Council endorses plan for open space contributions


Melbourne City Council last night endorsed Planning Scheme Amendment C209 which would require developers to pay fixed public open space contributions of either land or cash for new projects.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said Council will now submit Planning Scheme Amendment C209 to the Minister for Planning for approval.

“This amendment will help Council to deliver on our Open Space Strategy by securing funding and land for parks, recreation areas and open spaces across the municipality,” the Lord Mayor said.

“With more people choosing to live in apartments, the provision of high-quality public open space is more important now than ever.”

The Lord Mayor said the City of Melbourne manages more than 500 hectares of open space, representing almost 15 per cent of the municipality.

“We have a 15-year plan to create an additional 24 hectares of open space and this change to the planning scheme will help us to bring that vision to fruition,” the Lord Mayor said.

Councillor Ken Ong, Chair of Council’s Planning portfolio, said Planning Scheme Amendment C209 sets contribution rates of 5 per cent and 7.06 per cent for new developments, as either a percentage of the site value, a land contribution or a combination of both.

“The higher rate will apply in the city’s high growth and urban renewal areas where there is a greater need for public open space to cater for a growing population,” Cr Ong said.

Councillor Arron Wood, Chair of Council’s Environment portfolio, said the change to the planning scheme implementing the Open Space Strategy would have a range of social and environmental benefits.

“Our Open Space Strategy aims to create a network of high quality and diverse open spaces within walking distance for residents and workers,” Cr Wood said. “Open spaces promote social connectedness, improve mental health and wellbeing and encourage physical activity.

“Open space also plays an important role in mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect by providing cooler spaces during hot summers and allowing built up areas like the central city cool more effectively overnight. They also help the city adapt to more extreme weather patterns.”

Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C209 will now be submitted to the Planning Minister for approval. For more information, click here.

For more information visit City of Melbourne