, such as changerooms, public toilet facilities etc.

Healthy By Design: A Planner’s Guide To Environments For Active Living (National Heart Foundation) 2004Healthy by Design has been developed by the Heart Foundation (Victorian Division) in response to local government requests for practical guidance in designing walkable, and ultimately more liveable, communities.

‘Healthy urban planning’ is about planning for people. It puts the needs of people and communities at the heart of the urban planning process and encourages decision-making based on human health and well-being. (Barton, Tsourou 2000)

Design considerations detailed in the guide facilitate healthy planning and healthy places for people to live, work and visit. This is encouraged by providing the following:

well-planned networks of walking and cycling routes•streets with direct, safe and convenient access•local destinations within walking distance from homes•accessible open spaces for recreation and leisure•conveniently located public transport stops • local neighbourhoods fostering community spirit. •

The plan contains a design matrix that supports an integrated approach to planning healthy and safe communities and provides practical guidance to planners. The matrix is available for viewing on the Heart Foundation web site.

The Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) — Fact Sheet For Local GovernmentThe cycling promotion fund is an organisation whose vision is to encourage safe, popular and convenient activity for people of all ages. Membership of the CPF is open to any business that imports, manufactures or sells wholesale bicycle products and/or provides services to the point-of-sale sector of the bicycle industry and supports the vision of the fund. The CPF was established in 2000 to enable the bicycle industry to play an active role in promoting and encouraging cycling.

The CPF released a fact sheet called ’Fact Sheet for Local Government — Leveraging Federal funding to Improve Local Communities’. Of interest is the recognition that local governments across Australia are facing a number of issues that impact on the health, public safety, economic development and liveability in their communities, including transport. The CPF believes the challenge is to provide a transport system that is affordable, operates fairly and efficiently, offers a choice of transport modes, and supports a competitive economy, as well as balanced regional development. The document outlines the rational and economic solutions that active transport offers, such as how to deal with the issues of increasing demand for roads, parking and other vehicle-related infrastructure; increasing traffic congestion; the effects of increasing petrol prices and the increasing use of cars to drive short distances; and provides alternative mobility options for those with no access to vehicles.

The fact sheet also provides some useful statistics such as a single car space can fit up to 14 bicycles; the average cost for one kilometre of freeway $13m, off-road cycle path $150,000, on road bike land $20,000 (when marked on existing road); cycling has become the 4th most popular physical activity in Australia; more bicycles are sold each year than cars, more than 1 million in each of the last five years; and walking and cycling are the most environmentally friendly means of getting around communities.

The fact sheet refers to increasing mobility through an integrated network of shared paths and bicycle lanes leading to facilities and services and creating conditions to make it easier for people to cycle to bus stops and train stations. It also suggests that cycling and walking friendly communities encourage activity, foster social interactions and reduce opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour by providing natural surveillance.

The fact sheet also refers to the All Roads to Recovery Funding that can be utilised to improve cycling and walking facilities.


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DAPA — Dogs and Physical Activity University of Western Australia, School of Population HealthThe study currently being undertaken by the University of Western Australia, School of Population Health, is examining the relationship between dog ownership and physical activity. The study discusses that there is a growing awareness about the importance of pet ownership to physical and emotional health and that pets provide opportunities and motivation to participate in physical activity. The study brief indicates that over 60% of Australian households own a pet and almost 70% of these households care for one or more dogs, and walking with a dog is seen as an underutilised health promotion tool.

The outcomes of the study will be very useful in assisting with the development of the City of Stirling’s Dogs on Public Open Space strategy, but also assist in providing useful information on the need to provide opportunities for those to recreate with their dogs.

SEID (Social, Environmental, and Individual Determinants of Health), University of Western Australia, School of Population HealthA study of the physical environmental factors in the local environment that may influence walking for recreation and for transport among sedentary workers and homemakers. (Professor Billie Giles-Corti, Dr Fiona Bull, Dr Jo Clarkson, Professor Konrad Jamrozik, Professor Rob Donovan, Professor Matthew Knuiman, Dr Terri Pikora)

Walking for recreation:After adjusting for demographic, individual and social factors, functional features appeared to be more important for walking for recreation near home than safety, aesthetic or destination features. These functional items include the presence of a well-maintained, continuous pavement system; the design of the street system; and traffic volume, speed and traffic calming devices.

A different set of factors was related to walking for transport near home. After adjustment, destination features appeared to be more important for walking for transport near home than functional, safety or aesthetic features.

The findings suggest those neighbourhoods with attractive and comfortable pedestrian facilities — safe, convenient places to walk; narrow streets, slower traffic, and verges that separate motor vehicles from pedestrians, and local destinations — were associated with walking. The environmental factors identified in this study will assist both policy makers and practitioners across several sectors in the creation of neighbourhood environments that are conducive for walking.

LOCAL — CITY OF STIRLING

City of Stirling Strategic Plan 2004–2008The Strategic Plan 2004–2008 is the blueprint for what Council hopes to achieve and how this will be done over a five-year period. The Strategic Plan incorporates Council’s vision, mission and values and guides operational activities through the key result areas of:

‘Our community’ — to provide services that meet changing community •needs.‘Our built and natural environment’ — to encourage sustainability and •enhance choice in the built environment, while preserving and enhancing the natural environment.‘Our economic opportunity’ — to enhance choice, opportunity and prosperity •for the community by encouraging sustainable economic development of the City.

The Public Open Space Strategy relates to several initiatives in each of these key result areas. Through its Strategic Plan 2004–2008, the City of Stirling also ensures that resources are managed effectively and good governance is provided for the benefit of the community.

Relevant key result areas are outlined below:Key result area 1 — Our community — The focus is to meet the changing community needs by:

Enhancing community health and well-being.•Effectively managing use of parks and public open space.•Fostering social and cultural development.•

Key result area 2 — Our built and natural environment — The focus is to meet the changing demand by:

Increasing the range of options for recreation and leisure.•Managing parks and public open space to best meet community needs.•Encouraging, advocating and implementing sustainable development.•

New initiatives in key result area 2 of relevance: Item 2.4 Community facilities — 2.4.6 — Review and realign the City’s •community —facilities to community needs.

The City’s next strategic plan 2009-12 is currently being developed, which will build on the current strategic plan and provide the framework for the progression of strategic initiatives such as the Public Open Space Strategy.

Sustainable City AgendaThe aim of the Sustainable City Agenda is to ‘ensure that what we do now does not compromise the quality of our current and future citizens’ lifestyle’. The City’s responsibility is to ensure that whatever we do is socially responsible, economically viable, environmentally friendly and that good governance guides decision-making.

The City of Stirling has now endorsed a set of sustainability principles, which are now embedded into the City’s Strategic Plan. These include:

Environment-economy integration: ensuring that economic development and •environmental protection are integrated in planning and implementation.Futurity: an explicit concern about the impact of current activity on future •generations.Environmental protection: a commitment to meeting at least the basic needs of •the poor of the present generation (as well as equity between generations).Quality of life: recognition that human well-being is constituted by more than •just income growth.Participation: the recognition that development requires the political •involvement of all groups or ’stakeholders’ in society.This commits the City to plan and report to the ‘triple bottom line’ within the •next few years.

The key initiatives relative to this project include:Major projects to improve infrastructure, safety and vitality of important •regional centres and some district centres.Diversifying our services to provide a range of age and cultural groups with •access to a high quality of life.A strategic shift in recreation and community services from traditional service •provision to community capacity building, with a particular focus on young people.


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Economic Development Plan — 2006–08The aim of the strategy is to ensure sustainable development is fully realised within the City of Stirling’s borders through partnerships that attract investment and influence decision-makers.

The document details information about the City’s economic opportunities and also what it aims to achieve over the next five (5) years. The aim relevant to this study is:

Create a liveable City where residents can find everything they need, without •having to travel outside the City of Stirling.

The City has identified its role in achieving this outcome through helping to build an attractive environment and providing the right infrastructure for economic development and to encourage major projects to profile the City and promote its attractions to visitors and residents.

Strategic priorities detailed in the strategy document relevant to this project include:

Infrastructure Provision — adequate infrastructure is essential for economic •growth at a local level. The City of Stirling will ensure it provides and maintains relevant infrastructure for the benefit of everyone.

Priority actions include:To develop quality infrastructure to support the economic and social needs of •the community.Lobby West Australian and Federal Governments on infrastructure needs •where help is required. Determine appropriate funding opportunities and apply to government for help •to provide necessary community infrastructure.

Leisure Plan, 2002The City completed the Leisure Plan in September 2002. Whilst the plan contains useful data on demographics, location and club statistics, it did not deal with facility planning or groups of facilities, nor did it provide any guidance or direction regarding policy development. The City developed a leisure planning framework that details the City’s approach to leisure planning. This process now supersedes the 2002 Leisure Plan.

Leisure Planning Framework, 2004The need for sport and recreational planning has grown substantially over the past few years. Public sector reform combined with fiscal restraint means local government authorities need to continually deliver facilities and services in a more appropriate and effective manner.

Traditionally, most sporting and recreational facilities have been planned, designed, built for and managed by separate sections of the community. Unfortunately, this approach has often been characterised by a lack of coordination and cooperation, often resulting in duplication and severe underutilisation of many facilities. A planned approach encourages sound investment, while certainty and preparedness helps to avoid any under or overutilisation of facilities and ensures there are appropriate resources spread throughout the City for the benefit of all residents.

Many different types of approaches have been used in recreation planning, however, a more integrated approach, capable of meeting community expectations in times of rapid social and economic change, is vital.

In this instance, the City is dedicated to providing a strategic approach to developing and improving community recreational and sporting facilities within the City of Stirling and to ensure that the broader local community benefits from the provision of these facilities.

Leisure planning in the City The City of Stirling is a very large municipality and ad hoc leisure planning (issue-based) would not do justice to the overall planning that is required. Where as many local government authorities are still developing, the City of Stirling is required to redevelop existing communities more than focusing on the planning of greenfield sites.

The City of Stirling’s demographics are changing rapidly yet our spaces and facilities are in a position based on a previous community’s needs and expectations. Hence the planning environment is more in alignment with re-engineering our existing infrastructure using contemporary methods targeted at a completely different market. In essence we are using management hindsight, established and emerging trends and resource capabilities as major precursors to planning much more than we previously did. In addition, local government is now more receptive to the needs of the broader sporting and recreational community, for instance recreational users are demanding equitable access to facility provision at the very equivalent to that of organised users. The City’s planning environment is such that we need an approach unique to our specific requirements.

The City’s Recreation and Leisure Services Business Unit endorses the Layered Leisure Planning Methodology as the optimum process to achieve the development of the City’s Total Leisure Plan. The proposed framework for future leisure planning will be applied in discreet areas, which includes direct managed facilities, organisational facilities and associated amenities.

Leisure Planning Principles and Guidelines have been developed to guide the future development of sport and recreational infrastructure in accordance with a set of principles and processes conducive with the corporate strategic intent of the City of Stirling.

City of Stirling Local Planning Strategy 2004The City’s Local Planning Strategy was prepared to facilitate the review of the current District Planning Scheme No.2 and to articulate the future direction of development across the City over the coming 20-30 years. The strategy covers a comprehensive range of topics, such as housing and industry, identifying the current situation, key issues and future trends of each of these topics. This information provides the basis from which to build specific planning strategies and polices. Chapter five (5) of the strategy outlines the results of the consultation undertaken as part of the first local area plan — Dianella, specifically values in regards to open space. This element identifies a number of issues pertinent to the preparation of an open space strategy, including:

The proportion of residents that visit the City’s parks is increasing, so too is the •average number of visits to parks.Passive recreation and informal lifestyle activities are increasing.•Increasing informal activities, such as cycling, will create greater demand for •appropriate spaces and new facilities.The protection of natural environments within public open space will become •an important issue as public use of these areas increases.The question of whether urban infill will create greater use and demand for •public open space.

Housing Strategy (current)The City is currently preparing a Local Housing Strategy that will provide a general overview of housing-related issues and the housing profile of the City. The Strategy will also provide a set of principles to guide future provision of housing and residential lots, assess the role of supporting services and inform any future reviews of residential density within the City.

City of Stirling Green Plan 2The City undertook a review of the condition and viability of its bushland areas in the early 1990s as part of its original Green Plan and identified that although the proportion of bushland reserves set aside was greater than the average for suburban Perth (the combined area of bushland reserves being a third of the total area of all open space reserves), in terms of total area of the municipality this proportion comprised about 4%. The City’s Green Plan 2 aims to conserve all major areas of natural vegetation and to support their long-term viability by the establishment of ecological links between major reserves.

Under Green Plan 2, a number of key reserves have been selected for their strategic location and orientation in relation to the major bushland areas and are targeted for an improved plan of management. Out of over 400 open space reserves within the City, the plan identifies 150 reserves as worthy of special attention, such as extending their existing vegetation cover by the planting of indigenous and native trees. The plan also identifies major roadways and other natural/open areas, such as school sites that are important for bushland conservation or as ecological links, and aims for a similar planting and management program at these sites.

It is vital that this plan integrates into the broader Public Open Space Strategy principles and planning.

Communication and Consultation Protocol 2005The purpose of the protocol was to provide a comprehensive and consistent approach to the way in which the City of Stirling communicates and consults with its stakeholders.

It embraces the intent of the communication requirements of the Local Government Act 1995 which established minimum communication requirements to ensure local government became more accountable and involved the community more in the decision-making process. The Act requires that a number of matters

(predominantly financial and planning) be advertised by way of a public notice, to encourage community input.

The relevant sections of the protocol should be included in the community engagement processes undertaken for this project.

Access and Inclusion Plan 2006–2010The City recognises that access is the key to independence and is committed to ensuring that everyone living in or visiting the City can access the majority of the facilities and services we provide. The City developed its first Disability Services Plan in 1995. The implementation of this plan has resulted in significant changes such as upgrades to parks and reserves, modifications to our facilities, raising disability awareness and ensuring all officers of the City consider the needs of people with disabilities as part of their daily business. This plan was reviewed in 2005 with the final adoption of the City of Stirling Access and inclusion Plan 2006–2010.

This plan demonstrates the City’s commitment to ensuring everyone living in or visiting the City of Stirling can access the majority of the facilities and services we provide.

The City has adopted eight (8) desirable outcomes for the plan. Three outcomes of specific application to this strategy, based on the Disability Service Regulations 2004 are:

Outcome 1. Access to the services of, and events organised by, the City of •Stirling is available to all people on an equal basis.Outcome 2. Access to the buildings and facilities owned by the City of Stirling •is improved, with the aim of providing universal access.Outcome 6. All people have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate •in public consultations and decision-making processes.

To assist in achieving these outcomes a number of strategies have been recommended. Those relevant to public open space development include:Outcome 1:

Where possible, use international symbols as well as text on signage.•Outcome 2:

Continue the program of access improvement to council buildings.•Continue to implement a universal access program for parks and reserves, •such as upgrading to ACROD parking bays servicing reserves; universal access to playgrounds as per the Public Open Space Strategy.Provide equipment or facilities to assist with those special access needs such •as recreation centres.Provide access ramps that are user-friendly and appropriately placed.•Ensure that City of Stirling employees adhere to universal design guidelines, •particularly with new projects.Implement a policy that footpaths and dual use paths are kept clear of hazards •and obstructions.Upgrade to facilities as per classification and strategy•


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The public open space management environment has changed dramatically over the last decade. The range of sporting and recreational activities in which people are engaging has expanded and there is more and more pressure to provide access and opportunities for a range of users. Unfortunately, conflict with some users has evolved as people compete for use of public open space, particularly at peak times. Generally the problems seem to be attributed to the management of dogs and active sporting users of public open space. Additionally, there is growing pressure from dog owners to also provide access and opportunities to exercise their dogs on public open space. In this regard, the City is currently gauging community values concerning dogs on public open space and is aiming to develop a strategy to ensure the effective management of dogs on public open spaces whilst having a clear understanding of the needs of both dog and non-dog users.

Playground PolicyThe City’s Playgrounds Policy H405100 provides the groundwork for the establishment of a network of regional, major local minor and centre playgrounds throughout the City and its ward districts that will allow the community to have equitable access to innovative playground equipment of a high standard.

The policy identifies one regional playground will be established in each ward using new equipment innovations and updated versions of existing equipment as a phased or staged development.

Through careful positioning of regional playgrounds the City aims to give most City residents easy access to regional playgrounds. To complement the regional playground, a network of major and local playgrounds have been provided for in the surrounding residential suburbs.

The Playground Policy will be reviewed and integrated as part of this Strategy, particularly the public open space classification service area and core and optional facilities. It is intended that the POS Strategy will supersede the Playground Policy regarding play facility distribution and provision.

Biodiversity StudyThe City is currently carrying out a biodiversity condition survey for all the natural areas within the City’s reserves. The survey will provide the basis for a Local Biodiversity Strategy for the City.

ClubsForeverSporting, recreational and community groups are fundamental in the development and maintenance of a vibrant and totally interactive society. Community-based clubs form the nucleus of a system of volunteer-delivered services that are integral to the learning and growth capacity of our community. They provide the accepted vehicle to develop the physical and social well-being of our people, and are one of the largest contributors and consumers in our local economy.

An important and often overlooked factor is that community-based clubs provide a sense of place and belonging, allowing a community to identify with itself in a manner that is very unique to its people, history and values. Community-based clubs provide opportunities for active and passive sport stars, community leaders, good citizens and ‘Proud Aussies’ of every size and dimension.

The City of Stirling has over 450 clubs in varying forms, in addition to the other countless volunteers that support a club or group-based system. In effect, it is estimated that over 90,000 participate in a club environment in the City of Stirling on an annual basis. The City invests hundreds of thousands of dollars annually by way of infrastructure and services; it relies on these clubs and volunteers to deliver, and in many cases, self-manage this resource on its behalf. The City cares about the ongoing viability of these groups and as such has developed the ultimate sustainability model, in ClubsForever, which will ensure that value is added to the current support system in a very strategic and innovative manner. Fundamentally, the ClubsForever program is a community-based strategic approach that delivers products and services to groups that initiate, develop and maintain vibrancy and ongoing viability.

There are core components of the program that are blended together and delivered at varying levels, specifically targeted at groups that rely on interaction and support from the City of Stirling. By further enhancing the strength and self-management capability of our clubs, the City will see tangible benefits in better resource management and less reliance on Council; clubs will become empowered and conversant in key industry areas.

TravelSmart ProgramAn innovative travel behaviour program has recently been introduced to the City of Stirling; TravelSmart is a successful Western Australian community-based program that helps individuals, communities, schools and workplaces make smarter choices about the way they travel. The program uses a range of different projects to promote alternatives to car use and encourages people to swap one or two of their weekly car journeys to a smarter, more sustainable form of transport, such as walking, riding a bike, using public transport, sharing a lift/car-pooling, or working from home.

Being TravelSmart has a number of benefits, including increased physical activity and fitness; more activity in local communities; less traffic; saving money on petrol; decreased pollution and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Follow My Lead The City of Stirling launched the ‘Follow My Lead’ project early in 2006. This innovative program is designed to increase the physical activity levels of City residents whilst also encouraging responsible dog ownership in the local community.

Stirling fun for everyone — with or without dogs...‘Follow my lead’ aims to get City of Stirling residents of all ages from school kids and young people, to adults, families and seniors, ‘out and about’ walking and exercising in the many reserves and public open space areas in the City of Stirling.


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APPENDIX C - THE EXERCISE, RECREATION AND SPORT SURVEY (ERASS) — 2005AustraliaTop ten organised activities by participants 2001–2005

RANK TOP TEN ORGANISED ACTIVITIES BY PARTICIPANTS 2001- 2005

1 Walking

2 Aerobics/Fitness

3 Swimming

4 Cycling

5 Tennis

6 Running

7 Golf

8 Bushwalking

9 Football (soccer)

10 Netball

(The Exercise, Recreation And Sport Survey (ERASS) — 2005)

Basketball has now risen to seventh place with cricket remaining out of the top ten. Decreases were also observed in yoga, organised golf and swimming.

Top ten activities by participants 2001–2005

RANK TOP TEN ACTIVITIES BY PARTICIPANTS 2001–2005

1 Walking

2 Aerobics/Fitness

3 Swimming

4 Cycling

5 Tennis

6 Running

7 Golf

8 Bushwalking

9 Football (soccer)

10 Netball


Aerobics/fitness has enjoyed the largest increase since 2001 with significant increases also in walking, cycling, bushwalking, running and football (soccer).

Western Australia — Participation:General participation

MALES PARTICIPATION NUMBER (,000)

15 to 24 126.8

25 to 34 130.3

35 to 44 129.9

45 to 54 119.2

55 to 64 84.0

65 and over 73.3

FEMALES PARTICIPATION NUMBER (,000)

15 to 24 133.5

25 to 34 125.2

35 to 44 124.8

45 to 54 117.6

55 to 64 79.0

65 and over 83.3


Participation in organised activityMALES PARTICIPATION IN ORGANISED ACTIVITY

NUMBER (,000)

15 to 24 85.9

25 to 34 63.0

35 to 44 70.4

45 to 54 47.8

55 to 64 35.1

65 and over 26.8

FEMALES PARTICIPATION IN ORGANISED ACTIVITYNUMBER (,000)

15 to 24 89.8

25 to 34 75.7

35 to 44 53.3

45 to 54 54.5

55 to 64 39.2

65 and over 38.8

(The Exercise, Recreation And Sport Survey (ERASS) —2005)

Frequency of participation

FREQUENCY OF PARTICIPATION (NUMBER ,000)

MALES NONE

ZERO

–ONC

E PE

R W

EEK

ONCE

OR

TWIC

E

PER

WEE

K

THRE

E OR

FOU

R TI

MES

PE

R W

EEK

FIVE

OR

MOR

E TI

MES

PE

R W

EEK

15 to 24 20.2 27.8 34.1 20.4 44.4

25 to 34 17.9 29.4 39.9 20.2 40.7

35 to 44 19.2 34.1 35.3 28.8 31.8

45 to 54 24.3 22.7 35.3 26.6 34.5

55 to 64 22.2 16.6 23.1 34.1

65 and over 24.4 * 12.2 16.8 34.4

FEMALES

15 to 24 * 21.9 40.5 34.7 36.4

25 to 34 19.8 17.4 37.5 34.1 36.2

35 to 44 23.0 24.6 27.8 36.9 35.5

45 to 54 25.5 * 35.2 28.0 47.2

55 to 64 20.3 * 22.8 13.9 34.7

65 and over 28.5 * 18.8 15.0 40.5

* = data inaccurate.(The Exercise, Recreation And Sport Survey (ERASS) — 2005)

Frequency of participation in organised activity

FREQUENCY OF PARTICIPATION (NUMBER ,000)

MALES NONE

ZERO

– ON

CE

PER

WEE

K

ONCE

OR

TWIC

E

PER

WEE

K

THRE

E OR

FOU

R TI

MES

PE

R W

EEK

FIVE

OR

MOR

E TI

MES

PE

R W

EEK

15 to 24 61.1 24.1 29.2 21.7 *

25 to 34 85.2 22.8 16.1 15.1 *

35 to 44 78.8 29.9 25.1 * *

45 to 54 95.6 17.2 20.2 * *

55 to 64 71.1 14.8 * * *

65 and over 70.9 * 15.3 * *

FEMALES

15 to 24 55.0 23.2 27.4 20.2 19.0

25 to 34 69.2 27.7 26.2 14.4 *

35 to 44 94.5 17.2 23.7 * *

45 to 54 88.7 12.8 20.8 12.9 *

55 to 64 60.1 * 21.8 * *

65 and over 73.1 * 19.3 * *

* = data inaccurate.(The Exercise, Recreation And Sport Survey (ERASS) —2005)


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INSIDE FULL SPREAD

Selected top selected activities for 2005

RANK TOP TEN SELECTED ACTIVITIES BY PARTICIPANTS 2005

1 Walking

2 Aerobics/Fitness

3 Swimming

4 Cycling

5 Running

6 Golf

7 Tennis

8 Australian Football

9 Netball

10 Basketball

(The Exercise, Recreation And Sport Survey (ERASS) – 2005)

APPENDIX D - PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ADULTS 2002 — KEY AGE GROUP FINDINGSAged 18–29 years:A slightly higher proportion of females, aged 18 to 29 years, participated in sufficient moderate physical activity and a lower proportion participated in sufficient vigorous physical activity compared to males.A higher proportion of females walked for recreation, compared to males with a higher proportion of males participating in team sports and weight training compared to females.A higher proportion of females used the street/footpath and gym/health club for physical activity compared to males with a higher proportion of males participating in physical activity at home compared to females.A higher proportion of females were in the healthy weight range and lower proportions were in the overweight and obese categories compared to males.

Aged 30–44 years:A lower proportion of adults, aged 30 to 44 years, were sufficiently active and higher proportions were insufficiently active and inactive in 2002 compared to 1999.A slightly higher proportion of females participated in sufficient moderate physical activity and a lower proportion participated in sufficient vigorous physical activity compared to males.A higher proportion of females walked for recreation compared to males with higher proportions of males participating in team sports and weights compared to females.A higher proportion of females used the street/footpaths and gym/health club for physical activity compared to males with a higher proportion of males participating in physical activity at home compared to females.A higher proportion of females were in the healthy weight range and lower proportions were in the overweight and obese categories compared to males.

Aged 45 –59 years:A similar proportion of adults, aged 45 to 59 years, were sufficiently active, a lower proportion were insufficiently active and a higher proportion were inactive in 2002 compared with 1999 results.A slightly higher proportion of females participated in sufficient moderate physical activity and a lower proportion participated in sufficient vigorous physical activity compared to males.Higher proportions of females walked for recreation compared to males, whilst higher proportions of males participated in team sports and weights compared to females.Higher proportions of females used the street/footpath, gym/health/club or park/oval for physical activity compared to males. Similar proportions of males and females participated in physical activity at home. A higher proportion of females were in the healthy weight range and lower proportions were in the overweight and obese categories compared to males. Over half of males were overweight or obese.

Aged 60–74 yearsA lower proportion of adults, aged 60 to 74 years, were sufficiently active and higher proportions were insufficiently active and inactive in 2002 compared to 1999 results.A lower proportion of females participated in sufficient moderate physical activity and sufficient vigorous physical activity compared to males.Walking for recreation was the most popular activity performed among adults, aged 60 to 74 years. A slightly higher proportion of females walked for transport compared to males. A higher proportion of males participated in team sports and in weight training compared to females.The home was the most popular facility for physical activity among males while

the street/footpath was the most popular among females. A higher proportion of females used a public park/oval or gym/health club to perform physical activity compared to males.A higher proportion of females were in the healthy weight range and obese category compared to males. A higher proportion of males were overweight compared to females. The proportion of healthy weight individuals was lower and the proportion of overweight and obese individuals was higher among those aged 60 to 74 years, compared to WA adults overall.

Aged 75 years and overA lower proportion of adults aged 75 years and over were sufficiently active and higher proportions were insufficiently active and inactive compared to Western Australian adults overall.A lower proportion of females participated in sufficient moderate physical activity and sufficient vigorous physical activity compared to males.Walking for recreation was the most popular activity performed among adults aged 75 years and over, and was more popular among males compared to females. More than twice as many females walked for transport compared to males. The proportion of males and females participating in team sports and in weight training were similar.The street/footpath was the most popular facility for physical activity among both females and males. A public park/oval was more popular among males compared to females. A gym/health club was more popular among females compared to males.A higher proportion of females were of a healthy weight, a lower proportion of females were overweight and a similar proportion of females were obese compared to males. The proportion of healthy weight individuals was slightly higher and the proportion of overweight and obese individuals was lower among those 75 years and over compared to WA adults overall


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APPENDIX E

INSIDE FULL SPREAD

LAND OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLIC OPEN SPACENOTE: AS AT NOVEMBER 2007. DATA OBTAINED FROM THE CITY OF STIRLING’S LAND INFORMATION SYSTEM. ALL INFORMATION SHOWN IN INDICATED ONLY AND SUBJECT TO COMPLETE LAND INFORMATION SEARCHES FOR VERIFICATION.


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City of Stirling 25 Cedric Street Stirling WA 6021 Telephone (08) 9345 8555 | Facsimile (08) 9345 8822

www.stirling.wa.gov.au Sustainable City Transport

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Public Open Space Strategy - City of Stirling

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