Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2026-2036

⁠⁠⁠Overview

Corangamite Shire Council is seeking a consultant to develop the Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2026-2036, providing strategic direction for the development and growth of recreation opportunities across the Shire.

About

Corangamite Shire has some of the best environmental assets in Victoria, and Council wishes to identify and leverage these assets to provide opportunities for residents and visitors. The Shire has a higher than average incidence of cardio-vascular disease. Council will be responsible for implementing the actions outlined in the strategy, and while the strategy will identify potential partners for Council to work with, it is not intended that the strategy will be implemented by other organisations. Once the strategy is adopted, Council anticipates providing an annual budget allocation for implementation of actions from the strategy, as well as seeking external grant funding to complete identified actions.

Purpose

The strategy is intended to provide direction for the development of recreation opportunities, identify and leverage the Shire's environmental assets for residents and visitors, and help strengthen Council's economy through innovative and contemporary ideas aligned with Council and regional plans. The strategy is also intended to maximise opportunities for the broadest possible community participation in sport and recreation activities, in order to help reduce the incidence of cardio-vascular disease and other health issues across the Shire.

Objectives

A key objective of the strategy is to consult with local communities to help identify key priorities to increase community participation in physical activity.

Scope

Key Products

The scope includes:

• Preparation of a scoping paper identifying existing recreation services provided by Council, local clubs and organisations, other governments and agencies, including what is successful and what needs improvement
• Development of a map identifying sport and recreation facilities and public open space across the Shire and the purpose for which it is being used
• Consultation and engagement with the community and key stakeholders
• Preparation of a discussion paper detailing key issues and opportunities identified through consultation with the community and stakeholders
• Preparation of Corangamite Shire's Recreation and Open Space Strategy, including strategic analysis of current recreation service and infrastructure provision, emerging trends, challenges, gaps and opportunities
• Development of a key action plan for sport and recreation facilities and active participation programming, with consideration of timing and resourcing of actions
• Embedding Universal Design and inclusion throughout the project, including assessment of how recreation facilities, open space, services, programs and engagement approaches can be planned, upgraded and delivered so they are inclusive, accessible and usable by people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds

Project Scope Requirements

• Review of Corangamite Shire's strategic direction for recreation and open space for the next ten years, including application of Universal Design and inclusive access principles
• Audit and analysis of the current scope and quality of recreation services provided by Council and other stakeholders in Corangamite
• Determination of recreational needs for Corangamite for the next 10 years, including the needs of people of different ages, abilities, backgrounds and life stages
• Provision of a framework to assist Council to prioritise projects, activities and funding programs for the next ten years, with regard to accessibility, equity, inclusion and Universal Design outcomes
• Development of an annual action plan of activities to deliver on Corangamite Shire's Recreation and Open Space Strategy
• Development of a greater understanding of key issues and concerns of the community and other stakeholders in relation to recreation and open space in Corangamite

Strategy Components

• 'SMART' objectives providing guidance to recreation in the Corangamite Shire
• Key strategic directions to guide the future direction of open space, recreation and sport facility management and service provision, including sustainable practices
• Strategic solutions identifying actions, responsibilities, partnering opportunities and timelines to achieve the strategic objectives and directions
• A monitoring and evaluation framework outlining a process, including establishment of KPIs, to review and report on the strategic actions
• Maps and diagrams where appropriate
• Universal Design principles to guide future planning, renewal, activation and prioritisation of recreation facilities, public open space and participation opportunities
• Actions to improve equitable access and remove barriers to participation for people who may be excluded by physical, social, cultural, geographic or information barriers

Overarching Considerations

• Consideration of current and future community needs, priorities and aspirations, including who should be involved and the extent to which existing and future recreation facilities, open spaces, services and engagement approaches are inclusive and accessible for the widest possible range of users, including older people, children and young people, people with disability, carers, people with temporary injury or illness, and people living in isolated rural communities
• Consideration of the limitations of Council and the consequent need for partnership approaches in light of financial pressures facing local government, such as rate capping