Have your say on classifying Palmy’s parks and reserves

All parks and reserves need to have a classification status that controls what types of activities can take place there – such as recreation, community use or to help control stormwater. We’re proposing to classify a number of our reserves and asked if you think any of them should be classified differently.  

We develop parks for specific reasons – sometimes more than one

A park might be set up to give the community open space, or to manage stormwater by letting rain drain naturally, like in a gully. Some areas serve both purposes, offering flood control and places for people to enjoy.  

This is where classification comes in. The classification, required by the Reserves Act 1977, sets the rules for how each park or reserve can be used, based on its purpose (or purposes). Even though we’ve been managing these spaces for years, we now need to officially classify them under the Act. 

By classifying reserves, we set clear rules that protect their purpose and ensure any changes involve proper community consultation

Classification ensures reserves are used for the right activities. For example, a reserve classified as recreation will remain a space for sports and playgrounds.

A local purpose (stormwater) reserve focuses on managing rainwater but may also offer recreational opportunities, like walkways. Any recreational features, however, must align with the main purpose. For example, using plants like flaxes where water flows. 

Classifying reserves means we can manage them better

The Reserves Act requires that a reserve be classified before we can create a management plan for it. This makes sense – we need to be clear on what the reserve is for before planning how to care for it. 

Once the classifications are done, we can create clear management plans that match Council’s goals. This will make it easier and more affordable to manage things like leases, licenses, and activities. It also helps us plan for the future use of open spaces in your community, in line with our zoning rules. 

There are seven types of classifications, but in Palmy, we mostly use two

Local Purpose

These reserves serve specific community needs like stormwater drainage or community centres. Example: Frederick Krull Reserve (pictured) which is classified as local purpose (stormwater).

Recreation

These are spaces for activities like sports, picnics, and playgrounds, where people can enjoy physical activities. Examples: Milverton Park, Memorial Park (pictured), Bill Brown Park.

These are the other classifications under the Reserves Act, though we aren’t proposing to use them for this consultation: 

• Scenic: Protected for their beauty, but open for walking and enjoying nature. 
• Historic: Sites of historical importance like old settlements or battlefields. 
• Nature: Reserved to protect native plants and animals, with no public access unless special permits are given. 
• Scientific: Used for research and to protect rare species or ecosystems. 
• Government purpose: Set aside for government use. 

Think of these classifications as a spectrum. At one end, local purpose reserves allow lots of activities and easy access, while at the other end, scientific reserves restrict access and activities without permits. Scenic reserves fall in the middle, balancing protection and public access.

Next steps

Submissions closed on Wednesday 23 October. Thank you to everyone who had your say. Your feedback will help us make informed decisions about how these spaces are used and protected.

Next, we’ll hear from anyone who wishes to speak. A report will be presented to the Council based on the consultation results, with recommendations. After all reserves are classified or reclassified, we’ll start drafting general reserve management plans.