This analysis aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for future recreation options. A transparent, timely, inclusive, appropriate, accessible, balanced, and accountable engagement process was developed, incorporating methods such as pop-up information and feedback stalls, community surveys, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and strategic direction workshops.

The engagement process specifically sought input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including informal users of open spaces and recreation assets, formal clubs and recreation organisations, small businesses, internal Council stakeholders, and school communities. Mecone consolidated the data collected during the community consultation into a highly visual and easily interpreted engagement outcomes chapter within the final report, clearly articulating how community feedback had been integrated into the recommendations.

Mecone provided a number of planning services including:

• Preliminary planning advice, involving a background context review and creation with Council of three robust population growth scenarios
• Preparation and presentation of a recreation and wellness analysis, including a benchmarking assessment of existing infrastructure based on best practice guidance
• Preparation of strategic directions based on data collected from community engagement and incorporation into the strategy