armstrong creek urban growth plan volume 1 - City of Greater Geelong

provides locations where unforeseen demand for social services can
be met.
Significant health benefits flow from increased physical activity. As a result,
provision of adequate open space and recreational facilities within the growth area
would contribute to the formation of a healthy community. Moreover, awareness is
growing of the importance of sport to community life. Sport and recreation provide
opportunities to make and maintain friendships and can help to give a sense of
belonging. Both of these aspects are important to a person’s mental health and
wellbeing.
The City of Greater Geelong has adopted an aim of achieving a minimum
unencumbered open space contribution within the City’s growth areas of 10%. The
appropriateness of this figure was subsequently reinforced by a recommendation of
the Outer Suburban Interface Services Development Committee 14 . Allocation of
this space should occur in such a way that positive features of the existing
landscape are retained and preserved. Furthermore, open space in the growth
area should be integrated with existing open space networks, particularly those in
the adjacent suburbs, to maximise the utility of this network and assist in the
integration of Armstrong Creek with the surrounding community.
The following ‘Principles of Open Space Provision’ documented in the City of
Greater Geelong’s Study of Open Space Networks 2001 provide a guide to open
space planning in the growth area:
Conserve and protect the natural environment
Reflecting community needs
Enhancing recreation and tourism opportunities
Improving provision and optimising access
Ensuring diversity of provision
Expanding the network of linkages
Providing for people with disabilities
Site responsive uses
Maintenance
14 See Community and Social/ Recreation and Open Space Technical Report, page
32.
ARMSTRONG CREEK URBAN GROWTH PLAN / VOLUME 1 (ADOPTED 13 MAY 2008, AMENDED MAY 2010)
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