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Support for open space contributions

Support for open space contributions

The City of Melbourne has endorsed a planning scheme amendment, which would require developers to pay fixed public open space contributions.

At its general council meeting on May 27, councillors threw their support behind Planning Scheme Amendment C209 which, if approved, would require developers to provide either land or money for new projects.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said council would now submit Planning Scheme Amendment C209 to Planning Minister Richard Wynne for approval.

“This amendment will help council to deliver our Open Space Strategy by securing funding and land for parks, recreation areas and spaces across the municipality,” he said.

“With more people choosing to live in apartments, the provision of high-quality public open space is more important now than ever.”

The Lord Mayor said the City of Melbourne managed more than 500 hectares of open space, which represented almost 15 per cent of the municipality.

“We have a 15-year plan to create an additional 24 hectares of open space and this change to the planning scheme will help us to bring that vision to fruition,” he said.

Planning Scheme Amendment C209 would set contribution rates of 5 per cent for normal developments and 7 per cent in urban renewal areas as either a percentage of the site value, a land contribution or a combination of both.

Chair of the City of Melbourne’s environment portfolio Cr Arron Wood said the change to the planning scheme and implementing the Open Space Strategy would have a range of social and environmental benefits for Southbank.

“Our Open Space Strategy aims to create a network of high quality and diverse open spaces within walking distance for residents and workers,” he said.

“Open spaces promote social connectedness, improve mental health and wellbeing and encourage physical activity.”

“Open space also plays an important role in mitigating the urban heat island effect by providing cooler spaces during hot summers and allowing built up areas to cool more effectively overnight.”

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