The management of open space and recreation areas is an important function of Council.
The Local Government Act 1999 outlines the requirements on all Councils to ensure Council owned land is managed appropriately and that the community is actively involved in decisions affecting the management and use of Council owned land.
Section 196 of the Act requires Council to develop management plans for all Community Land. Categories of Community Land are not specifically defined in the Act but for the purposes of management plans includes areas that are set aside for community use or conservation purposes such as Parks, Community, Recreation and Sporting Facilities and Natural Areas.
From time to time parcels of land may be gifted to Council as part of a new subdivision or acquired by Council for operational or commercial purposes. For example where the land is of strategic importance as identified by the Council’s strategic plans. As additional parcels are acquired or gifted to Council these will be added to the community land register and allocated a management plan category.
