June 16, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted the Gunnedah Shire Open Space Strategy 2022-2032 to steer the direction for the Shire’s parks, reserves and playing fields for the next 10 years.

The strategy, put together by consultants Ross Planning, will allow the strategic planning, designing, development and management of open space.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said research by the consultants had shown Gunnedah had a generous provision of open space when compared with other local government authorities. A provision of 3.5-4ha per 1000 people was typical for most shires, where Gunnedah had 6.4ha per 1000 people.

“Open spaces are part of Gunnedah Shire’s appeal,” Cr Chaffey said. “We rated particularly highly in the provision of sports areas.

“Our reserves, our parks and our sporting fields are all part of the reason people love to live in Gunnedah, and we need to keep it that way. We need to plan ahead to ensure our open spaces are a reflection of what our community wants and needs.

“This document included extensive consultation through workshops, interviews and surveys. A community survey brought responses from 270 residents, where people let us know that their favourite activity for open spaces, other than organised sport, was walking, followed by playing in the park. About half the respondents said they participate in organised sports in Gunnedah.

“We asked people to name their favourite open space or park and Livvi’s Place came out on top, followed by Wolseley Park, Porcupine Lookout, Stock Road walking path and the Namoi River walking path.

“We asked people to tell us what our open spaces were lacking. This information helped inform the Strategy, and will help guide us in the future.

The draft Strategy went on public exhibition in November 2021 and submissions were considered in drafting the final document.

“A huge amount of time and research has gone into putting together this Strategy which will help guide the future of our open spaces in a cohesive and exciting way,” Cr Chaffey said.

To view the adopted Open Space Strategy, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/council-information/strategies-plans

Caption: Livvi’s Place is one of Gunnedah Shire’s most popular open spaces.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.