Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy at today's Council Meeting.
Both documents were presented to Council following significant community consultation.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson thanked the community for providing their feedback on both important projects.
"Our public and open spaces play an important role in making Baw Baw a vibrant and thriving place to live, shop and explore. We recognise how important these spaces are to our community, businesses and visitors alike", said Cr Wilson.
"These documents will guide Council as we continue to strive for exciting, safe and accessible public spaces for the whole community to enjoy. I thank everyone who took the time to contribute to the community consultations and shared their feedback."
Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy
This Policy provides a framework for use and management of roadside and footpath areas for trading activities. It aims to support local businesses by making our streets more vibrant - but also providing safe and unobstructed pedestrian access for pedestrians of all abilities.
Extensive consultation with local traders, stakeholders and community helped shape the Policy.
In March/April this year, traders and key stakeholders were engaged to share their thoughts on the existing Policy and emerging issues. Their feedback informed development of a new draft Policy, which was then shared with the community for feedback on Baw Baw Connect, Council's online engagement platform, earlier this year during August and September.
To view the newly endorsed Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/policies
Open Space Strategy
This Strategy is set to guide future planning, enhancement and management of public open spaces across Baw Baw Shire over the next 10 years.
Open spaces are free and accessible to the community and can be used for recreational and outdoor enjoyment purposes. The Strategy adopts a place-based approach to open spaces with a strong focus on improving liveability, protecting biodiversity, and fostering inclusive and welcoming spaces for all.
The Strategy assesses the current provision of open spaces, identifies both gaps and areas of surplus, and offers evidence-based recommendations for future development and enhancement. It will guide future investment, inform policy development and support the coordinated delivery of projects.
The first phase of extensive community consultation was held in late 2023 and sought to understand community preferences, aspirations and values relating to open spaces and how they are managed. Feedback from 445 people was used to develop a draft Strategy.
A second phase of community consultation was held in September this year with most respondents supporting the vision, key directions and recommendations in the draft Strategy. Feedback reinforced the importance of accessibility, biodiversity, and equitable distribution of open space across the Shire.
To view the newly endorsed Open Space Strategy, visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/policies
