Newcastle Voice - Newcastle 2030 · election including the CSP. The review must include a range of...

Newcastle VoiceNewcastle 2030

December 2012

Prepared for:

Strategic Planning Services, The City of Newcastle

Prepared by:

Consultation Services, The City of Newcastle

Newcastle 2030 Review December 2012 Page 1 of 36

Contents

Executive Summary........................................................................................................3

1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................6

1.1 Background........................................................................................................... 6

1.2 Research objectives.............................................................................................. 6

2. Methodology..........................................................................................................7

2.1 Questionnaire design ........................................................................................... 7

2.2 Data collection...................................................................................................... 7

2.3 Sampling and response rate................................................................................. 7

2.4 Data handling and analysis................................................................................... 8

3. Survey Findings.......................................................................................................9

3.1 Awareness of the Community Strategic Plan....................................................... 9

3.2 Vision .................................................................................................................... 9

3.3 Strategic Directions for Newcastle – Overview.................................................. 11

3.4 Strategic Direction – Connected City ................................................................. 14

3.5 Strategic Direction – Protected and Enhanced Environment ............................ 17

3.6 Strategic Direction – Vibrant and Activated Public Places ................................. 20

3.7 Strategic Direction – Caring and Inclusive Community ...................................... 23

3.8 Strategic Direction – Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment...................... 26

3.9 Strategic Direction – Smart and Innovative City ................................................ 29

3.10 Strategic Direction – Open and Collaborative Leadership ................................. 32

3.11 Additional comments ......................................................................................... 35

(See Newcastle 2030 Review Annexure)

Appendix I Surveys ……………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 1/224

Appendix II Advertisement …………………………………………………………………………………Page 14/224

Appendix III Demographic Profile …………………………………………………………………… Page 15/224

Appendix IV Topline Data (unweighted)…………………………………………………………….… Page 20/224

Appendix V Verbatims

Connected City………………..…………………………………………………………….… 4/224

Protected and Enhanced Environment …………………………………………..… Page 80/224

Vibrant and Activated Public Places.…..……………………………………….… Page 102/224

Caring and Inclusive Community….……..……………………………………….… Page 126/224

Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment…………………………………..… Page 143/224

Smart and Innovative City……………………….…………………………………..… Page 162/224

Open and Collaborative Leadership……………………………………………..… Page 178/224

Additional comments……………………………..…………………………………..… Page 198/224


Executive Summary

Consultation was conducted with the community to gauge community awareness of the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan, to seek to better understand the community’s priorities and gather ideas to help shape the future for Newcastle.

This report summarises the results of the Newcastle 2030 survey which was conducted within the Newcastle LGA, through the Newcastle Voice community reference panel and the wider community.

A survey was sent to 2,744 Newcastle Voice members and was distributed at local libraries. The survey was open from 12 November to 4 December 2012. A total number of 963 responses were received. The report centres around the seven strategic directions, which mirrors the current Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan: Connected City, Protected and Enhanced Environment, Vibrant and Activated Public Places, Caring and Inclusive Community, Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment, Smart and Innovative City and Open and Collaborative Leadership.

Awareness

Forty percent of respondents indicated they were aware of the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan, with another fifteen percent not sure. There is an opportunity to implement a promotional campaign once the revised plan is endorsed by Council in 2013 to increase this level of awareness.

Vision

Survey respondents were asked how well this vision reflects their hopes for Newcastle in the future, with 59% indicating the vision reflects their hopes very or extremely well.

Seven strategic directions

The average mean score for each of the seven strategic directions reveals that, on balance, respondents agreed the objectives will help achieve the community’s vision for Newcastle. The highest average mean score of 4.31 (out of 5) indicates both Connected City and Open and Collaborative Leadership are viewed as being most important to achieving the community’s vision for the future of the city. (Refer to Figure 1).

Respondents were asked to share their ideas on how we/Newcastle can work together to achieve the seven strategic directions. In excess of 2,600 verbatim responses were recorded. The top two themes identified for each of the seven strategic directions are as follows:

Connected City –The majority of comments related to the rail line, with opinions split between retaining and stopping the rail. Respondents also touched on more general aspects relating to public transport, such as the need to link the CBD to other ‘hubs’, the provision of an adequate interchange, and the establishment of park‐and‐rides.

Protected and Enhanced Environment – Survey respondents noted increased community involvement, including the need for community awareness and education campaigns and the


importance of listening to the community. Further comments focused on trees, specifically retaining trees and the need to plant more trees, particularly natives.

Vibrant and Activated Public Places – Safety is a major concern with survey respondents, with many calling for a greater police or security presence on the streets and better lighting and CCTV located throughout town. Respondents also commented on development related issues noting that preserving or using unoccupied heritage buildings should be considered.

Caring and Inclusive Community – Survey respondents commented on the need for more community events and programs to increase a sense of community as well as undertaking more placemaking initiatives. Others suggested that greater support and / or facilities for different groups in the community where required, particularly the arts community, youth and the aged.

Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment – Development related comments were prevalent, relating to eco‐design or green options in development, planting more trees and preserving open or green spaces, development controls and the need for improved architectural design in Newcastle. Respondents also focused on Newcastle’s heritage, the need to clean up, leasing or reuse of old buildings and proposed that new designs be sympathetic to the old.

Smart and Innovative City – Comments related to development and cleaning up or revitalising the CBD, subsidising rent for inner city buildings (or Renew Newcastle) and fixing or addressing derelict buildings. Others spoke about the need for improved public transport.

Open and Collaborative Leadership – Many survey respondents commented about the decision making process, specifically that there should be no politics or personal agendas in decision making, that strong, decisive leadership was needed and that it was important that decision making be a transparent process. A number of people also wrote about the need to consult and listen to the community’s feedback.

This report will help shape the strategies to achieve the Community Strategic Plan’s long‐term vision and objectives and will also inform Council’s 2013‐2017 Delivery Program.


Figure 1: Average Mean Score for the Seven Strategic Directions

7 Strategic Directions and 23 objectives Average Mean Score

(out of 5)

CONNECTED CITY

Effective and integrated public transport

Linked networks of cycle and pedestrian transport

A transport network that encourages energy and resource efficiency

4.31

PROTECTED AND ENHANCED ENVIRONMENT

Greater efficiency in the use of resources

Our unique natural environment is maintained, enhanced and connected

Environmental and climate change risks and impacts are understood and managed

4.23

VIBRANT AND ACTIVATED PUBLIC PLACE

Public places that provide for diverse activity and strengthen our social connections

Culture, heritage and place are valued, shared and celebrated

Safe and activated places that are used by people day and night

4.25

CARING AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

A welcoming community that cares and looks after each other

Active and healthy communities with physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing

A creative, culturally rich and vibrant community

4.16

LIVEABLE AND DISTINCTIVE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

A built environment that maintains and enhances our sense of identity

Mixed‐use urban villages supported by integrated transport networks

Greater diversity of quality housing for current and future community needs

Best practice energy and water efficient buildings and infrastructure

4.02

SMART AND INNOVATIVE CITY

A vibrant diverse and resilient green economy built on educational excellence and research

A culture that supports and encourages innovation and creativity at all levels

A thriving city that attracts people to live, work, invest and visit

4.18

OPEN AND COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP

Integrated, sustainable long‐term planning for Newcastle and the region

Considered decision making based on collaborative, transparent and accountable leadership

Active citizen engagement in local planning and decision‐making processes and a shared responsibility for achieving our goals

The City of Newcastle: A local government organisation of excellence

4.31


1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The City of Newcastle has worked with the community to develop the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan (CSP). A large‐scale process was undertaken in 2009‐2011 to develop the current CSP. A range of engagement methods held over 18 months ensured a broad involvement with 1,500 people participating directly in the Newcastle 2030 process. Discussion papers exploring challenges, opportunities and future priorities for Newcastle were developed as background for the many conversations and to inform the priorities and strategies outlined in the Plan.

As required under the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to undertake a review of the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents following each local government election including the CSP. The review must include a range of engagement opportunities to inform the community of the review process and allow for input.

This consultation is part of the broader IP&R Engagement Strategy approved by ELT 24 October 2012 and presented to Council on 4 December 2012.

1.2 Research objectives

The objectives of this community consultation were to:

gauge community awareness of the Newcastle 2030 CSP

seek to better understand community priorities

gather community ideas to help shape the future for our city

outline the key priorities or strategic directions for Newcastle

inform the community about the review and revisions of the Newcastle 2030 CSP.

The outcomes will help shape the strategies to achieve the CSP’s long‐term vision and objectives. This work will also inform Council’s 2013‐2017 Delivery Program. The revised CSP will go to Council for endorsement in 2013.


2. Methodology

2.1 Questionnaire design

A structured questionnaire with a total of 17 questions was created using a mix of open, unprompted questions and closed questions with predetermined response options. Questions were broadly structured around the seven strategic directions, which mirrors the current Newcastle 2030 CSP: Connected City, Protected and Enhanced Environment, Vibrant and Activated Public Places, Caring and Inclusive Community, Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment, Smart and Innovative City and Open and Collaborative Leadership.

The questionnaire was programmed using Sparq software. To control order bias, the Sparq system automatically rotated the presentation of items within certain questions on a random basis. A copy of the questionnaire is provided in Appendix I.

2.2 Data collection

The survey was open from 12 November to 4 December 2012. Invitations to the survey were emailed to all active Newcastle Voice members, in print or online, depending on their selected mode of consultation on 12 November 2012. Reminders were emailed to those members who had not completed the survey on 16, 21 and 27 November 2012.

Further, a link was provided on Council’s website for any interested members of the community who were not already members of Newcastle Voice’s community reference panel. A number of demographics were captured from those respondents who completed the survey as an anonymous community member.

The survey was administered in a number of ways:

1. Newcastle Voice members – online

2. Newcastle Voice members – hardcopy

3. Council’s website ‐ online

4. Newcastle libraries ‐ hardcopy

2.3 Sampling and response rate

The consultation encompassed the whole Newcastle local government area (LGA). The entire Newcastle Voice panel was invited and promotional activities were aimed at the entire LGA. Paid advertising was placed in The Herald and The Star during the consultation (17 and 24 November and 21 and 22 November respectively) inviting residents to provide input. Appendix II contains a copy of the advertisement. The link to the survey was also emailed to key stakeholders.

Any social or market research project (including the Newcastle Voice panel) conducted online, over the phone, or in person where individuals have to agree to complete a survey or interview has potential for self‐selection bias. All participants must self‐select themselves and be willing to engage with Council. It should be noted that being a Newcastle Voice member is voluntary, and therefore participation in its activities is also voluntary. It is noted that there is a possibility that anonymous community members could complete the survey multiple times as the panel management software cannot detect duplicate entries from anonymous respondents.

All active Newcastle Voice members (n= 2,744) were invited to complete the survey. In total, 1,005 Newcastle Voice members started the survey (participation rate of 36.6%) and 911 members completed the survey (response rate of 33.2%). The survey received 58 responses from the anonymous members of the broad community. The demographic profile of those completing the survey is presented in Appendix III.


2.4 Data handling and analysis

2.4.1 SPARQ

Data handling and analysis was carried out using Sparq software by the Community Consultation staff at Council. Unweighted topline results are shown in Appendix IV.

2.4.2 Weighting

In line with industry standards, weighting has been applied to the data post collection by Ward. The data has been weighted by Ward to ensure that the weighted responses are representative of the Ward distribution of the survey population. Table 1 shows the effect of the weighting factor applied to the final data across the Wards.

Table 1: Weights applied to final data by Ward

Response Achieved Final Weighted Response

(#) % (#) %

Ward 1 336 35% 229 23.75%

Ward 2 250 26% 229 23.75%

Ward 3 186 19% 229 23.75%

Ward 4 137 14% 229 23.75%

Out of area 54 6% 47 5%

Total 963 100% 963 100%

2.4.3 Open‐ended Responses

In excess of 2,600 open‐ended responses were recorded in the survey. Responses to open‐ended questions were categorised using a detailed framework based on the issues people mentioned. Trend analysis was conducted on the open‐ended question responses. All responses are treated in confidence to ensure the anonymity of respondents, and edited only for grammar and spelling where included as verbatim comments into the body of the report. Please see Appendix V for a full record of the verbatim responses received in the survey.

2.4.4 Mean Scores

The mean score facilitates data interpretation when comparing multiple strategic objectives. Respondents were presented with a five point scale, with ‘Don’t know/can’t say’ as a sixth option. The numeric values for the scales were converted to an overall average (mean) score for each of the questions. This score is calculated only for ‘Not at all important ’ to ‘Extremely important’ and does not include the ‘Don’t know/can’t say’.

To obtain a score of 5.0 all respondents would have had to answer ‘Extremely important’. In interpreting the score, a score of greater than 3.0 indicates that, on balance, respondents agreed that the area was of at least moderate importance.

2.4.5 Combined results

The survey results from the Newcastle Voice community reference panel and from anonymous community members have been reported in combined form. Combined results allow the findings to be actioned more directly and provide an integrated picture of current community expectation.


3. Survey Findings

3.1 Awareness of the Community Strategic Plan

3.1.1 Awareness

Forty percent of respondents indicated they were aware of the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan, with another 15% not sure. There is an opportunity to implement a promotional campaign once the revised plan is endorsed by Council in 2013 to increase this level of awareness.

Graph 1: Awareness (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

Awareness of Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan

40%

45%

15%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Yes No Not sure/ don't know

%

3.2 Vision

3.2.1 Vision

The Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan is a shared community vision developed as a guide to inform policies and actions throughout the city for the next 20 years.

Newcastle 2030 is our shared vision for a Smart, Liveable and Sustainable City.

Our vision ….

We will celebrate our unique city and protect our natural assets. We will build resilience in the face of future challenges and encourage innovation and creativity. As an inclusive community, we will embrace new residents and foster a culture of care. We will be a leading lifestyle city with vibrant public places, connected transport networks and a distinctive built environment. As we make our way toward 2030, we will achieve all this within a framework of open and collaborative leadership.


Survey respondents were asked how well this vision reflects their hopes for Newcastle in the future, with 59% indicating the vision reflects their hopes very or extremely well. As shown in graph 2, another quarter of respondents (27%) said the vision reflected their hopes for Newcastle moderately well.

Graph 2: Shared vision (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

How well vision reflects hopes for Newcastle's future

3%

8%

27%

41%

18%

4%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Not at all Slightly well Moderately well Very well Extremely well Don’t know

%

On balance, the results by Ward and age group were similar. The mean scores by Ward ranged from 3.42 (medium) to 3.77 (medium) and by age group from 3.60 (medium) to 3.75 (medium).

Table 2: Vision reflecting hopes for Newcastle by Ward and Age

Ward 1

Ward 2

Ward 3

Ward 4

16‐24 yrs

25‐39 yrs

40‐54 yrs

55‐69 yrs

70+ yrs

Mean (out of five) 3.66 3.69 3.77 3.42 3.75 3.75 3.60 3.62 3.60


3.3 Strategic Directions for Newcastle – Overview

3.3.1 Overview

The Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan includes 23 objectives that we aspire to achieve as a community over the next 20 years. These objectives are grouped into seven strategic directions for our city as we move towards 2030.

Connected City –

Transport networks and services that are well connected and convenient. Walking, cycling and public transport will become viable options for the majority of our trips.

Protected and Enhanced Environment –

Our unique environment will be understood, maintained and protected.

Vibrant and Activated Public Places –

A city of great public places and neighbourhoods promoting peoples health, happiness and wellbeing.

Caring and Inclusive Community –

A thriving community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued and has the opportunity to contribute and belong.

Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment –

An attractive city that is built around people and reflects our sense of identity.

Smart and Innovative City –

A leader in smart innovations with a healthy, diverse and resilient economy.

Open and Collaborative Leadership –

A strong local democracy with an actively engaged community and effective partnerships.

3.3.2 Objectives

Respondents were asked to indicate how important the objectives were to achieving the community’s vision for the city. All objectives were rated between 3.81 and 4.57. The following objectives had mean score of 4.43 or more out of a possible score of 5.0:

1. Effective and integrated public transport (4.57)

2. Safe and activated places that are used by people day and night (4.52)

3. A thriving city that attracts people to live, work, invest and visit (4.46)

4. Considered decision making based on collaborative, transparent and accountable leadership (4.44)

=5. Integrated, sustainable long‐term planning for Newcastle and the region (4.43)

=5. Our unique natural environment is maintained, enhanced and connected (4.43)

The following three objectives received the lowest mean scores indicating that they were perceived as less important compared with the other 20 objectives, however were still of


moderate importance. The objectives which received a mean score of less than 4.0 out of 5.0 were as follows:

1. A built environment that maintains and enhances our sense of identity (3.81)

=2. Greater diversity of quality housing for current and future community needs (3.93)

=2. A vibrant, diverse and resilient green economy built on educational excellence and research (3.93 respectively)


Table 3: Mean scores for the 23 objectives

Objectives Mean

Effective and integrated public transport 4.57

Safe and activated places that are used by people day and night 4.52

A thriving city that attracts people to live, work, invest and visit 4.46


4.44

Integrated, sustainable long‐term planning for Newcastle and the region 4.43

Our unique natural environment is maintained, enhanced and connected 4.43

Greater efficiency in the use of resources 4.25

Best practice energy and water efficient buildings and infrastructure 4.24


4.21

Linked networks of cycle and pedestrian transport 4.20

A welcoming community that cares and looks after each other 4.18

Active and healthy communities with physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing 4.18

Public places that provide for diverse activity and strengthen our social connections 4.18

A transport network that encourages energy and resource efficiency 4.17

The City of Newcastle: A local government organisation of excellence 4.17

A creative, culturally rich and vibrant community 4.12

A culture that supports and encourages innovation and creativity at all levels 4.11

Mixed‐use urban villages supported by integrated transport networks 4.10

Culture, heritage and place are valued, shared and celebrated 4.05

Environmental and climate change risks and impacts are understood and managed 4.00


3.93

Greater diversity of quality housing for current and future community needs 3.93

A built environment that maintains and enhances our sense of identity 3.81


3.4 Strategic Direction – Connected City

This strategic direction has the following objectives defined as follows:

Effective and integrated public transport

Linked networks of cycle and pedestrian transport

A transport network that encourages energy and resource efficiency

When looking at the three objectives, Effective and integrated public transport received a higher importance rating with 94% of respondents indicating that it was extremely or very important, compared to 78% and 76% for Linked networks of cycle and pedestrian transport and A transport network that encourages energy and resource efficiency, respectively.

Graph 3: Connected City (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

Respondents were asked for their ideas on how we can work together towards achieving the Connected City objectives in an open‐ended question for this section. A comprehensive number of ideas are addressed in 538 comments received to this question (see Appendix V). Responses were categorised by key themes, which are summarised below in Table 4.


Table 4: Connected City‐ Categorisation of open ended responses (Base‐ those answering‐ n= 538) CONNECTED CITY: Tell us your ideas on how we can work together towards ensuring Newcastle is well-connected and has convenient transport networks.

Base (those answering) n= 538 n= %

RAIL 61.0Retain the rail to Newcastle 139 25.8Cut rail line before Newcastle (Wickham or Woodville Jxn or Broadmeadow or Adamstown)

61 11.3

Light rail / trams 42 7.8Replace heavy rail with light rail in town (specific) 40 7.4High speed rail to sydney 10 1.9Make a decision re rail 9 1.7Extend the rail or light rail or monorail 7 1.3Faster / more frequent train services 6 1.1Monorail 5 0.9Other rail comment 9 1.7PUBLIC TRANSPORT GENERAL 36.4Link public transprt from CBD to other hubs/suburbs 29 5.4Interchange 25 4.6Establish park and rides 21 3.9Better connections between services and pedstrian or cycleways 18 3.3Encourage or promote use of public transport / Education and awareness campaigns 12 2.2Clean up public transport / Make it safe 11 2.0Better ticketing system 11 2.0Public transport needs to be accessible for all 10 1.9Faster / more frequent public transport 8 1.5Make public transport cheaper 8 1.5Integrated public transport 7 1.3Have stations/bus stops where needed (eg Kotara) 6 1.1Woodville Junction interchange 6 1.1Link public transport to airport 5 0.9Other city cited as example 5 0.9Other- public transport general comment 10 1.9CYCLEWAYS & PEDESTRIAN 29.4Dedicated/safe/off road cycleways and bike lines and pedestrian access 60 11.2More cycleways / pedestrian paths 24 4.5Better cycleways / pedestrian access 20 3.7Linking cycleways 12 2.2Build more overpasses / crossings for pedestrians and cyclists 11 2.0Bike rental scheme 11 2.0More bike racks / Bike lockers / Have bike racks on public transport 8 1.5Increased priority or importance of pedestrians and cyclists 7 1.3Other- cycleways and pedestrians comment 1 0.2BUSES 17.5Mini buses / smaller buses 19 3.5Express or more direct bus routes 18 3.3More frequent buses 17 3.2Maintain free buses / More free buses 15 2.8Bus routes are convoluted 8 1.5Better bus services to hubs/suburbs 7 1.3Other- bus comment 8 1.5TRAFFIC & PARKING 9.1More free parking / reduce cost of parking / get rid of meters 16 3.0Traffic lights (timing, pads etc) 7 1.3Build overpasses or underpasses 7 1.3Get rid of 'gates' 7 1.3Other- traffic and parking 7 1.3OTHER 17.4Not only Council's responsibility / Work with or leave to State or Federal Govt 26 4.8More consultation / Listen to those who use public transport 6 1.1Other 55 10.2


In total, 61% of respondents who left a comment noted the rail line. Here, opinion was split with 25.8% wanting to retain the rail and 26.6% wanting to terminate the rail (somewhere between Adamstown and Wickham) or suggesting that it should be replaced with light rail.

“Keep the train lines open, build more and more overhead rail crossings.”

“Terminate the rail line between Wickham and Hamilton and build an integrated train/ bus/cycle terminal to transfer commuters and riders.”

“I would love to see Newcastle in 2030 with a light rail system ‐ as has rejuvenated so many European cities ‐ it is fast, quiet and easy to hop on and off with prams, luggage etc.”

One in three (36.4%) respondents who left a response commented on more general aspects relating to public transport, such as the need to link the CBD to other ‘hubs’ (5.4%), the need for an adequate interchange (4.9%, generally noted along with a call to remove the rail line), and a call for the establishment of park‐and‐rides (3.9%):

“Remove Newcastle train station and build a transport hub, have trains and lines that can support a higher speed therefore decreasing travel times both in the town and of course the trains and line between Newcastle and Sydney as its a joke to say the least.”

“Tabula rasa on public transport, starting from scratch with a regional bus network centred around Broadmeadow station, planning for a 'gateway' transport hub at Broadmeadow …”

“Maintain heavy rail to Newcastle Station. Enhance by park and rail/ride facility in Showground area. Shuttle to John Hunter from here appears to be working effectively.”

Just under one third (29.4%) of respondents left a comment relating to cycleways and/or pedestrian access. Here, 11.2% of respondents called for dedicated, off‐road access for cyclists and pedestrians (11.2%), and a further 4.5% wanting more cycleways and pedestrian paths:

“Pushbikes and pedestrians need their own dedicated roads/paths ‐ if they can't do the speed limit they should stay off the road.”

“More bike lanes and bike tracks, educate drivers on cyclist rights and how to travel safely together.”

Other comments received related to buses (17.5%), traffic and parking (9.1%), and other topics including noting this not being an area of Council responsibility (4.8%). Please refer to Appendix V for full categorisation of responses and verbatim comments.


3.5 Strategic Direction – Protected and Enhanced Environment


Greater efficiency in the use of resources

Our unique natural environment is maintained, enhanced and connected

Environmental and climate change risks and impacts are understood and managed

When looking at the three objectives, Our unique natural environment is maintained, enhanced and connected received a higher importance rating with 88% of respondents indicating that it was extremely or very important, compared to 84% and 70% for Greater efficiency in the use of resources and Environmental and climate change risks and impacts are understood and managed, respectively.

Graph 4: Protected and Enhanced Environment (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

Importance: Protected and enhanced environment

41%

42%

55%

29%

42%

33%

20%

13%

10%

6%

1%

1%

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Environmental and climate changerisks and impacts are understood

and managed

Greater efficiency in the use ofresources

Our unique natural environment ismaintained, enhanced and

connected

Extremely important Very important Moderately important Slightly important Not at all important Don’t know

4.43

4.25

4.00

Mean/5

Respondents were asked for their ideas on how we can work towards achieving the Protected and Enhanced Environment objectives in an open‐ended question for this section. A comprehensive number of ideas are addressed in 306 comments received to this question (see Appendix V). Responses were categorised by key themes, which are summarised below in Table 5.


Table 5: Protected and Enhanced Environment‐ Categorisation of open ended responses (Base‐ those answering‐ n= 306)

PROTECTED AND ENHANCED ENVIRONMENT: Tell us your ideas on how we can work together towards ensuring that Newcastle's unique natural environment is understood, maintained and protected.

Base (those answering) n= 306 n= %

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 23.2Get community more invloved / Support community involvement 33 10.8Education / awareness campaigns 25 8.2Listen to the broader community, not minorities, lobbyists, politicians etc 13 4.2TREES 20.6Stop cutting down trees / Laman Street reference 24 7.8Plant more trees / Shade trees / Street trees / Native trees 24 7.8Cut down trees / Cut down non-natives / Don't plant non-native 4 1.3Give free trees 3 1.0Other tree / garden comment 8 2.6DEVELOPMENT 20.3Consider climate change, rising sea levels etc in planning and development 16 5.2Maintain green corridors / riparian zones et 14 4.6Consider environmental impacts in development 6 2.0Don't consider climate change, rising sea levels etc in planning and development 5 1.6Other development comment 21 6.9TRANSPORT 9.5Walking / cycling routes 10 3.3Public transport 9 2.9Parking 4 1.3Other transport 6 2.0WASTE 8.5Reduce / penalise littering / dumping 9 2.9Reduce waste in waterways 4 1.3Clean up the city/streets 4 1.3Promote recycling 3 1.0Other waste comment 6 2.0INDUSTRY 8.2Control / monitor expansion of the coal industry or heavy industry 9 2.9Coal dust / cover coal trains 6 2.0No coal seam gas 3 1.0Newcastle is a coal town 2 0.7Other industry comment 5 1.6OTHER 48.7Maintain reserves, parks, sportsgrounds etc 22 7.2Comment regarding wording (eg vague, queries re definitions, interpretations etc) 15 4.9Protect beaches and coast 11 3.6Climate change NFI 10 3.3Work with / listen to uni, CSIRO, experts etc 9 2.9Environment needs to be maintained / preserved / protected 9 2.9Use solar power / clean energy / renewable energy 8 2.6Stormwater or rainwater capturing or recycling 8 2.6Not only Council's responsibility / Work with or leave to State or Federal Govt 7 2.3Council needs to review its practices 5 1.6Flood planning 4 1.3Other 36 11.8Satisfied 5 1.6


A quarter (23.2%) of respondents who left a comment called for increased community involvement and awareness, including comments relating to increased community involvement (10.8%), the need for community awareness and education campaigns (8.2%) and the need to listen to the community (4.2%):

“Encourage local residents in near vicinity of local parks / bush areas to take more pride in local surroundings and be eyes and ears to all that happens around those areas. Involve young children at early age by information at school on importance of looking after their environment.”

“Engage community groups to undertake environmental projects and encourage the broader community to be involved.”

One in five respondents (20.6%) left a number of comments regarding trees. Similar proportions noted not cutting down trees (including Laman Street references, 7.8%) and that more trees, particularly natives, should be planted (7.8%):

“Encourage more native planting in urban areas to create nature corridors and better habitat.”

“Enhanced natural environment does not mean cafés and shops. Plant more trees wherever it is appropriate. i.e. not in people's views, not where they pose a danger but as many as possible in the spaces that are available.”

Development related ideas and comments were noted by 20.3% of respondents. These included considering climate change and rising sea levels in planning and development (5.2%) and maintaining green corridors and riparian zones (4.6%):

“Very important to plan for future sea level rise ‐ the longer we delay proactive action the more costly works will be to address potential future problems. Protection of natural bushland, parks, trees and beaches are very important to the character of the city.”

“Green corridors are VITAL to allow nature to adapt to climate change. Plants and animals need to be able to move north/south and east/west around the country, and each LGA must cooperate in this. Climate related impacts such as storms, storm surges, sea level rise, bushfires etc will increase and need to be planned for.”

Other comments received related to transport (9.5%), waste (8.5%), industry (8.2%), as well as a variety of other topics including maintain reserves, parks and sportgrounds (7.2%) and comments regarding wording of the objectives (4.9%). Please refer to Appendix V for full categorisation of responses and verbatim comments.


3.6 Strategic Direction – Vibrant and Activated Public Places


Public places that provide for diverse activity and strengthen our social connections

Culture, heritage and place are valued, shared and celebrated

Safe and activated places that are used by people day and night

When looking at the three objectives, Safe and activated places that are used by people day and night received a higher importance rating with 93% of respondents indicating that it was extremely or very important, compared to 82%and 75% for Public places that provide for diverse activity and strengthen our social connections and Culture, heritage and place are valued, shared and celebrated, respectively.

Graph 5: Vibrant and Activated Public Places (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

Importance: Vibrant and activated public places

35%

39%

61%

40%

43%

32%

20%

14%

6%

4%

2%

1%

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Culture, heritage and place arevalued, shared and celebrated

Public places that provide fordiverse activity and strengthen our

social connections

Safe and activated places that areused by people day and night


4.52

4.18

4.05

Mean/5

Respondents were asked for their ideas on how we can work towards achieving the Vibrant and Activated Public Places objectives in an open‐ended question for this section. A comprehensive number of ideas are addressed in 336 comments received to this question (see Appendix V). Responses were categorised by key themes, which are summarised below in Table 6.


Table 6: Vibrant and Activated Public Places‐ Categorisation of open ended responses (Base‐ those answering‐ n= 336)

VIBRANT AND ACTIVATED PUBLIC PLACES: Tell us your ideas on how we can work together towards ensuring Newcastle is a city of great public places and neighbourhoods promoting people's health, happiness and wellbeing.

Base (those answering) n= 336 n= %SAFETY 27.7Police / security presence 31 9.2Lighting 19 5.7CCTV 22 6.5Crime issues/Antisocial behaviour 9 2.7Other safety 12 3.6DEVELOPMENT 21.1Preserve or use heritage buildings 30 8.9DA process/approvals 11 3.3Hunter Street / CBD revitalisation 10 3.0Demolish derelict buildings / address derelict buildings 3 0.9Other development 17 5.1COUNCIL FACILITIES 18.5Parks/Sportsgrounds/Pools 30 8.9Art gallery / Museum 19 5.7Public toilets 8 2.4Library 4 1.2Other Council facilities 1 0.3TRANSPORT 17.9Public transport 25 7.4Walking routes / promote walking 16 4.8Parking 9 2.7Cycle paths 9 2.7Other transport 1 0.3ALCOHOL RELATED COMMENT 10.7Small bars / cafes 15 4.5Limit or police pubs/clubs/alcohol sales 14 4.2Alcohol free zones 4 1.2Education re alcohol 2 0.6Other alcohol 1 0.3OTHER 55.1Livesites / Festivals / Markets / Events (more of) 41 12.2Increase people numbers / Get people out and about 14 4.2More child or family friendly activities 13 3.9Make places clean/tidy/presentable/no graffiti 12 3.6Not only Council's responsibility / Work with or leave to State or Federal Govt 8 2.4Placemaking initatives, community gardens etc 8 2.4Support local/neighbourhood/community groups and centres 8 2.4Comment regarding wording (eg vague, queries re definitions, jargon etc) 6 1.8Need to consider all people / groups 6 1.8Support / make it easier for commercial or business enterprise 6 1.8Tourism 6 1.8Move uni to CBD 5 1.5Public art 4 1.2Other 48 14.3

Safety was the main issue noted by 27.7% respondents. This was composed mainly of calls for a greater police or security presence on the streets (9.2%), better lighting throughout town (5.7%), and CCTV, for example:

“We do not want to be a police state. However a visible police presence is a good preventive to drunken anti social behaviour.”

“Lighting in town around nightclubs.”

“Camera rollout to improve safety of those moving about. Visible policing.”


Development related issues were the next most noted topic (21.1%). A number of these were comments about preserving or using unoccupied heritage buildings (8.9%):

“Allow older buildings to be used for a variety of uses and not just shops and offices. Can some also be converted into housing?”

“CBD should be redeveloped with emphasis on maintaining heritage facades and preserving the cultural heritage of the place.”

“Council should be proactive in terms of ensuring that heritage buildings are put to good use. There are some very important heritage buildings that have at times languished without care or occupants. The worst example is the Post office.”

Just under one in five respondents (18.5%) left comments relating to focusing on Council facilities in hopes of achieving vibrant and activated public spaces:

“I would love to see … more BBQs and family‐oriented area closer to the beach at Nobby's, King Edward Park (and children's play equipment here) and other beach areas…”

“Maintaining and developing councils facilities... pools, art gallery and libraries e.g. reducing entry fees to pools, expanding outlying pools…”

“The Art Gallery and the Museum represent a great opportunity for cultural tourism (think Ballarat and Bendigo) and therefore need support. Likewise good public facilities enhance the city's attractiveness.”

A similar proportion noted transport related issues (17.9%). Most of these related to the need for having safe, reliable public transport:

“Frequency of public transport should be aligned with closing times of establishments…”

“Safe activities & transport to bring people into the city at night and on weekends.”

Other comments received broadly related to alcohol (10.7%, with 4.5% being specific to small bars and late night cafes) and festivals (12.2%). Please refer to Appendix V for full categorisation of responses and verbatim comments.


3.7 Strategic Direction – Caring and Inclusive Community


A welcoming community that cares and looks after each other

Active and healthy communities with physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing

A creative, culturally rich and vibrant community

When looking at the three objectives, A welcoming community that cares and looks after each other, received a higher importance rating with 82% of respondents indicating that it was extremely or very important, compared to 80% and 78% for Active and healthy communities with physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing and A creative, culturally rich and vibrant community, respectively.

Graph 6: Caring and Inclusive Community (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

Importance: Caring and inclusive community

37%

40%

39%

41%

40%

43%

16%

14%

14%

3%

3%

2%

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

A creative, culturally rich andvibrant community

Active and healthy communitieswith physical, mental and spiritual

wellbeing

A welcoming community that caresand looks after each other


4.18

4.18

4.12

Mean/5

Respondents were asked for their ideas on how we can work towards achieving the Caring and Inclusive Community objectives in an open‐ended question for this section. A comprehensive number of ideas are addressed in 270 comments received to this question (see Appendix V). Responses were categorised by key themes, which are summarised below in Table 7.


Table 7: Caring and inclusive community‐ Categorisation of open ended responses (Base‐ those answering‐ n= 270)

CARING AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY: Tell us your ideas on how we can work together towards ensuring Newcastle is a thriving community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued and has the opportunity to contribute and belong.

Base (those answering) n= 270 n= %COMMUNITY EVENTS & PROGRAMS 30.7Festivals / fairs / markets / events 29 10.7More placemaking / pride of place / neighbourhood activities and centres 14 5.2Support multiculturalism and multicultural events 9 3.3Renew Newcastle 9 3.3Livesites 8 3.0Support community groups and programs 8 3.0Community gardens 4 1.5Other- community events and programs 2 0.7GROUPS 30.0Support / facilities for the arts community 35 13.0Support / facilities for the youth 12 4.4Support / facilities for the aged 10 3.7Support / facilities for / integration of refugees and new immigrants 9 3.3Support / facilities for the people with disabilities 6 2.2Support / facilities for the indigenous communities (recognise cultural heritage) and other cultures

5 1.9

Support / facilities for religious groups 1 0.4Support / facilities for not for profit orgs 1 0.4Other- groups 2 0.7FACILITIES & ASSETS 10.4Parks and sportsgrounds 9 3.3Public swimming pools 5 1.9Beaches & surrounds 4 1.5Retain Tafe / Lobby for Tafe 3 1.1Health facilities 3 1.1Promote Museum / Art Gallery 2 0.7Child care 2 0.7OBJECTIVES 9.6Comment regarding wording (eg vague, meaningless, motherhood statements etc) 16 5.9Less emphasis on spiritual wellbeing - what does this mean? 5 1.9Good goals 3 1.1Other comments rewording 2 0.7AESTHETICS / SAFETY 8.9Make the city safer 11 4.1Clean up city / City is a mess 6 2.2Not as many bars / Address alcohol problems 5 1.9Clean up public transport 2 0.7OTHER 44.8Not only Council's responsibility / Work with or leave to State or Federal Govt or other 15 5.6Spend equally across the LGA/ treat alll areas the same / treat all people the same 7 2.6More accessible public transport 7 2.6Paid parking is a deterent / more parking needed 6 2.2People should walk / cycle around local area 6 2.2Support art gallery redevelopment 6 2.2Already achieving this / Doing well in this regard 5 1.9Consult with community / Listen to community 5 1.9Development impacting the community / developments 5 1.9Not in support of art gallery 2 0.7Need to be a less self centred society / care more about others 2 0.7Other 55 20.4


A third (30.7%) of respondents who left a response commented on community events and programs. Many of these related to holding festivals and fairs to increase a sense of community (10.7%) and undertaking more placemaking initiatives (5.2%):

“More culture festivals (like Beaumont St, Darby St, Civic Park, the beaches). Bring people together to celebrate and learn other cultures, try different foods, drinks, music, and entertainment, in a safe, family oriented environment, which, for me, is the future of people in Newcastle.”

“Neighbourhood Centres to get to know each other and encourage communal activities = wellbeing, arts and crafts, philosophy etc.”

“Encourage neighbourhood connections, eg local community events as simple as a picnic in a local park, a street party to celebrate important events. Get people to take an interest in their neighbours, particularly if they are elderly. Encourage people to be community minded …”

A further 30% of respondents suggested that greater support and / or facilities are required for different groups in the community, particularly the arts community (13.0%), youth (4.4%) and the aged (3.7%):

“A strong Arts community gives the city vibrancy … It is the arts community that has brought life back to the mall not big business.”

“Providing (well‐organised, funded) youth venues, art spaces (why not allow local graffiti artists to design the walls along the train line like Brisbane).”

“I notice that the Arts have not been mentioned in any of your main categories. Given that Newcastle has the highest proportion of artists per capita, this should be adjusted accordingly.”

Other themes noted included promoting and maintaining Council facilities and assets (10.4%), comment on the objectives themselves (9.6%, including comments on wording), and 8.9% commenting on the aesthetics and safety of the city. A small proportion (5.6%) also commented that this is not necessarily an area for Council to address, with the responsibility falling more to the State or Federal Government. Please refer to Appendix V for full categorisation of responses and all verbatim comments.


3.8 Strategic Direction – Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment


A built environment that maintains and enhances our sense of identity

Mixed‐use urban villages supported by integrated transport networks

Greater diversity of quality housing for current and future community needs

Best practice energy and water efficient buildings and infrastructure

When looking at the four objectives, Best practice energy and water efficient buildings and infrastructure, received a higher importance rating with 81% of respondents indicating that it was extremely or very important, compared to 75%, 70% and 65% for Mixed‐use urban villages supported by integrated transport networks, Greater diversity of quality housing for current and future community needs and A built environment that maintains and enhances our sense of identity, respectively.

Graph 7: Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

Importance: Liveable and distinctive built environment

23%

30%

36%

47%

42%

40%

39%

34%

25%

21%

16%

14%

5%

6%

3%

4%

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

A built environment that maintainsand enhances our sense of identity

Greater diversity of quality housingfor current and future community

needs

Mixed-use urban villages supportedby integrated transport networks

Best practice energy and waterefficient buildings and infrastructure


4.24

4.10

3.93

Mean/5

3.81

Respondents were asked for their ideas on how we can work towards achieving the Liveable and Distinct Built Environment objectives in an open‐ended question for this section. A comprehensive number of ideas are addressed in 257 comments received to this question (see Appendix V). Responses were categorised by key themes, which are summarised below in Table 8.


Table 8: Liveable and distinct built environment‐ Categorisation of open ended responses (Base‐ those answering‐ n= 257)

LIVEABLE AND DISTINCTIVE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: Tell us your ideas on how we can work together towards ensuring Newcastle is an attractive city that is built around people and reflects our sense of identity.

Base (those answering) n= 257 n= %DEVELOPMENT RELATED 43.2Eco design and options / Green options, efficiency 22 8.6More trees, green spaces / Preserve open spaces (inc to harbour) 18 7.0Development controls e.g. height, floor space etc 15 5.8Improved or attractive architecture or design 13 5.1Need more commercial and retail in CBD / Facilitate business 12 4.7No more / less high density living or high rises 11 4.3Diversity in housing / Mixed use housing 11 4.3Higher density living 9 3.5Other development 17 6.6HERITAGE 16.3Clean up / tenant / preserve heritage or old buildings 28 10.9New developments to be more sympathetic to the old / Mix old and new 11 4.3Knock down old buildings 3 1.2OBJECTIVES 12.1Comments re 'identity' statement 16 6.2Comment regarding wording (eg queries re definitions, motherhood statements, meaningless etc)

14 5.4

Other wording 1 0.4OTHER 51.4Public transport 30 11.7Not only Council's responsibility / Work with or leave to State or Federal Govt 9 3.5Affordable housing 9 3.5Parking 6 2.3Community shops / high streets 5 1.9Walking / cycling provisions 5 1.9Survey comments 3 1.2Council needs a can-do attitude / Current process hinders 3 1.2Quality housing 3 1.2Other 59 23.0

Development related comments were left by 43.2% of respondents. These relate to eco‐design or green options in development (8.6%), planting more trees and preserving open or green spaces (7.0%), development controls (5.8%) and the need for improved architectural design in Newcastle (5.1%):

“All future buildings should be designed to be as efficient as possible regarding natural heating and cooling. Emphasis should be placed on gardens which really suit the local climate and not consist of mostly exotic plants that require large amounts of water.”

“All new commercial / residential building should be encouraged to install solar power and hotwater systems; watertanks and recycling of waste water. Where possible this should be made mandatory as part of the development application ... ”

“Encouraging planting trees in new housing areas, installing solar panels on all public buildings.”

“Aesthetics should be included in development decisions.”

“Keep height of buildings in city to existing heights, discourage the building of MacMansions in the suburbs.”


In terms of heritage related comments left by 16.3% of respondents who responded to the question, one in ten (10.9%) noted the need to clean up, tenant or use old buildings and a further 4.3% suggested that new designs be sympathetic to the old:

“It should be mandatory for unused properties to be renovated, sold, leased or demolished to make more green space or vacant space.”

“The existing heritage buildings, particularly in the CBD enhance Newcastle's sense of identity, sadly, many of these are not being cared for. I would prefer that Council, instead of looking towards creating a new built environment, turn their attention to the existing built environment, and then go from there.”

Just over one in ten respondents (12.1%) commented specifically on the objectives themselves‐ 6.2% of respondents commented on “…our sense of identity” and a further 5.4% commented that the objectives contained concepts that were hard to define.

Of the 51.4% of respondents who left comments on other topics, 11.7% referred to public transport, 3.5% suggested Council should be working with the State Government in this area, and 3.5% made comments about affordable housing. Please refer to Appendix V for full categorisation of responses and all verbatim comments.


3.9 Strategic Direction – Smart and Innovative City



A culture that supports and encourages innovation and creativity at all levels

A thriving city that attracts people to live, work, invest and visit

When looking at the three objectives, A thriving city that attracts people to live, work, invest and visit, received a higher importance rating with 91% of respondents indicating that it was extremely or very important, compared to 78% and 70% for A culture that supports and encourages innovation and creativity at all levels and A vibrant diverse and resilient green economy built on educational excellence and research, respectively.

Graph 8: Smart and Innovative City (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

Importance: Smart and innovative city

31%

36%

56%

39%

42%

35%

20%

16%

6%

6%

4%

1%

2%

1%

1%

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

A vibrant diverse and resilient greeneconomy built on educational

excellence and research

A culture that supports andencourages innovation and

creativity at all levels

A thriving city that attracts peopleto live, work, invest and visit


4.46

4.11

3.93

Mean/5

Respondents were asked for their ideas on how we can work towards achieving the Smart and Innovative City objectives in an open‐ended question for this section. A comprehensive number of ideas are addressed in 249 comments received to this question (see Appendix V). Responses were categorised by key themes, which are summarised below in Table 9.


Table 9: Smart and Innovative City‐ Categorisation of open ended responses (Base‐ those answering‐ n= 249)

SMART AND INNOVATIVE CITY: Tell us your ideas on how we can work together towards enhancing Newcastle's reputation as a leader in smart innvoations with a healthy, diverse and resilent economy.

Base (those answering) n= 249 n= %DEVELOPMENT 25.2Clean up the city / revitalise the CBD 14 5.6Subsidise rent in city building / Renew Newcastle 9 3.6Fix or address derelict buildings 8 3.2Can the city handle more people or do we want more people? 7 2.8Mixed use development, housing and business 6 2.4Easier DA process / Fast track development 6 2.4Quality, good design etc 5 2.0Other development comments 8 3.2TRANSPORT 20.4Public transport 39 15.6Parking 7 2.8Walking / cycling 3 1.2Other transport comments 2 0.8COLLABORATION 14.8Support or work with organisations like CSIRO, HMRI, other local organisations 14 5.6Bring University into town / better links to University 8 3.2Collaborate with University 8 3.2Encourage/support employers in Newcastle / Improve employment opportunities 6 2.4Other collaboration comments 1 0.4OBJECTIVES 11.6Comment regarding wording (eg queries re definitions, vague, motherhood statements etc)

15 6.0

Comment on 'green' objective 12 4.8Other wording comments 2 0.8OTHER 58.4Not only Council's responsibility / Work with or leave to State or Federal Govt 18 7.2Support / encourage / award ideas and innovations 12 4.8Green efficiencies, programs etc 12 4.8Tourism / Promote tourism 10 4.0Upgrade art gallery / Support the arts 9 3.6Need to move away from being a coal or industrial city / Need a plan B 8 3.2Survey comment 5 2Don't pander to minorities 4 1.6Newcastle is a coal or industrial city 4 1.6Other 64 25.6

Development related comments were left by 25.2% of respondents. These comprised mainly of comments relating cleaning up or revitalising the CBD (5.6%), subsidising rent for inner city buildings or Renew Newcastle (3.6%), and fix or address derelict buildings (3.2%):

“Drag Newcastle city into the 21st Century and make developers actually develop their assets in the city or sell them to someone who will…”

“Smartening up Hunter St would be a great start. It should/could be catering for a wide variety of needs. It's a central place and accessible for those of us who rely on public transport to get around.”

“The Renew Newcastle project has the right idea. Don't allow shops to be closed and empty. NCC should let artisans/artists/small businesses/craftspeople/rent shops for a small rent in town to encourage visitors and locals looking for a pleasurable event.”


One in five respondents (20.4%) who left a response commented on transport. Most of these (15.6%) were about public transport:

“Bring back trams not buses.”

“People will only want to live and work in Newcastle if there is a connected transport network inclusive of trains to the city centre, Newcastle Station. Where will people park their cars if the train is removed? Buses already congest the roads of Newcastle. This will only increase if the train is removed. “

“Get rid of the train line and open up the city to the harbour in 2013.”

“Removing the train would be an unnecessary expense to the taxpayers.”

Collaboration with other local organisations, including the University, also emerged as a theme (14.8%):

“Newcastle already has some great institutions encouraging a vibrant future including CSIRO Energy Centre, the University of Newcastle, HMRI and the HVRF. We are also known for our creativity and innovation. Anything Council can do to encourage these institutions and foster creativity is a good idea.”

“Encourage the University to fast track their increased presence in the CBD.”

Just over one in ten (11.6%) of respondents commented on the wording of the objectives, including queries regarding what certain terms mean and comments specifically regarding the reference to ‘green economy’.

In terms of other comments, 7.2% of respondents suggested this wasn’t Council’s exclusive area of responsibility, 4.8% suggested greater support or encouragement of ideas and innovations, and 4.8% noted green programs, efficiencies etc. Please refer to Appendix V for full categorisation of responses and all verbatim comments.


3.10 Strategic Direction – Open and Collaborative Leadership


Integrated, sustainable long‐term planning for Newcastle and the region



The City of Newcastle: A local government organisation of excellence

When looking at the four objectives, Integrated, sustainable long‐term planning for Newcastle and the region, received a higher importance rating with 90% of respondents indicating that it was extremely or very important, compared to 89%, 80% and 79% for Considered decision making based on collaborative, transparent and accountable leadership, Active citizen engagement in local planning and decision‐making processes and a shared responsibility for achieving our goals and The City of Newcastle: A local government organisation of excellence, respectively.

Graph 9: Open and Collaborative Leadership (Base‐ all respondents, n= 963)

Importance: Open and Collaborative Leadership

43%

45%

52%

55%

36%

35%

38%

34%

14%

14%

6%

8%

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

The City of Newcastle: A local government organisationof excellence

Active citizen engagement in local planning and decision-making processes and a shared responsibility for

achieving our goals

Integrated, sustainable long-term planning for Newcastleand the region

Considered decision making based on collaborative,transparent and accountable leadership


4.44

4.43

4.21

Mean/5

4.17

Respondents were asked for their ideas on how we can work towards achieving the Open and Collaborative Leadership objectives in an open‐ended question for this section. A comprehensive number of ideas are addressed in 295 comments received to this question (see Appendix V). Responses were categorised by key themes, which are summarised below in Table 10.


Table 10: Open and Collaborative Leadership‐ Categorisation of open ended responses (Base‐ those answering‐ n= 295)

OPEN AND COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP: Tell us your ideas on how we can work together towards ensuring Newcastle has a strong local democracy with an actively engaged community and effective partnerships.

Base (those answering) n= 295 n= %DECISION MAKING 40.8Should be no politics in decision making / Act in Newcastle's best interest / No personal agendas 29 10.9Decisive leadership / Good leadership 23 8.7Transparency / Openess etc 23 8.7Councillors to work together / no infighting 19 7.2Just get on with it / Follow through on plans 14 5.3Other decision making comments 3 1.1CONSULTATION & METHODS 30.6Listen to people / results of consultations 15 5.7Return ward / community forums 13 4.9Newcastle Voice and or surveys 13 4.9Consult (generic) / Speak to people 13 4.9Don't overconsult / Too much consultation 11 4.2Newcastle Voice surveys etc a waste of time 6 2.3Genuine consultation 5 1.9Speak to more people / referendum style consultation 5 1.9Other consultation 9 3.4OBJECTIVES 12.9Comments regarding "The City of Newcastle: local government organisation of excellence" 15 5.3Comment regarding wording (eg motherhood statements, vague etc) 10 3.4Good goals / Good in theory 5 1.9Other objective comments 6 2.3OTHER 58.9Sack / streamline / improve Council Administration 17 6.4Reference to Laman Street 16 6.0Development related 14 5.3Comments re Councillors (specific) 12 4.5Communication / Inform 10 3.8None of this has happened in the past / not currently happening 10 3.8Better access to Councillors / Council meetings 7 2.6Need 'can do attitude / Don't be anti / Get rid of nay-sayers 7 2.6Lobby / advocate / work with / interact with other levels of government 7 2.6Long term plans needs to be reviewed 4 1.5Amalgamate Councils 2 0.8Other 49 18.5Satisfied 1 0.4

A theme noted in 40.8% of responses related to decision making. Respondents indicated there should be no politics or personal agendas in decision making (10.9%), that strong, decisive leadership is needed (8.7%) and that decision making should be a transparent process (8.7%):

“Too many fingers in the pie can stop progress...there needs to be a deciding body”

“Decision making needs to be based on what is best for the city not what is popular.”

“None of the above will happen until every councillor focuses on their primary role to manage the city, to the exclusion of political agendas and personal political ambition”

Just under one third (30.6%) of responses included reference to consulting with the community or the methods used to consult with the community:

“LISTEN TO WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT ‐ not what one or two people want to bully their way ahead.”


“Listen to the community and act considering the city's best long term interests”

“Ensure that the plans take the community feedback into account. Most of us feel these surveys are used only to make us feel that you are listening to us. It is extremely frustrating when we are asked our views about the street we live in and then council totally ignores what we say and does what suits them anyway.”

Comments were also received in relation to the objective themselves in 12.9% responses. A number of these were regarding the objective “The City of Newcastle: local government organisation of excellence” and on the wording of the objectives:

“Not sure what an 'organisation of excellence' really is? Let's instead, just go for adequate services e.g. road repairs in a timely manner”

Other comments left covered a number of topics including streamlining Council administration (6.4%), references to Laman Street (6.0%), development related comments (5.3%) and comments regarding Councillors (4.5%). Please refer to Appendix V for full categorisation of responses and all verbatim comments.


3.11 Additional comments

At the end of the survey, respondents were given the opportunity to provide additional comments for Council regarding Newcastle 2030 and how we can work together towards achieving the vision in an open ended question. In total, 40.2% of respondents (n= 388) provided a comment. Please refer to Appendix V for the full list of verbatim responses.

Table 11: Additional comments‐ Categorisation of open ended responses (Base‐ those answering‐ n= 388)

Are there any additional ideas or comments you would like to provide on the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan and how we can worktogether towards a smart, liveable, sustainable Newcastle?

Base (those answering) n= 388 n= %STRATEGIC DIRECTIONSConnected City 101 26.0Open and Collaborative Leadership 62 16.0Vibrant and Activated Public Place 42 10.8Liveable and Distinctive Built Environment 28 7.2Protected and Enhanced Environment 18 4.6Caring and Inclusive Community 10 2.6Smart and Innovative City 8 2.1OTHER 49.2Comment regarding the plan (eg too abstract, wording, less talk more action etc) 26 6.2Survey comments / Comments re Newcastle Voice 21 5.4Comment re Council Admin 16 4.1Stop talking about it and start doing it 16 4.1Tourism 8 2.1Good plan 8 2.1Comment re other level of government (work with, lobby etc) 8 2.1Doing a good job / satisfied 3 0.8Other 87 22.4

Just over one quarter (26%) of those responding to this open ended question left comments that could be broadly categorised as relating to the Connected City strategic direction, with a number of these comments were underpinned by public transport:

“Action is required now, we have a beautiful city which has been managed poorly and let to fall into disrepair. We need to have a plan for Hunter Street to encourage a unique experience similar to what you experience in Melbourne and inner city suburbs of Sydney such as Paddington and now parts of Redfern. This needs to be supported by a fantastic public transport system with delivery of people to the door of their city destination and encourage people to leave their cars at home or strategically placed transport hubs.”

“An integrated transport network is of the utmost importance to be able to achieve the goals of the Strategic Plan for Newcastle”

“A lot of the ideas although well meaning and all important will be relying on State and Federal Government support. Public transport being the most obvious is going to be the most difficult to achieve without State Government support”



A further 16.0% of responses related to the Open and Collaborative Leadership strategic direction, for example:

“1. Make the tough decisions. 2. Implement the decisions without delay. 3. Stop wasting money on reports to appease minority groups. 4. This is a beautiful city, lets reflect that in becoming progressive, not regressive, and fix this city.”

“Actively encourage all people who live in the community to participate in decisions about its future and improvement.”

“Don't pull apart what exists; value and enhance what exists. Support those groups that help Newcastle, help the community …”

One in ten respondents (10.8%) left comments relating to Vibrant and Activated Public Places, such as:

“I would like to also see a focus on having a safe and secure place to live. We want our children to be safe playing in their neighbourhood and in their parks without fear of paedophiles, dangerous traffic or dog attacks. We want to feel safe on public transport and in our streets day and night. The safer our environment the easier it will be to achieve the rest of our goals.”

“Love Livesites , Renew Newcastle , community gardens etc... These encourage people to make contact. MORE of this.”

Of comments left that could not readily be categorised as falling into one of the seven strategic directions, 6.2% related to perceived difficulties in implementing the Newcastle 2030 CSP as well as concerns that the plan is ‘just words’.

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