Public open space contributions are payments made by a property developer when land is subdivided to create additional lots. These payments are used by Council to create or improve public open spaces that can be used by the entire community, such as parks and gardens.
The Victorian Government has increased the public open space contribution rate from 4.5% to 8.65%. This means that Council will have a greater pool of funds to improve open spaces in Yarra.
With only roughly 20 square kilometres of the municipality being open space –, Yarra has the third lowest area of public open space per person among Victorian councils. With a growing population and increasing density, it's important that quality open space is within a safe and easy walk of residents and workers.
In 2016 Council adopted its Public Open Space Requirement Policy to guide how money in collected through the public open space contribution rate is spent. Open space projects that meet the criteria outlined in the policy are identified, prioritised and considered through our annual budget process.
Yarra City Council Mayor Edward Crossland said Council welcomed the announcement following sustained advocacy efforts from Council.
"Public open space is essential to maintaining the character, liveability and biodiversity of our City. We gladly welcome the decision from the Victorian Government following many years of advocacy efforts," Mayor Crossland said.
"The increased public open space contribution rate is one of the key ways that we can ensure that new spaces are created and existing ones are maintained, for the benefit of current and future residents."
