Open space levy

Information about the proposed changes to the open space levy.

Access to open space is essential to health and wellbeing. As Melbourne's population increases – more people are living in higher density dwellings and the amount of open space we have per person is decreasing. People living in apartments and in subdivided blocks have access to less open space now than we traditionally had in larger house blocks.

Council was seeking to introduce a 10% open space levy through Planning Scheme Amendment C186 which has recently lapsed due to further work being required.

Council remains committed to increasing the supply of open space in Darebin and is progressing towards an increase of the open space levy for new subdivisions within Darebin to cater for the future population need.

To achieve this goal while Council is working on a longer-term increase to the levy, Council resolved to commence a planning scheme amendment to enable a 5% open space contribution rate in the meantime.

For more information on the history of the work towards increasing the Open Space Levy visit our Your Say Darebin website.