Following extensive community consultation and auditing of various outdoor spaces, the Mount Gambier Sport, Recreation and Open Space Strategy (SROSS) was endorsed by Council at the April 2022 meeting held this week.
The strategy is a first of its kind for the city and provides strategic direction for the future development and management of Council’s 58 open spaces, including recreation, sporting, nature and public realm spaces.
Based on a supply and demand analysis involving an audit of each open space area, while taking into consideration the sport, recreation and community needs for the city, the strategy was informed through consultation with the community and various stakeholders which commenced in April 2021.
As a result of the consultation we received feedback from more than 300 different stakeholders, including 16 state sporting organisations and 30 local sporting associations/clubs.
– City of Mount Gambier General Manager City and Community Growth Tim Coote
“Throughout the process it was evident that Mount Gambier has a robust sporting and recreation culture and Council understands the importance of open spaces within the community, whether they are used for sporting activities, exercise, socialising with family and friends or walking the dog,” Mr Coote said.
The SROSS addresses the current gaps in sport, recreation and open spaces throughout the city, based on the needs of the community now and into the future and aligns with the City of Mount Gambier Strategic Plan 2020-2024, Council’s Disability Action and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024 and Regional Public Health Plan 2021-2026. It will also influence future long term financial plans, annual business plan and budgets, asset management plans and works and maintenance plans.
The strategy also proposes short, medium and longer term recommendations to provide and/or improve public spaces. This includes the development of additional site/precinct specific master plans and strategies and undertaking scoping projects for future works.
“It outlines six guiding principles to provide a framework as to how sport, recreation and open spaces can be delivered,” Mr Coote said.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said the document is an exciting and extensive piece of work that will enable the City of Mount Gambier to work towards its vision for open space.
“Council’s vision for open space is to create a network of accessible and connected high quality open spaces that encourage a range of physical activities and social opportunities for the Mount Gambier community, and the guiding principles within the strategy will help us to continue to work towards achieving this vision,” Mayor Martin said.
“The SROSS shows a commitment by Council to the health and wellbeing of our community and through its strategic direction, it is envisaged that over time the outcomes will positively impact the health and quality of life of our residents.”
Consisting of two main reports including a need analysis report and the strategy, which focuses on providing direction and site recommendations, the SROSS was developed in conjunction with Outerspace Landscape Architects and InsideEdge Sport and Leisure Planning.
