Park Planning

The Victorian park and open space network is a valued resource which protects natural and cultural values whilst providing opportunities for recreation and leisure.

The Victorian park and open space network is a valued resource which protects natural and cultural values whilst providing opportunities for recreation and leisure.

We have had years of practical experience managing parks from high use recreation areas such as Yarra Bend Park and Albert Park to those of significant natural values including Plenty Gorge Park and Wilsons Promontory National Park. This experience has provided the background for an inherent ‘real world’ approach to planning which is based on an understanding and appreciation of natural and cultural values and is mindful of development and ongoing management costs.

Extensive liaison with community groups, visitors and key stakeholders has given our team an appreciation of the diverse expectations for the park estate and natural values and the need to address issues associated with the demand for recreation and conservation objectives.

We demonstrate a commitment to incorporating meaningful community and stakeholder engagement throughout the planning process and endeavour to understand projects or issues from various perspectives. We have demonstrated experience in issues management and expertise in community and stakeholder engagement and facilitation.

You can expect a creative, fresh approach to our planning projects based on principles of sustainability:

• Sustainable use,

• Sustainable development,

• Sustainable materials, and

• Sustainable management

Based on developing an understanding of the values of an area and expectations for the park, we aim to protect and enhance natural and cultural values whilst providing opportunities for appropriate recreation and leisure experiences in a diverse range of settings.

2008/2009 Development of a Management Statement for the Warrandyte - Kinglake Nature Conservation Reserve. This has involved Janine undertaking extensive community and stakeholder engagement to identify opportunities for appropriate recreation whilst protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural values of this significant habitat link. The project included leading an Environmental Risk Assessment Workshop as an inclusive and transparent method of identifying and assessing key values and risks as the basis of forming management objectives and actions.

2008 Review of Park Management Planning Framework – Jen and Nicole Brown worked with a range of Parks Victoria’s internal and external stakeholders to develop a new format for management plans. The format formed part of a framework which better links the plans with Parks Victoria’s strategic approach, as well as its obligations at the state, national and international levels. (Produced for Parks Victoria)