Community’s views to shape the future of Baw Baw’s open spaces

Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking your ideas, thoughts and feedback on our region’s parks, gardens and other outdoor recreation areas to help shape a new Open Space Strategy.

The Open Space Strategy will guide how we manage, protect and grow our open space network to support a healthy, thriving and sustainable community.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Annemarie McCabe says the strategy will help Council future proof its parks to ensure they cater to changing needs and can be shared and enjoyed by everyone in the community for years to come.

“Baw Baw is renowned for its beautiful open spaces,” says the Mayor. “It is also one of the fastest growing regions in Victoria. As our population continues to grow and diversify, careful planning and management is needed to ensure our open spaces and infrastructure meet the evolving needs of our community now and into the future.”

“We want to hear from all residents – young and old and from every corner of the Shire – to find out what they think about our existing open space network. Your feedback and ideas will help us find opportunities, address accessibility concerns, and let us know what you think is most important to improve the overall quality of our parks, gardens and outdoor recreation facilities. Your views will help us determine where new open spaces should be designed and developed for future use, and make sure that we’re meeting community needs while safeguarding Baw Baw’s natural beauty.”

Have your say, your way.

To make it as easy as possible for residents of all ages and abilities to get involved, Baw Baw Shire Council is offering a variety of opportunities to provide feedback:

Online via Baw Baw Connect

Click here to visit www.bawbawconnect.com.au

Residents can submit their ideas and suggestions by dropping pins and comments on a shire-wide interactive map, and by completing a brief survey.

All residents who take part in the survey will be entered into a draw to win one of five dining and spa or accommodation packages in some of the most stunning locations in Baw Baw Shire.

In person at a drop-in sessions across Baw Baw

Warragul Civic Park

  • Tuesday 17 October
  • 10am-12pm

Playground pop up at McNeilly Park, Drouin

  • Wednesday 18 October
  • 9:30am-11:30pm

Drouin Craft and Produce Market at Civic Park.

  • Saturday 21 October
  • 10am -12pm

Trafalgar Farmers Market at McGregor Park.

  • Saturday 4 November
  • 10am-12 am

Warragul Farmers Market

  • Saturday 18 November
  • 10am-12pm

Yarragon Craft and Produce Market

  • Saturday 25 November
  • 10am-12pm

Longwarry Council Pop-Up

  • Sunday 3 December
  • 10am-12pm

This consultation opportunity is open to all until midnight on Sunday 3 December.

Following this phase of consultation, the project team will analyse the community engagement results and prepare a draft strategy which will be presented back to the community for further input and refinement before its adoption by Council.

To learn more about the Open Space Strategy, provide feedback and follow the progress of this important project, please visit: Baw Baw Connect – Open Space Strategy

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