Access to open space is important for the health, wellbeing and cohesion of communities.

As our population grows, the need for accessible and high-quality open space also grows. Council’s adopted open space strategy, Breathing Space: The Darebin Open Space Strategy (Breathing Space), outlines the open space need in Darebin and sets out strategies and actions for improving and expanding the public open space network in the City of Darebin.

The current open space contribution rates in the Darebin Planning Scheme are not adequate to meet the open space needs of the future population.

Planning Scheme Amendment C210dare proposes to remove the existing contribution rates of 2%, 3% and 4% for smaller subdivisions creating two, three and four additional lots and instead enable up to a 5% contribution for these types of subdivision under the state standard provisions of the Subdivision Act 1988. The mandatory 5% contribution rate for the creation of five additional lots or more will remain.

The existing ‘sliding scale’ for developments of up to four additional lots limits Council’s ability to collect contributions that match the need for more and better open space in Darebin.

Council considers this an important first step to responding to Darebin’s open space needs in the short term. Council is working on a longer-term increase the open space levy to increase the supply and quality of open space in Darebin.

Amendment C210dare was exhibited from 22 February 2024 until 23 March 2024. The exhibition period to make a submission to the amendment has now closed. Thank you for your submissions.

Ask us a question

If you have any questions about the proposed planning scheme amendment, you can contact Brad Spinks on 8470 8586 or email planningservices@darebin.vic.gov.au

What happens next?

Council will consider submissions to the amendment at a future meeting. Submitters to the amendment will be notified prior to the meeting.

Council must take all submissions into consideration. Where submissions raise concerns that cannot be resolved, Council may refer the amendment to an independent planning panel (appointed by the Minister for Planning).

If required, a planning panel process would be expected to be concluded by around the middle of 2024.