It is a high level framework to inform short, medium and long term planning and budget allocations, and guide decision-making for recreation facility needs through to 2041.

It provides a vision, objective, and guiding principles and a prioritisation framework.

The prioritisation framework includes strategic alignment, asset condition, gap in provision, participation growth potential, social and gender equity, multi-sport or adaptability, deliverability and readiness.

The City of Melbourne is responsible for planning and delivering a range of infrastructure and services to support existing and future communities. This includes community sport and recreation.

A review of community recreation facilities in 2022 highlighted demand exceeding supply and challenges to meet future need, the lack of available land for new facilities and the increasingly constrained financial environment.

The framework has been prepared to guide Council’s decisions to enhance recreation opportunities and outcomes for the City of Melbourne residents, workers and visitors.

The RFPF aligns with Councils 10 year Community Vision, 4 year Council Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The application of the RFPF will also consider several strategies that have informed the RFPF including Open Space, Lighting, Nature in the City, Urban Forest, Inclusive Melbourne and the Park policy.

As planning for community sport and recreation facilities occurs within challenges of financial resources and land availability, the RFPF will guide future investment and a consistent approach to considering projects that can occur.

We welcome your feedback and want to know what you like about the framework and any concern you have. You can provide feedback via the survey, individual submissions to activemelbourne@melbourne.vic.gov.au , or at an online information session. Your feedback will be reported back to Council when it considers it for approval.

The Recreation Facilities Provision Framework is a tool Council officers will use to assess projects. The first stage is to have the framework endorsed. And your feedback is part of this process. The application of the framework to individual projects will happen later.