21 October 2026
Public open space provides places to connect, reflect, exercise and play.
Living near them benefits everyone, particularly people who live in apartments, townhouses and homes without large backyards.
Planning for good quality open spaces close to public transport, jobs and services will help create well-connected, great places to live as our cities grow.
New spaces are often delivered in partnership between councils and private developers. There’s been a gap in the tools available to council planners and decision-makers that help set clear requirements and expectations.
The Public Open Space in Established Areas – Minimum Standards will set requirements for the size, accessibility and types of parks to help councils, developers and decision-makers plan and deliver a mix of high-quality open space across Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.
These new standards will help more Victorians connect to parks and green spaces close to home, including sports grounds, playgrounds and green parks.
Thousands of Victorians shared their views through consultation on Plan for Victoria, train and tram zone activity centres and Suburban Rail Loop precincts. Victorians told us they want more open space, more walking and cycling paths, and greener suburbs with more trees. These new standards will help deliver that.
We have also set clear directions for how to design public places, streets, open space, and land around train stations by updating design guidance and the Movement and Place framework for Victoria.
Read more about the standards on the Open space planning page.
Page last updated: 21/10/26