Public open spaces, including parks, playgrounds, and recreation areas, form a crucial component of our local communities and daily lives. These spaces are not merely aesthetic additions but fundamental to how we interact with our environment and each other.
The Growing Importance of Public Greenspaces
As Australia's population continues to expand, and private backyard space often diminishes in size, the significance of public areas where people can connect with nature and foster social bonds has never been more pronounced. These spaces provide essential relief from urban density, offering residents opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and community engagement.
Planning for Future Needs
To accommodate increasing housing demands, developers are constructing more homes in both established neighbourhoods and new growth areas. This makes it imperative to strategically plan for new public open spaces while also enhancing existing ones. Such planning is vital not only for promoting community wellbeing but also for achieving positive environmental outcomes, such as improved air quality and biodiversity.
State Government Policy Updates
The Western Australian State Government has recently revised its state planning policy to outline specific requirements for public open space (POS). The Position Statement Public Open Space underscores the importance of these areas across urban regions in WA, particularly as private greenspaces decline, population densities rise, and community, infrastructure, and environmental needs expand.
This policy aims to ensure that both the quantity and quality of POS in new development zones meet minimum standards. Generally, the policy mandates that 10 per cent of the gross subdividable area in a new development must be allocated as public open space. In many instances, developers exceed this minimum requirement, demonstrating a commitment to community-centric design.
Examples of Excellence in Development
Across Perth and regional Western Australia, numerous residential developments feature extensive parklands, sporting fields, playgrounds, and nature reserves that are highly valued by local communities. These spaces are carefully designed by qualified landscape architects who tailor them to meet the specific needs of the surrounding area and its residents.
Designs often incorporate elements such as:
- Walk trails that encourage pedestrian activity
- Open greenspaces for recreation and relaxation
- Facilities that promote active lifestyles and social interaction
EnviroDevelopment Certification Program
The Urban Development Institute of Australia's EnviroDevelopment certification program further incentivises developers to deliver high-quality public open spaces. This initiative strengthens community connections and plays a significant role in protecting and enhancing natural environments and local ecosystems.
Key criteria of the EnviroDevelopment program include:
- Requiring participating residential developments to contribute greenspace significantly above planning authority mandates
- Setting standards for mature tree retention to preserve ecological value
- Ensuring parks are within a short walking distance of all residences
- Providing active travel links throughout developments to encourage sustainable transportation
Lessons from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted the indispensable role of public greenspaces. During periods of restricted movement, these areas served as vital community hubs, offering connection and refuge when people were limited in how far they could travel from home. Parks became essential venues for wellbeing and social interaction, reinforcing that they are not a luxury but a necessity for resilient communities.
Addressing Urban Challenges
Parks and greenspaces are essential public resources that can help tackle many of the challenges facing modern cities, including urban heat island effects, mental health issues, and social isolation. It is encouraging to observe many new communities where thoughtful design has informed the delivery of these important spaces, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of residents.
As urbanisation continues, the strategic integration of public open space into development plans will remain critical for fostering sustainable, healthy, and connected communities across Australia.
