Frequently asked questions

Council’s playspaces are independently audited each year to determine their need for replacement. The lifespan of the play equipment is between 15-20 years according to Australian Standards. Additional priorities for replacement are determined by age, an annual independent safety audit, Australian Standards, maintenance reports and community feedback.

To complement the playspace replacement program landscape improvements such as tree planting, park furniture, gardens beds and paths will be considered.

Toilets are generally not placed in Neighbourhood level parks. District and Regional open spaces are expected to attract more visitors for longer periods of time and may have toilets.

Demand includes: 

• Open Spaces with recreational activities such as exercise equipment, skating facilities, running trails and barbecues which attracts visitors for longer durations. 
• Where sites are on, or located near, an existing or planned major shared trail or cycle route, toilets may be considered for the use of walkers, runners and cyclists.  
• Additional provision may be required in very high constant use areas where there is likely to be a concentration of people with disabilities, the aged or children.  

Public toilets will not be featured due to site constraints, a limit on the provision of recreational activities, no links to shared trails and limited opportunity for parking. 

Where possible, playspaces are naturally shaded. Additional trees could also be planted to provide protection.

Site features and constraints such as mounds, trees, garden beds and existing paths influence the size and location of the new playspace.

Hume municipality has been gazetted as an ON LEAD by virtue of an Order made under section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 EXCEPT in designated off lead areas. 

In an off-leash area the owner is to: 

• be in sight of their dog and the dog responds to its owner’s command whether verbal or visual. 
• carry a leash, one for each dog, under their control 
• comply with any site-specific rules and regulations, including but not limited to time restrictions and regulations associated with fenced off leash areas. 

In an on-leash area the owner is to have their dog on a leash. 

Dogs should be under effective control at all times and on a short leash within 50m of a playspace, BMX/skate facility, or similar facility. Dogs are PROHIBITED within the boundary of a playspace. 

You can walk your dog around the park, ensuring they are on a short leash. 

Following the compilation of community feedback, this is incorporated into the design. This then goes through the process of being documented for construction, then tendered and awarded for construction. Timing may be based on availability on contractors and is anticipated around mid 2022.