Snowy Monaro Council adopts Recreation and Open Space Strategy

Snowy Monaro Regional Council has announced the adoption of a new Recreation and Open Space Strategy (ROSS) that it sees as being a step forward in promoting community well-being and enhancing recreational opportunities throughout our region.

Agreed by councillors this week, the strategy focuses on sustainability, quality, inclusivity and connectivity and follows an audit of the Council’s recreation and open space network that highlighted many issues and identified solutions in order of priority.

A Council spokesperson advised “the strategy sets the planning direction and design guidelines for recreation and open spaces, ensuring the provision of financially sustainable and high-quality facilities for all abilities.

“The importance of recreation facilities to our community was highlighted during an extensive community engagement process, which included over 90 stakeholder interviews. This includes sporting groups, clubs, user groups of recreation facilities, local schools, and state and regional sporting bodies.”

In April 2023, Council placed the draft ROSS on public exhibition for 28 days, extended by seven days following the last drop-in and online information sessions.

A total of 64 submissions were received, with approximately 70% of respondents indicating they were either happy or neutral in terms of overall satisfaction with the draft ROSS.

Feedback included:

• Conflicts between the Bombala Exhibition Showground and sporting groups. To address this, the draft strategy strongly recommends the development of a masterplan for the Bombala Exhibition Showground.

• Adaminaby residents supported development of Seymour Park, with submissions emphasising the lack of high quality, safe, and accessible recreation facilities in Adaminaby. The draft strategy advocates for the completion of a masterplan encompassing all showgrounds in the local government area, enabling identification of areas requiring improvement and facilitating grant-funding opportunities.

• Based on feedback, Council will make the John Connors Oval Masterplan a high priority.

• In addition, the Jindabyne Sports Ground 355 Committee has expressed a strong desire for facility upgrades, and the masterplan will play a crucial role in facilitating this process.

• Feedback supported the strategy's recommendation of the completion of a regional aquatic strategy.

The spokeperson added “the Recreation and Open Space Strategy promises an exciting future for Snowy Monaro, where residents of all ages can partake in a wide range of recreational activities and enjoy high quality facilities.

Council is committed to implementing the strategy's recommendations, working hand-in-hand with the community to create a vibrant and inclusive region.”

Image shows the Bombala River walk. Credit: Snowy Monaro Regional Council.