Open for discussion

GREATER Dandenong Council wants residents to help determine the future of the city’s parks, sports ground, pathways and bushland reserves.
The City of Greater Dandenong is conducting a study on its open space areas that will give the council a focus in coming years for improving and developing municipal parks.
Public parks, sports grounds, pathways and bushland reserves account for more than 450 hectares of the city and play a vital role in servicing the recreation and social needs of residents.
The council is hoping a community consultation program will help it determine what should be improved or built to service the community’s needs in the future.
“Council wants to know what residents like about the current provision of parks and reserves and where there might be areas for improvement; whether the open space is located in the right places; whether the correct mix of facilities and spaces available in outdoor areas is meeting the recreational needs of residents, and if there is currently enough open space available,” the council said in a media statement.
Greater Dandenong will hold a household phone survey, face-to-face interviews with people in parks, and focus groups and workshops.
City mayor John Kelly urged residents to become involved.
The council is taking written submissions from groups and individuals on specific issues, concerns or opportunities that they may have to improve parks and reserves in their neighbourhood.
Submissions should be directed to the council’s strategic planner Chrisanya Martin at cmarti@cgd.vic.gov.au or posted to Chrisanya Martin, City of Greater Dandenong, PO Box 200, Dandenong 3175.