Council is progressing an Open Space Project that includes:
- A review and update of the Warrnambool Open Space Strategy (2014) to provide a public open space planning framework to 2041. The Warrnambool Open Space Strategy 2026 - 2041 was adopted by Council 1 June 2026 and can be viewed on the Strategic Plans webpage
- The development of an Open Space Contributions Policy. The Open Space Contribution Report was adopted by Council in August 2026 after community consultation in June.
- Preparation of associated planning scheme documentation for the Warrnambool Planning Scheme.
Background
Over the past decade, public open space planning has been guided by the Warrnambool Open Space Strategy 2014 (OSS). It is a reference document in the Warrnambool Planning Scheme. The purpose of the OSS is to provide an open space planning framework for Warrnambool to 2026.
The vision of the OSS is for Warrnambool to have a high quality, diverse, accessible open space network that reflects community needs and enhances social connection, environmental protection and economic benefit. It adopted seven guiding principles: accessible, adaptable, connected, efficient, diverse, equitable, and protective of the environment. The OSS considered the provision of open space in Warrnambool to be good overall with connectivity between open space identified as a key gap.
With the 2014 OSS approaching end-of-life, it is time to review and update the OSS. With considerable population growth forecast for Warrnambool, it is important to understand future demand on the open space network and to identify further gaps in provision. An updated OSS is also important to enable the development of an Open Space Contributions Policy for inclusion in the Warrnambool Planning Scheme.
Warrnambool Council has used a range of mechanisms to collect open space contributions in the past, including Development Contribution Plans, legal agreements, and through the planning permit and subdivision process. Most contributions are collected under the Subdivision Act 1988, which must be assessed on a case-by-case basis and are open to appeal. Council would benefit from a more consistent approach, including setting fixed rates in the schedule to Clause 53.01 in the Warrnambool Planning Scheme.
It is expected that the Warrnambool Open Space project will deliver the following benefits:
- A contemporary open space strategy for the municipality to guide decision making about the future provision of, and broad improvements to, public open space.
- Outputs to enable financial resource planning and asset provision.
- Facilitate a coordinated approach to open space planning.
- Justification for the introduction of an Open Space Contributions Policy into the Warrnambool Planning Scheme.
- Clarity for landowners and developers about future open space contribution requirements.
- Clarity for the community about the future provision and improvement of open space.
- Reduce potential conflict between developers and Council about future contributions requirements (and potentially VCAT applications).
Council adopted the Warrnambool Open Space Strategy 2026 - 41 in June 2026 and the Open Space Contributions Report in August 2026. They will now be exhibited as a draft Planning Scheme amendment.
Council has engaged SGS Economics and Planning to undertake the Warrnambool Open Space Project.
For more information contact Open Space Planner Amy Cumming on 5559 4800 or acumming@warrnambool.vic.gov.au