City wants more open space

The City of Melbourne is planning to raise more money from developers to pay for open space.

“Eco City” councillor Cathy Oke said to achieve livable open-space ratios in high growth areas such as Southbank, developers must contribute.

“The in-depth analysis carried out for our open space strategy indicates that the open space projects cannot be delivered unless development pays its fair share of the cost,” Cr Oke said.

She then went on to explain just why having open space was so important, particularly in dense residential areas like Southbank.

“Open space is fundamental to the mental and physical health and wellbeing of urban communities and to Melbourne’s liveability,” she said.

“Additional open space is needed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing resident and worker population and to meet indentified gaps in existing suburbs,” she said.