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8. Open Space and Recreation
A changing climate characterised by warmer and dryer summers, milder winters, reduced rainfall and
more intense weather events, coupled with demands from anticipated population growth, is likely to place
greater strain on existing open spaces and recreational assets. This will present significant challenges for
the community in the Study Area, necessitating the development of an appropriate planning response.
Climate change is anticipated to impact on open space through direct weather and climate induced
damage, loss of functionality, increased competition for space, reduction in space to natural processes
and management measures, changes in temporal use of facilities, and effects on biodiversity features.
These effects are detailed further in Section 8.4.
8.1.
Value and Use of Open Space and Recreational Facilities
Open spaces and recreational facilities play an important role in supporting the health and well being of
the community and the future sustainable development of the region.
Open space and recreational assets provide a range of functions, including:
x
Recreational space for structured and unstructured activities supporting positive physical and mental
health outcomes for all age groups.
x
Social development and community interaction – many open spaces including parks, beaches
provide places for cultural and family gatherings.
x
Conservation and biodiversity – protection of natural features and cultural sites, and development of
natural habitats. Interaction of community with local biodiversity and environmental assets also
supports community learning.
x
Ecosystem services - air cooling and cleansing, water filtration.
x
Amenity – greening the urban environment and providing increased aesthetic value and a balanced
mix of land uses.
x
Utility – stormwater management.
x
Transport and access – pedestrian and cycle linkages and networks.
x
Temperature management - reduction of the ‘heat island’ effect.
x
Tourism – destinations and attractions that draw people from around the region and beyond.
x
Economic benefits – job creation through tourism, increased land values from higher levels of
amenity, increased tax revenues.
Effective open space and recreational areas can also serve to support vital climate change mitigation and
adaptation measures.
