02 6499 2222 council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
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Have your say

Help shape the future of our playgrounds!

Bega Valley Shire Council is planning for the future of play in our community - and we want to hear from you!

Council manages 39 playgrounds across the Shire. Playgrounds represent a significant investment by Council and an on-going maintenance commitment. Council is facing several challenges, as many playgrounds are aging, trends on play are changing, and financial resources are limited. We need a plan for future playgrounds that aligns with changing demographics, evolving play trends, and new safety standards — while staying within our financial means.

To do this, we are developing a Playground Management Plan that will outline a strategic and sustainable approach to future playground provision, playground hierarchy, service standards, development principles, and a future works program.

From the community, we want to understand how existing play spaces are currently used and to gather input on acceptable and preferred scenarios for future playground development.

Playgrounds are important for our children's health. They help kids stay active, make friends, and learn new skills. Playing outside helps them grow stronger, think creatively, and feel more confident. It also supports their learning and social development.

Help us to give kids a voice by either completing the survey with them or encouraging them to complete the survey themselves.   

This project is a direct action from the Recreational Strategy 2025, "to develop a Playground Management Plan to identify asset hierarchy and provision levels, priority projects and review maintenance programs."

Have Your Say

Council is developing a Playground Management Plan. We need a plan for future playgrounds that aligns with changing demographics, evolving play trends, and new safety standards—while staying within our financial means.

We want to understand how existing play spaces are currently used and to gather community input on scenarios for future playground development.

You can provide us with your thoughts by completing this short survey. Help us to give kids a voice by either completing the survey with them or encouraging them to complete the survey themselves.  

Take the survey

Frequently asked questions


Council will release a survey that will aim to gather community feedback on how you use existing play spaces and what scenarios you would accept for future playground development.

Playgrounds are generally designed to suit children aged 0-15 years. The Playground Management Plan is aimed at play facilities for children between the ages of 0 and 15 years.

Council currently manages 39 playgrounds across the Shire. 46% of playgrounds were installed over 20 years ago, 31% were installed 10-20 years ago and 23% have been installed within the last 10 years. The useful life of a playground is around 20 years. After 20 years, playgrounds generally require a complete review to meet new demographic needs, trends in play and safety standards.

The management plan will outline an approach to the future provision of playgrounds by creating a systematic and sustainable approach to playground development. It will set out:

  • Playground hierarchy (classifications that define a playground type, i.e. local, district or regional)
  • Provisional service standards (guidelines for maintenance routines and operational inspections)
  • Development principles (play design considerations)
  • Project methodology (best practice for the delivery of future playground projects)
  • Development services standards (types of equipment and play elements)
  • Future works programs (priority upgrades and improvements)
  • Location guidelines to get the best balance and value from play facilities.

Playgrounds represent a significant investment by Council and an on-going maintenance commitment. Council is facing several challenges, as many playgrounds are aging, trends on play are changing, and financial resources are limited. We need a plan for future playgrounds that aligns with changing demographics, evolving play trends, and new safety standards—while staying within our financial means.


 

Related information

 

Who's listening

Amelia Baum

Planning and Projects Coordinator
Bega Valley Shire Council

Phone: (02) 6499 2153
Email: abaum@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

 

Timeline of works


  • Tuesday 1 July 2025 to Sunday 17 August 2025

    Community Engagement
    Community have a period of 35 business working days to have 'Your Say' and complete the online survey.

  • September 2025

    Community Consultation – Evaluation and Review

    An evaluation and review of comments / feedback will commence immediately following community consultation. Please see Consultation Summary report, when available.

  • October to December 2025

    Draft Playground Management Plan

  • January 2026

    Council Meeting - Seek endorsement from Council on the draft Playground Management Plan

  • February 2026

    Final Playground Management Plan

 

The survey closes: Sunday 17 August 2025 at 11.45pm

 

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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