Greener, healthier communities at the heart of Public Open Space Plan
Published on 22 May 2026
The City of Whittlesea’s Public Open Space Plan 2026-36 was endorsed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 May, setting the direction for parks, reserves and public spaces across the municipality over the next decade.
With an open space network spanning 12,950 hectares across the municipality, including 2,364 hectares owned and managed by Council, the plan will help ensure local parks, waterways and public spaces continue to be protected and enhanced to support recreation, biodiversity and community wellbeing as the City of Whittlesea continues to grow and respond to climate challenges.
The new plan also builds on the achievements of Council’s Open Space Strategy 2016-26, which delivered significant improvements over the past decade, including more than 1,000 new parks and reserves, 225 conservation reserves protecting important native habitat, major upgrades to regional parks, upgraded playgrounds and 45 renewed parks, as well as the development of bunjil nganga Parklands at Quarry Hills as a major regional park.
The new Public Open Space Plan 2026-36 focuses on:
- creating safe, connected and welcoming open spaces
- supporting community health and wellbeing
- protecting biodiversity and waterways
- planning for climate resilience through greener, cooler environments
- delivering social and economic benefits for the community.
The draft plan was shared with the community earlier this year, with 193 community members participating through online feedback and 14 community pop-up sessions.
Community feedback showed strong support for the plan’s direction, particularly for greener neighbourhoods, increased shade and tree canopy, accessible play spaces, walking and cycling connections, fenced dog parks and spaces that encourage social connection and community activity.
The final plan was updated in response to feedback from the community, Traditional Owners, stakeholder groups and technical experts.
Future projects and improvements identified in the plan will be considered and subject to future Council funding and budget processes.
To view the Public Open Space Plan 2026-36 visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/plans
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:
“The Public Open Space Plan 2026–36 provides a clear vision for greener, healthier and more connected communities across the City of Whittlesea.”
“Our parks, trails, playgrounds, seniors exercise parks and open spaces are such an important part of everyday life in the City of Whittlesea. They are places where families gather, children play, people exercise or walk their dogs and connect with nature and each other.”
“Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback during consultation. We heard strong support for greener neighbourhoods, more shade, better play spaces and places that help people connect with nature and each other.”
“As the City of Whittlesea continues to grow, it is important that we continue creating welcoming and accessible open spaces for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy now and into the future.”