The Greens will ensure that open spaces are increased and improved to promote the health and wellbeing of the community and benefit the environment.
Green open spaces are well loved by residents of the Inner West. As urban development increases to accommodate people from diverse backgrounds and of different ages, and new motorways are constructed, our open spaces are more precious than ever.
Open spaces in the Inner West include parks, reserves, walkable shady streets, village squares and sporting fields. Many residents of the Inner West live in high density housing, so public open spaces are essential for maintaining physical and mental health.
The Greens will plan and advocate for inviting and accessible open spaces for all residents of the inner west, including children, older people, Aboriginal communities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI people, and people with a disability.
Greens on Inner West Council will ensure that:
- parks and recreational facilities are open to the public where possible and not locked away
- open spaces are designed to be multi-purpose and flexible, to meet a greater diversity of recreation needs
- parks, reserves and other open spaces are connected, where possible, to create a network of open spaces and encourage active transport between them
- the community is engaged to inform the council of changing recreation needs and the kinds of spaces that should be provided
- underutilised spaces like car parks, rooftops and laneways are activated to provide additional recreation opportunities in high density areas
- facilities are well maintained to ensure that parks are accessible to all
- sites of significance to First Nations peoples are protected and celebrated
- the needs of different park users – such as joggers, children, cyclists, dog walkers, sports people and picnickers – are addressed and balanced
- trees are planted and cared for to increase the tree canopy, promoting biodiversity and combating the urban heat effect
- green open spaces are kept in public hands rather than handed over to commercial interests
- where private leases exist on public land, they are monitored to ensure they benefit the community
- no more synthetic playing fields are installed as they are costly to maintain, and have been shown to have negative impacts on human health and the environment
- creativity and culture are celebrated in our streetscapes and parks through public art and events.