July 2025 - Summary of results
A letter was delivered to residents of Carlton with the below information
Community survey
During the planning application’s consultation period, I conducted a community survey to gather residents’ views on the proposal. Based on the responses, I lodged a formal submission advocating for the inclusion of a new park.
It’s important to note that when land is subdivided, councils in Tasmania can receive either:
- 5% of the total land area set aside for public use,
- A cash payment equal to 5% of the land’s unimproved value, or
- A combination of both land and cash.
The cash payment is allocated to a ‘Public Open Space Fund’ which is used for parks and open space initiatives. These funds are typically used in the geographical area of the subdivided land.
Key points from the submission
- Residents strongly support the creation of a new park in Carlton as part of the subdivision.
- The park could be developed in stages, starting with land being set aside now, and amenities such as a playground added later.
- Residents clearly indicated that a park in Carlton (whether a new park or an upgraded Snake Hollow Park) should include a BBQ, picnic shelter, and public toilets.
- Council’s Open Space Strategy survey had just 69 respondents, representing only 0.5% of the voting population, highlighting the need for broader local engagement on these decisions.
You can view the full submission here: https://www.kristianhorvath.com/new_park_in_carlton
Council’s decision
Sorell Council has decided not to include a new park in the proposed subdivision. Instead, it opted to accept a cash contribution equivalent to 5% of the land’s value, with a stated intention to upgrade Snake Hollow Park at an unspecified time in the future.
The cash contribution is estimated to be between $125,000 and $250,000. The Council is awaiting the draft copy of the Playspace Audit and Plan from the consultants. The recommendations outlined in this will provide Council with a direction of future investment in local parks such as Snake Hollow.
What’s Next
I will continue to advocate for community collaboration in planning decisions. I’ll also keep you informed of any changes or future opportunities to have your say.
If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
May 2025 - Development update
The development was approved with no changes and no allowance for a park or green space.
Feb 2024 - Community survey and development submission
Introduction
I developed a survey that was designed to gather community feedback in relation to Council providing a park as part of subdivision application 7.2023.17. The Survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/2VhJrnvwTQCFhYkB8 The survey was shared via to the local facebook community group “southern beaches community group” and a paper copy delivered to letterboxes of Carlton residents. The survey had a total of 210 respondents with 141 residents of Carlton (Approx 21% of Carlton voters based on the 2021 census).
Recommendations
1. Considering the lack of community input into the Council Open Space Strategy, significant consideration should be given to the results of the community survey when deciding on the establishment of a new park in Carlton Given that many Carlton residents live significantly further than 400m away (the desirable distance between residents and open space) from the existing snake hollow park, this provides justification for a new Park in Carlton.
2. An overwhelming majority of residents (99%) would like a new Park in Carlton
3. An overwhelming majority of residents (98%) believe they should be involved in the
decision making process.
4. Given the information above, there needs to be a new park in Carlton or land set aside for a future public park as part of the subdivision.
5. There needs to be at least one park in Carlton that has:
- One public toilet.
- A BBQ with picnic table.
- Undercover area/s.
6. There is merit in the idea of using a proportion of the funds to upgrade Snake Hollow however there needs to be a new park in Carlton as part of the subdivision.
7. There is also strong community support for
- Native garden and shady trees
- Open Green space
8. The community must be engaged to lead the design of any new park and the upgrade of existing facilities. It must ensure it engages local residents from all different backgrounds demographics.
9. If resources are limited, land can be set aside for a park and left as open space as a first stage with the community working towards designing and funding the building of the infrastructure at a future date.
10. When the land has been set aside for a new park, the Council should carry out a process to create a vision for what infrastructure should be installed across both the new park and snake hollow park. It should be viewed together as a complete strategy with community designing what it looks like.
Community Survey results
I developed a survey that was designed to gather community feedback in relation to Council providing a park as part of subdivision application 7.2023.17. The Survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/2VhJrnvwTQCFhYkB8 The survey was shared via to the local facebook community group “southern beaches community group” and a paper copy delivered to letterboxes of Carlton residents. The survey had a total of 200 respondents with 141 residents of Carlton (Approx 21% of
Carlton voters based on the 2021 census).
The Council Open Space Policy
The Council Open Space Strategy was developed in 2023 with very little community consultation. Approx 70 people attended the in-person forums and they had 69 respondents to their online survey.
Considering the lack of community input into the Council Open Space Strategy, significant consideration should be given to the results of the community survey when deciding on the establishment of a new park in Carlton.
The Council Open Space Strategy specifics “400 m to open space for social/family recreation” as a “desirable distances between residential areas and open space”. According to google maps (see figure below), the distance between a potential new park in Carlton and the other park in Snake Hollow park in Carlton is 1.3km.
Given that many Carlton residents live significantly further than 400m away (the desirable distance between residents and open space) from the existing snake hollow park, this provides justification for a new Park in Carlton.
Survey results
Other ideas mentioned
Blank wall for murals
Parking
Create the reserve and then let the residents who move in decide
Rock climbing walls
Skate park
Pump track
Childrens playground equipment for all ages
Adult equipment
Mini golf course
Jumping pillow
Disabled toilers with MLAK lock and key
Netball ring
Pergola with Garden mediation
Paths for Prams
Paths for wheelchairs, wheelie walkers and Prams
Access road path from Carlton river road to terry st
Maintain the large gums on site
Tennis Court
Summarised other comments
Community Need and Input:
- Even a small park is valued in the community.
- More green space is needed, and input from the community is crucial.
- Public spaces and parks are essential for community health and
engagement. - Maintaining green space is vital, with a focus on preserving trees and native bushland.
- Community spaces like parks support healthy lifestyles and engagement.
Park Facilities and Features:
- Parks should cater to all users with accessible amenities and facilities.
- Suggestions for facilities include BBQ areas, shade, play equipment for all
ages, picnic facilities, nature play opportunities, and areas for dogs to
exercise. - Desire for family-friendly features like baby/kids change rooms and
toilets. - Request for unique features to differentiate the park from others.
Location and Development Considerations:
- Need to preserve native bushland and trees.
- Consideration of the impact of development on existing infrastructure like shops and community halls.
- Support for the reuse of existing spaces, like the Salvation Army site.
- Concerns about the impact of development on stormwater management.
Financial and Planning Considerations:
- Discussion about the allocation of funds for park development.
- Suggestions for alternative uses of funds, such as improving existing
parks like Snake Hollow. - Consideration of financial contributions in lieu of land for park
development.
Specific Requests and Ideas:
- Specific requests include a swimming pool, nature playground, school,
adult exercise equipment, and a community mosaic project. - Suggestions for activities like basketball and table tennis.
- Desire for a bike riding/running circuit.
- Support for maintaining and improving existing spaces like Snake Hollow.