Resilient regional communities through public open space strategies

Victoria, known for its liveability, is experiencing rapid population growth, much of which is projected outside major cities. While this growth presents economic opportunities, it also strains resources and infrastructure, particularly in areas already dealing with climate change impacts. Public open space planning is a critical tool to improve quality of life and support sustainable social, economic and environmental growth. My recent university research examines the role of public open space in the sustainable development of regional Victorian communities and how strategic planning can maximise benefits.

The research shows significant variability in the strength of public open space planning across Victoria's regional local government areas (LGAs). Central regions, which experience rapid population growth and tourism, tend to have stronger public open space strategies than western regions with smaller, more dispersed populations focused on food production. Notably, some smaller LGAs have developed exemplary strategies despite limited resources. The key findings include:

• 42% of LGAs have current public open space strategies, while others are under development.
• 27% of LGAs have Urban Tree Strategies, with only 18% having both public open space and tree strategies.
• 18% of LGAs have both public open space and Urban Tree Strategies.
• Public open space features prominently in half of Economic Development and Climate Change Strategies.
• Around one-third of LGAs incorporate public open space in Environmental, Biodiversity or Climate Change policies.

Although public open space is occasionally acknowledged in various strategic documents, such as Community Visions and Disaster Management Plans, its inclusion in water management or drainage strategies remains rare. This is an important strategy that has been overlooked, as water is a critical component of resilient public open spaces. Integrated water management within these spaces supports sustainable water use, improves urban cooling and enhances biodiversity. Effective water management can mitigate flooding by incorporating features such as wetlands to manage stormwater naturally. The overall findings highlight the need for comprehensive and consistent planning to better utilise public open spaces as multifunctional, resilient spaces that can enhance regional communities.

Public open spaces in regional communities foster social benefits and well-being by providing venues for recreational activities and social interactions. These spaces bring together residents of all ages and backgrounds, creating opportunities for connection and engagement that foster a sense of belonging. The World Economic Forum notes that well-designed public open areas significantly enhance a community’s appeal, making them especially valuable in rural areas where they help address mental and physical health challenges. Integrating public open spaces into planning strengthens community ties and promotes healthier, more cohesive regional communities.

Public open spaces serve as essential green infrastructure, integrating natural and semi-natural elements like vegetation and water systems that support biodiversity, air quality and sustainable water management. They can also inspire sustainable practices, such as renewable energy use and recycling. One of the most critical roles of public open spaces in regional communities is in climate change adaptation. They mitigate the effects of extreme weather by reducing urban heat through tree canopy cover and acting as buffers against floods and bushfires. These public open spaces contribute to community well-being, economic sustainability and environmental resilience, making them central to climate change responses in regional areas.

The presence of public open spaces is interlinked with the economic health of regional towns. Their funding and management are influenced by the wider area's prosperity, while at the same time, they can positively impact local economic activities. High-quality public open spaces are associated with increased property values, including retail, residential and rental markets. Attractive environments can also attract developers and investors who see potential for profitable real estate projects, sparking further economic development. Local businesses benefit from higher foot traffic, as visitors are more likely to spend on accommodation, dining and services when they have access to appealing parks and recreational spaces. In fact, Austrade has noted that visits to parks and gardens have experienced the most significant growth among nature-based tourism opportunities in recent years.

My research advocates for the adoption of comprehensive public open space policies and reinforces the need for collaboration across council departments with standardised metrics for assessing these policies. With this information, effective investment in strategic planning can be made, thereby improving liveability and contributing to the long-term vitality and prosperity of Victoria's regions. While public open space alone does not drive regional development, integrating it into strategic planning will enhance resilience and economic opportunities for both current residents and future generations.