Evaluate our assets

Bass Coast Shire Council is currently reviewing its Open Space and Pathways Asset Management Plan (OSPAMP).

The review is to "ensure Council's open space and pathways asset network meets the community's needs".

This is the last of a series of Asset Management Plans covering different Council assets being reviewed over the last six months.

"These plans are designed to outline the service levels required to maintain all assets cost-effectively and keep our community safe," council stated, noting the plans are reviewed every four years.

The OSPAMP covers more than 18,000 Open Space and Pathways assets including:

• Pathways: Footpaths, tracks and trails, pram crossings, steps, and associated signage.
• Playgrounds: Skate parks, exercise equipment, and playing surfaces.
• Sporting areas: Active sports fields and courts and passive reserve green space.
• Park furniture: Tables, bins, and benches.
• Amenities: Beach showers, drink fountains, BBQs, and water taps.
• Public artwork and memorials.
• Signage: Information, wayfinding, regulatory, and warning.

While pathways were once overseen by the Road Asset Management Plan, the council said "they are now incorporated into Open Space to ensure the allocation of necessary resources to maintain our high standard of service".

It also noted pathways will play a crucial role in Bass Coast Shire's Integrated Transport Strategy engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/its "by linking pedestrians and cyclists to our townships and activity centres".

In announcing the consultation, Council said the plan addresses key challenges including a cap on rates below inflation, which makes the cost of materials and labour to repair and renew assets grow, requiring Council to allocate a growing portion of the budget to these activities.

It also stated some assets in the Shire are approaching the end of their lifecycle and will need to be replaced, often with additional costs and new design requirements.

Finally, Council said as the population of Bass Coast Shire grows, assets are being used more frequently, necessitating more frequent repairs or renewals and placing greater pressure on the budget. 

"New developments throughout the Shire increase the overall number of assets Council manages, requiring further burdening the budget for repairs and renewals," it stated.

"The draft Open Space and Pathways Asset Management Plan recognises these challenges and provides four options for consideration by Community and Council.

The community can visit engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/open-space-pathways-asset-management-plan to provide feedback and for more information.

Consultation closes on August 27.