Have your say on Surf Coast’s community places and spaces

Published on 06 August 2025

We're seeking the community’s help to develop a prioritised plan for new or renewed community facilities and open spaces across the shire over the next 10 years.

The new Social Infrastructure Plan will guide us in making fair and evidence-based decisions about how we invest in places and spaces such as arts and culture facilities, public open space, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, youth spaces, and shared trails.

In October 2024, we finalised an ‘Our Places and Spaces: State of Play’ document identifying all social infrastructure across the shire and its condition, and identifying gaps or areas of need.

As the next phase in the project, a new town-based online survey gives the community a chance to see which future projects have been identified, and have a say about what they value most.

Mayor Mike Bodsworth said the plan is a vital piece of work as we contend with challenges such as population growth, ageing assets and rising costs.

“Community facilities and open spaces help build social connection, physical health, community wellbeing and quality of life,” Mayor Bodsworth said.

“We want to make sure our social infrastructure provides access for all people, is affordable, and contributes to maintaining the Surf Coast Shire as an amazing place to live.

“This is our community’s chance to help shape our priorities in this area for the next decade.”

Right now we're responsible for a network of social infrastructure assets valued at $243 million, and spend $7 million each year on maintenance of those assets.

The Social Infrastructure Plan will take into account our existing commitments for new and renewed infrastructure, and our capacity to deliver over the coming years.

“We need to plan carefully for the future to make sure we can continue to provide facilities and open spaces that meet the needs of the community,” Mayor Bodsworth said.

“It’s also important we balance the cost of maintaining, upgrading and replacing our existing facilities with building new facilities for a growing population.”

Take the survey before it closes on 30 September. 

Keen to chat? Come along to one of our in-person engagement sessions:

• Anglesea - Thursday 4 September 11am-2pm, outside IGA
• Lorne - Friday 12 September 11am-2pm, outside Food Works
• Torquay - Saturday 13 September 8.30am-1pm, Torquay Farmers Market
• Winchelsea - Sunday 7 September 9am-1pm, Winchelsea Community Market