Reserve management plans

Introduction | The preparation process | Operative plans | Plans in progress

Introduction

The Reserves Act 1977 requires the council to prepare reserve management plans for nearly all parks classified as 'reserves' under council control.

Reserve management plans outline the Council's general intentions for the use, development, maintenance, protection and preservation of its reserves through a series of objectives and policies.

Each management plan seeks to balance the protection of natural resources with the provision of appropriate recreational opportunities for the local and wider community. Management plans can be prepared for either individual reserves or for a group of similar reserves.

Management plans do not depict the overall site layout of a park – this is undertaken through the preparation of a development or landscape concept plan. The objectives and policies in the management plan set the parameters for the development and use of the reserve, highlighting items that need further consideration or addressing (for example, weed control, stormwater management) and often include suggestions for various works or improvements (for example, signage, walkway networks).

The process for preparing a management plan provides the public with opportunities to take part in the decision making. The Reserves Act 1977 outlines a formal procedure for public involvement in this planning process.