Experiences of our spaces
How people use open spaces in Merri-bek. What is valued and what barriers to access exist.
We are developing a new Open Space Strategy that will inform how we plan, deliver and maintain open space in Merri-bek. We want to hear directly from the people who use the spaces and places around Merri-bek to make sure the city is livable, green and designed with future generations in mind.
We want to find out:
Our open space exists on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways in the area now known as Merri-bek. The creation of a new Open Space Strategy is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate a greater level of respect for Country and our open space. The new Open Space Strategy will explore how Council can increase integration of Traditional Owner knowledge into how we use, manage, plan, and maintain our open space. We will build upon existing actions and discussions, such as the renaming of Council to Merri-bek City Council and the recent Merri Creek Parklands discussions. We will aim to work closely with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation throughout the creation of our new Open Space Strategy.
When we talk about open space we are talking about land that is used by the community for outdoor recreation and leisure. Some ways people use open space include:
In Merri-bek there are over 350 spaces managed by Council.
We have written a discussion paper that outlines key themes (identified below) through other engagements, comments and questions from our community, research and information from within Council.
The themes are summarised on the pages below. On each page you will find an activity where you can share your own experiences and ideas. Visit them all or just participate in the topics that are important to you.
You will need to have a Conversations Merri-bek account to participate in the activities on these pages. If you don't want to make an account or if you prefer a survey format, you can complete our survey without being logged in.
We also have a calendar of events where you can share your thoughts in person.
We are asking people to register for these activities to help us collect important information about the communities we are hearing from.
Merri-bek is a diverse community and we want our community engagement to reflect that.
This information helps us to meet our legislative obligations and improve our processes. We want our decisions to benefit as many of the diverse people who use open spaces in Merri-bek as possible.
Your information will not be used for any other purpose.
For details on how Merri-bek City Council collects and protects your personal information, refer to our Privacy Policy.
How people use open spaces in Merri-bek. What is valued and what barriers to access exist.
What is changing in Merri-bek and how will it impact the future of our open spaces?
Ensuring our parks are comfortable and enjoyable for all users.
We want to continue to protect and expand places in Merri-bek that are important for their unique natural features.
We want to provide great places for dogs and their humans, as well as address shared spaces, health, safety and environment.
Our most recognisable open spaces are our parks. We want to ensure they can be enjoyed by people of all ages well into the future.
Our sports grounds, skate parks, cycling facilities and parks get used by all kinds of people for all kinds of sports. What's your experience?
We are holding pop-up conversations and structured workshops all around Merri-bek during the consultation.
If you prefer a survey format you can comment on all the questions we are asking across our various activities here.
Merri-bek City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional custodians of the lands and waterways in the area now known as Merri-bek, and pays respect to their Elders past and present, as well as to all First Nations’ communities who significantly contribute to the life of the area.
Phone
+61 3 9240 1111
Email
conversations@merri-bek.vic.gov.au
National relay service
133 677
(ask for 03 9240 1111)
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