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This should be considered as part of subsequent stages of the WARCCAP project and undertaken as
part of an umbrella body of work that benefits other regions undertaking climate change adaptation.
Given the expected changes to weather patterns (including altered distribution of rainfall over the year, an
overall trend of warming, and more extreme weather events), it is reasonable to assume that utilisation of
open space and recreational assets will change, prompting the need for a review of the suitability of these
assets in order to meet future requirements.
8.5.
Summary
x
The Study Area contains a range of recreational and open space assets, including some of
metropolitan significance. Beaches, as well as school sites, provide additional open space and
recreational opportunities in some parts of the Study Area, while other parts of the region have
existing open space shortfalls.
x
Increased residential densities will exacerbate the challenges already facing the Study Area
regarding the provision of open space. Population growth, along with trends in the use of open
space and recreational facilities, are shifting the way these assets are and will be used by the
community. The existing quantity of open space is likely to become increasingly insufficient to meet
future requirements.
x
Climate change is likely to impact on the provision and maintenance of open space and recreational
assets through weather and climate induced damage, loss of space and functionality, changed
sporting regimes, changes in biodiversity features, and social health impacts. There is likely to be
greater costs to maintain and modify open space and recreational facilities to meet future demands.
x
The utilisation of open space and recreational assets is likely to change as a result of climate
change, prompting the need to review the suitability of these assets in order that they meet future
requirements.
x
Recommendations for further investigations during later stages of the WARCCAP project include:
The practicalities of implementing sharing arrangements for open space, including an
assessment of the costs, benefits and the ability for this to be practically achieved.
Opportunities for enhancing open space and recreation supply and management outcomes
should be explored during stakeholder engagement phases of the project.
It would be beneficial to analyse in closer detail how the use of open space and recreational
facilities may change as a result of a generally warmer and dryer climate.
