NATIONAL OPEN SPACE WORKING GROUP

Australian researchers collaborating to bring our research community high quality, nationally consistent open space data

Figure 1: Dimensions of open spaces
Source: Rigby and Eagleson (2019) 
Images: freepik.com (macrovector), kisscc0.com, pixabay.com (various), melbourne.vic.gov.au

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 2015
• National Cities Performance Framework, 2017
• Building Up & Moving Out, 2018
• Planning Liveable Cities, 2018
• Infrastructure Australia Audit, 2019

Images: sustainabledevelopment.un.org

1. Public open space data informing characteristics of surveyed households

2. Researcher and policy-maker needs and requirements for a national open space data layer

Each state and local government across Australia has an open space policy. Many of these include objectives for integrated planning of open space and targets for residents to have access to quality open space. 

To assess user requirements for the design of a national open space datasets, the working group surveyed Australian researchers and policy makers who are in need of quality open space data. Over 45 people participated in the survey that captured user requirements (attributes and their update frequency), together with the current barriers to using currently available dataset.

3. The liveability of Australian cities depends on quality open space

Access to open space is critical to the liveability and biodiversity of our cities. To help prepare us for the future, we require information on the location of our open spaces. This data is required to set the direction for the sustainable care and expansion of open spaces to meet the needs of our increasing populations at various levels. The 2018 Planning Liveable Cities report from Infrastructure Australia provides a definition for liveability in Australian cities this includes access to open space as critical. 

The provision of quality open space data will facilitate researchers to understand and quantify the health, social, environmental and economic value of open spaces. Using this research policy makers and decision makers at all levels of government can adequate plan and make informed decisions about the location, type and quality of open spaces and thus meet a range of needs.

4. Public open space dataset for ASGS mesh block category classification maintenance

Every five years the ABS revise and update the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS). Mesh Blocks are the smallest geographical unit of the ASGS and are used as the building block for the larger regions within the ASGS. At the Mesh Block level, we provide a description of category type, based on the predominant land use determined in 2005 State Planning and Land Use Zoning data.

The next version of Meshblock type is due to be released in mid-2021. Although the categories have been implemented as a general land use indicator, users of this data interpret and use the Mesh Block category as a definitive land use dataset. A definitive land use dataset is not appropriate for the Mesh Block scale (due to lack of good quality, small level data available and insufficient time and resources to maintain); however, the ABS recognises the need to maintain the Mesh Block category for a number of reasons.

5. Development of the Public Open Space (POS) Tool

For the general public – POS Tool offers a quick and simple way to find local parks in your local area and see what facilities are provided. You can find your closest park or locate a park with certain facilities. For planners and developers – POS Tool can help with planning decisions through the assessment and visualisation of the spatial distribution of POS (including parks, nature and bushland) by suburb or local government authority across the Perth and Peel Metropolitan Region and provides the capabilities to analyse summary data on POS provision, park amenity, park catchment and assess gaps in current provision. In the advanced features the user can analyse POS within an area of interest and “scenario test” future needs against population growth.

For researchers – POS Tool provides an opportunity to assess and export POS-related information for use in research projects requiring data on POS (including parks, nature and bushland, school grounds, and residual areas). POS variables can be exported and used in combination with other datasets such as census or your own dataset.

6. Characterising place in innovation districts

Open spaces contribute to concepts of place in regional and city areas can be characterised in terms of form (spatial and physical aspects), function (uses-services and socio-economic aspects), ambiance (socio-equipment and social-cultural aspects) and image (personal and perceptual aspects) (Esmaeilpoorarabi et al., 2020). The location and attributes of open spaces is key to determining their value.

Knowledge about open spaces is key to determining their value in social, cultural, environmental and economic dimensions to inform land use policy and place making. Accessing an authoritative, national open space dataset would greatly improve the veracity of analysis, particularly when comparing across space.

• Review of open space definitions
• Consideration of data models
• Investigation of spatial, temporal and attribute aspects
• Mapping data flows
• Understanding data availability, access and other social architecture challenges
• Extensibility and future scenarios

• Locate 2019 Conference, Melbourne Australia
• Health Geography Study Group Workshop 2019, Melbourne Australia
• State of Australian Cities Conference (SOAC) 2019, Perth Australia  
  [download presentation]