Parks & Sporting Grounds Asset Management Plan 2022-2032

The largest increase in persons between 2016 and 2032 is forecast to be in ages of parents and homebuilders (35 to 49), which is expected to increase by 7,119 and account for 23.1% of the total persons. This age group is closely followed by increases in age group (70-84) which is expected to increase by 6,226 persons, age group (2534) which is expected to increase by 6,170 persons and age group (18-24) which is expected to increase by 4,993 persons.

The RN Study 2021 also provides insight into current and forecast community profiles, which identifies that census data shows changing demographics including an ageing population and new cultural groups. Providing for the varied recreation needs of a diverse community, with limited space, will mean that recreation spaces and activities must support flexible uses, support sharing and conviviality, and reduce conflict between users.

Demand factor trends and impacts on service delivery over the following 10 years are summarised in Table 15.

Demand Driver Impact on Services

Increase of population and population density at a rate of approximately 1.7% per annum over the following 5 years, reducing to 0.8% per annum thereafter until 2031

The Inner West is already dense, with a population of 54.5 persons per hectare (based on 2016 population figures), significantly higher than Greater Sydney at 5 persons per hectare.

Increased utilisation of open space assets will be expected, proportional to population growth.

This means access to open space away from the home is of critical importance to the community’s health and wellbeing.

Aging Population Changing service needs and changing open space asset requirements, particularly relating to accessibility and recreational walking paths

Growing number of families in the area. Increase the need for sporting grounds, court playing surfaces and parks play equipment to cater for changing patterns.

Climate change will see an increased risk of extreme weather events including storm events, heatwave, flooding, sea-level rise and fire events.

There will be an increase in structural damage caused by extreme events and an increase in deterioration rates of open space assets, especially marine infrastructure