Two Tasmanian Councils are taking a strategic approach to parks and gardens and ensuring the community is engaged in the process.
The Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard Councils jointly formed a Strategic Projects Office (SPO) in 2011 to pursue opportunities and facilitate special projects.
Strategic Projects Office Manager Mary-Ann Edwards said the SPO demonstrates an innovative and creative way for the two smaller Councils to progress projects that are outside the day to day business of Council, without the high cost of external consultants.
“The SPO has delivered a range of projects over the past two years that have required extensive consultation and a focus on the delivery of strategic plans and development outcomes.
“This includes landscape development plans for both Councils that provide a strategic way forward for both management and development of important community assets.”
Three key landscape development plans that have been produced by the SPO are: Richard Gutteridge Gardens and Wynyard Waterfront Landscape Development Plan; Cam River Reserve – Landscape Development Plan, and; Eastern Foreshore of Duck River Landscape Development Plan.
Ms Edwards said each of the landscape development plans was produced following extensive community consultation.
“These Plans allow Council to plan and budget for a range of medium and long term projects over areas of public open space that are highly valued by the community.
The actions recommended within the landscape development plans aimed to strengthen community identity, improve natural resource protection, and manage and enhance recreation and tourism elements within the landscape.
The SPO is made up of two Council officers with qualifications and/or experience in land use planning, art & design, landscape architecture, community consultation and project management. In particular, the SPO is asked to deliver long term strategic plans for key areas of public open space and to plan for the development and/or upgrade of identity and place–based community infrastructure.
More information on the plans can be found at www.circularhead.tas.gov.au/spo or www.warwyn.tas.gov.au/spo
