wingecarribee shire council’s environment levy · environment levy. since the environment...
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Proposal to extend Environment Levy _ 9 November 2011 Page 1 of 14
Proposal to extend Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Environment Levy
Proposal to extend Environment Levy _ 9 November 2011 Page 2 of 14
Contents
Introduction 3
Council Decisions 4
Amendments to Delivery, Resourcing and Operational Documents 4
Community Input 5
History of the Environment Levy 6
Environment Levy Programs and Initiatives 7
Environment Levy costs and calculations 8
Frequently Asked Questions 9
Want to know more? 14
Other reports, plans and publications A number of document have been prepared for the community to read and view when considering the options available for funding future environmental works. These are on display at Wingecarribee Shire Council offices in Moss Vale and local libraries, as well as online at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
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Introduction Council’s Environment Levy (previously known as Wingecarribee Our Future Environment Levy or WOFE) was introduced in 2001 in recognition of the need to address an array of environmental issues which had accumulated in the Shire over a period of rapid population growth spanning the previous two decades. The Environment Levy has been reviewed and approved twice since then by the Minister of Local Government. The local community supported it’s continuation in both instances. The current levy program is in effect until June 2013. The Environment Levy has enabled significant achievements in the areas of biodiversity conservation, maintenance and enhancement of our rivers and wetland health, the long ranging affect of community capacity building and increasingly in the area of environmental resilience and sustainability in the face of increasing threats and risks to our shire. Given the success of the Environment Levy to date, Council has decided that it should seek approval for this levy to exist permanently. Please take some time to review the associated documents on display or available for download which support or explain aspects of this project. You are encouraged to review these before providing comment to Council.
Benefits of Council’s Environment Levy The Levy is aligned to, and provides resourcing to achieve environment related goals in the Wingecarribee 2031+ Community Strategic Plan.
Securing a significant source of funding for the Shire’s environmental outcomes would significantly reduce risk associated with the growing environmental threats of our world today.
A portion of this income would continue to fund support of our volunteer bushcare network as well as continuing education for the general community.
Funds from the Levy support conservation works for landholders on their properties and fund Councils involvement in the Land for Wildlife program.
Increased environmental awareness & education is core to achieving long term environment and sustainability outcomes. The levy funds are used to engage and educate students in the shire via Schools Environment Day. Three other events (World Environment Day, Threatened Species Day and National Tree Day) are also possible because of the levy.
Find out more about the proposal View displays in the Moss Vale Civic Centre or local libraries,
Participate in an online forum and view associated documents at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
Encourage others to have a say Let your friends and neighbours know about this consultation so they can have their say too. We will be randomly selecting residents to participate in telephone and postal surveys in November. The opportunity to complete a survey closes on Friday 9 December 2011 (to allow time to compile and analyse survey responses) however you can continue to comment in other ways until 27 January 2012.
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Council Decisions Wingecarribee Shire Council has made the following decisions regarding the future of the Environment Levy. To apply for an extension of the current Environment Levy The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (“IPART”) is now the approving authority for special variations to rates. IPART provide clear criteria by which applications will be evaluated and all these criteria have to be addressed in order to obtain an approval. Council has commenced addressing these criteria with the assumption that the community would support a permanent levy. However, it is important that Council also provide IPART with clear feedback from the community as to whether it also thinks this is a good idea.
To make it a permanent levy Looking after our environment is a long term commitment. With the increasing pressure to use general rates on an ever‐widening set of services and projects across all the responsibilities of Council, it is usually the more immediate and obvious issues that receive the lion’s share of the general rates allocation. This is why it is important to “ring‐fence” or allocate funds specifically to address environmental issues that have longer term objectives beyond the local government 4 year council term. Having a permanent Environment Levy would allow us to achieve this.
That the application be made in February 2012 During the Wingecarribee 2031+ community consultation process in 2010, our community indicated its strong support for Council’s environmental programs. The resulting Community Strategic Plan clearly identifies work that needs to be done beyond what we are able to provide if the Levy ceases in June 2013. Council is keen to keep the conversation going with the community regarding the environment, and has decided to apply for the permanent levy to cement our commitment and enable long term planning to address known and emerging environmental issues.
Amendments to Delivery, Resourcing and Operational Documents The 2011‐2013 Delivery Program, Resourcing Strategy and 2011/12 Operational Plan (including Revenue Policy) represent Council’s response to implementing our blueprint for the future, the Wingecarribee 2031+ Community Strategic Plan. These documents have been amended to reflect Council’s resolution to support an application for a permanent Environment Levy and will be on public exhibition until Friday 27 January 2012.
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Community Input Sought Wingecarribee Shire Council is keen to hear the community’s thoughts and ideas about an extension of the environment levy and where to focus our efforts.
Support for a permanent environment levy Council would prefer to have a permanent environment to enable a continued level of service to our community in this area. However, maybe you would prefer to see a variation of this. Council has prepared a number of scenarios so you can compare advantages and disadvantages:
Scenario Description Impact on your rates Impact on your environment
1. No levy. Current Environmental Levy would cease in June 2013
Levy removed from rates Council could: A. continue with some environmental projects at
the expense of reducing other council services, or
B. cease all projects and services funded by the current levy
2. Some Levy. The new levy would be lower than the current environmental levy
Levy would not be removed but would be less
Level of current services and projects would reduce
3. Permanent levy. New levy to begin in July 2012 at rate equivalent to current Levy
Levy continues as it has over last 3 years
Level of current services and projects would continue with scope to achieve further environmental outcomes
4. Continue levy for a time. Current levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time
Levy continues as it has over last 3 years for a set period of time
Level of current services and projects would continue for the set period. There would be some scope to achieve further environmental outcomes
Where to focus our efforts Environmental projects funded out of the Environment Levy are aligned with objectives and targets stated in the Environment Strategy 2010‐2015. In particular, the Environment Levy is used to address the following areas:
Water quality including maintaining healthy natural streams and creeks
Protect Wingecarribee’s distinct and diverse flora and fauna
Community environmental education
Sustainability initiatives supporting the community to reduce resource consumption and waste
Weed management and maintenance of past project sites With a restricted amount of funding available to address known and emerging environmental issues, Council needs to prioritise what projects should be addressed first. It is important that when we set these priorities that we take into account what the community would like us to focus on.
Let us know what you think
The best way for you to let us know how you feel, is to put your comments in writing. This can be done with a letter, email, fax, by participating in an online forum or completing a survey. You may be randomly selected to participate in a telephone survey, conducted by an independent research company on Council’s behalf but if not please grab a copy of the survey from Council’s customer service team or local libraries. It can also be completed online at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
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History of the Environment Levy In June 2000 the NSW Minister for Local Government approved a request by Council for a Special Variation to its General Income for environmental projects (Wingecarribee Our Future Environment ‐ WOFE). This special rate was approved for three years and again for a further five years in 2003. In July 2008 the Minister again approved the extension of this rate for a further five years to end in June 2013. Accordingly, Council has continued to levy a special rate on all rateable land in the Shire. The focus of projects funded by the Environment Levy has evolved throughout its existence to ensure that the program remains relevant.
2000 to 2007 2008 to 2010 2010 ‐ Present Bushland Management
Biodiversity
Water, Rivers & Creeks
Biodiversity Conservation
Community Capacity Building
River Health & Wetlands
Urban Environmental Sustainability
Weed Management and Maintenance of Past Project Sites
Biodiversity Conservation
Enhance Capacity and Commitment of the Broader Community
River Health and Wetland
Sustainability Initiatives and Environmental Resilience
In 2010, the Wingecarribee Environment Strategy 2010‐2015 was developed to bring environmental efforts in alignment with long term strategic directions that were informed by the Wingecarribee 2031+ Community Strategic Plan. The programs are now reviewed on an annual basis to make sure lessons are learned and the strategy is managed in an adaptive rather than a prescriptive manner which ultimately ensures continuous improvement. Council believes that this approach will extract the best value from the funds we have in the Environment Levy. Since the Environment Levy’s inception in 2000, Council’s Environment & Sustainability Committee has focussed on advising Council regarding projects and activities that are funded by Council’s Environment Levy. In early 2011, the Environment & Sustainability Committee increased its scope so that it includes monitoring and review of progress against the overarching Environment Strategy. The current members of the Environment & Sustainability Committee include:
Councillors Larry Whipper (Chair), Jim Clark and David Stranger
Community members Jan Hainke, Jane Lemann, Maree Byrne and Leon Hall
Representatives from the HNCMA, NPWS, SCA, Department of Industry & Investment
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Environment Levy Programs & Initiatives The Environment Levy is used to fund specific expenditure on the following environmental projects as stated in Council’s Environment Strategy and Operation Plan: Weed Management & Maintenance of Past Project Sites
Manage invasive species in past project sites
Weed eradication
Biodiversity Conservation
Increasing native vegetation extent through revegetation
Conserve significant native vegetation on private lands
Protect and restore natural ecosystems
Prepare and implement effective management plans to minimise the impact of activities that damage native habitats and assist in the protection of threatened species
Enhance the capacity and commitment of the broader community
Educate and train to build the capacity of the community to act on environmental issues
Develop and support community volunteer based environmental program
Communication pathways developed to ensure effective communication with community to support environmental levy achievements.
River Health and Wetland
Develop riparian management strategy
Support clean and healthy urban streams and creeks
Revegetation and rehabilitation of Council managed riparian lands.
Sustainability Initiatives
Resource efficiency review and actions for Civic Centre
Develop Shire strategy for environmental threats and opportunities e.g. climate change, price on carbon, mining, population pressure.
Develop baseline for Shire footprint and ongoing monitoring Natural Asset Management Within the Community Strategic Plan Wingecarribee 2031 Our Future Our Choice, a significant level of interest and aspirations were associated with the protection and enhancement of our distinct southern highlands natural environment. In order to deliver on the community's vision, it is recognised that Council must have long term planning in place associated with these natural assets.
Council's current Asset Management Plan is a traditional plan which addresses issues and planning associated with Council's built assets and does not currently include natural assets within its scope of asset classes.
The Environment Levy provides the base source of funding for our natural asset management activities. To continue work in Natural Asset Management it is imperative that, Council continue to secure funding from other sources rather than just general rates. Level of Service During the Wingecarribee 2031+ community consultation process, our community indicated its strong support for Council to continue, if not increase, the level of service that has been provided over the last 10 years with respect to natural resource management for our shire.
The level of service that has been provided to our community over the last 10 years has only been able to be achieved through the existence of an Environment Levy.
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Environment Levy costs and calculations The amount a ratepayer is charged for the Environment Levy appears on your rates notice. The local government Act 1993 requires Council to categorise every parcel of rateable land into one of four main categories (Farmland, Mining, Residential or Business). Your rates notice will identify the rating category that has been assigned to your property. The table below presents the annual and weekly average Environment Levy charges estimated for 2012/13 financial year for each category.
Rating Category AVERAGE ENVIRONMENT LEVY CHARGES 2012‐13
Annual Weekly
Residential $40.40 $0.78
Business $53.50 $1.03
Farmland $105.47 $2.03
Mining $111.36 $2.14
There are two calculations that determine the Levy for each property. Firstly, there is a fixed base amount*. Secondly, there is a variable component, which can be found by multiplying the rate in the dollar** by your land valuation (which appears in the top right hand corner of your rate notice). If you add the variable component amount of this calculation to the base amount* it will equal your Environment Levy charge.
EXAMPLE: For an average residential ratepayer in 2012/13 with an unimproved property valuation of $273,000, the calculation would be: Variable component ($273,000 X 0.00006520**) = $17.80 Base Amount* = $22.60
Environment Levy = $40.40
*Base Rate: $22.60 **Rate in the Dollar: 0.00006520 (this amount will change each year as a result of any rate pegging increase or change to your property’s land value as determined by the Valuer Generals Department.)
The Levy is subject to normal rate pegging. Rate Pegging is the allowable rate increase approved by IPART each year for all Councils, to make allowances for the rising cost of living. For more detailed information on the financial implications of the Environment Levy under different options please refer to the fact sheet ‘Impacts on Ratepayers’.
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Frequently Asked Questions What is the Environment Levy? Levies are a common way for Councils to obtain additional funding for specific projects. Environment Levies have been used by many Councils over the years including Blue Mountains, Ku‐ring‐gai, Hornsby, Penrith and Pittwater. The current Wingecarribee Shire Council (WSC) Environment Levy was approved by the Minister for Local Government and continues until 2013. It was granted to WSC Council to enable us to deal with crucial environmental issues within the Shire including:
river health
restoration of wetlands, riparian zones and bushland reserves
biodiversity conservation,
conservation of endangered species and ecological communities
urban environmental sustainability. The funds were also approved to enable Council to maximize its opportunity to gain external grant funding from agencies such as the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority, Environmental Trust and the Federal Governments “Caring for Our Country” program. Grant funding applications usually require the applicant to contribute an equal amount of money (matching funding) to the project and the additional funds provided by the Environment Levy allow us to do this.
How long has the Levy been in place? The Environment Levy has been in place since 1 July 2000. It has been renewed three times since, as a result of Council’s successful applications to the Department of Local Government. The current Levy began in 2008 and expires in 2013.
Why is Council applying for the Levy to be made permanent? Council has already had the levy renewed three times, with the support of the community, and now wishes to reapply for the Levy to be permanent. The Community Strategic plan, Wingecarribee 2031, provided Council with feedback from the community regarding their wishes in relation to the environmental works they want Council to conduct. A permanent Levy will allow Council to continue with, and maintain, a range of ongoing projects aimed at improving the condition of our natural environment. Council will be able to better plan future projects knowing it will have the capacity to carry them out to their full term. Having ongoing funding allocated to environmental works will also mean Council will be better placed to apply for grant funding available from the various external agencies. The Levy renewal process is extremely time consuming and involves many Council employees. Approval of a permanent Environment Levy will reduce the time spent by Council having to reapply every three years, allowing staff to focus on the actual work the Environment Levy is funding.
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What does the Environment Levy fund? The Environment Levy has funded much needed work in the shire to improve and maintain river health, rehabilitate riverside corridors, remove environmental weeds, regenerate & restore degraded land, and conserve and enhance natural biodiversity. Achievements of the Levy to date include:
Over 1.25 Million dollars leveraged in grant funding.
45 sites throughout the Shire currently managed by the Bushcare team. Many of these sites were identified by the community as needing active remediation and/or management.
17 active landcare/ bushcare groups made up of 174 volunteers are supervised by Councils bushcare team.
Supporting federal, state and local environmental initiatives including the Great Eastern Ranges biodiversity corridor (BIOLINK), Land for Wildlife program, Indian Minor Project, National Tree Day.
Over 35,000 native plants planted and 280 ha of bushland regenerated. 14.5km of river‐side vegetation regenerated or improved to manage erosion, remove weeds and enhance water quality.
Recruitment of 50 private properties into Land for Wildlife which amounts to 356 ha of private land being managed for Wildlife Conservation.
Development of the community nursery in conjunction with the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (HNCMA) and Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) to grow and supply provenance plants (local genetic stock) for planting at bushcare sites, local schools and for community events.
Numerous community activities including Schools Environment Day, World Wetlands Day, World Environment Day. Supporting local schools in environmental activities.
Supporting local sustainability initiatives including Southern Highlands Harvest, Fridge buyback, Penrose Sustainability Festival.
For details on current and future planned programs of work refer to Wingecarribee Environment Strategy 2010‐2015 and Future Works brochure.
How is the Community involved in the choice of projects funded by the Environment Levy? An outstanding feature of the Environment Levy is that many community groups have worked in tandem with Council on numerous projects from commencement to completion. The community has had significant involvement in the planning process for Environment Levy funded projects which includes the appointment of community representatives to the Environment and Sustainability committee, chaired by Councillor Larry Whipper. The committee oversees the Environment Levy program. Council has actively encouraged the community to embrace the philosophy and implementation of the Environment levy by making information readily available and by promoting the Environment Levy using local media. (Link to media stories) The community highlighted the high value they place on our natural environment during the consultation process for Wingecarribee 2031 Community Strategic Plan. This document, endorsed by Council in December 2010, represents the visions, aspirations, goals, priorities and challenges for our community into the future. The document was developed using a variety of processes which encouraged a range of community members to express their opinions. Feedback obtained during this community consultation process has been used to develop the Wingecarribee Environment Strategy 2010‐2015 and is being used to help shape future environmental projects.
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How much money did the Council receive from the Levy last year? In the 2010‐11 financial year the Environment Levy raised $ 891,091.05 and spent $746,509 on Environmental Projects throughout the year. The majority of unspent budget resulted from Councils staff restructure, which left some positions vacant for a portion of the year. Wages that were budgeted for were unspent. The flow‐on effect from positions vacant resulted in some project delays. All carried over funds remain in the Environment Levy program and have already been allocated to works to be conducted in the next few years including the implementation of weed management plans and work on roadside reserves.
Allocation of Environment Levy Revenue 2008 ‐ 2013
Biodiversity Conservation, 25%
Enhance Capacity and Commitment of
the Broader Community, 18%
River Health and Wetland, 14%
Sustainability Initiatives and Environmental
Resilience, 27%
Management & Overheads, 17%
How many people are employed by the Environment Levy Funds? The following positions are funded by the current Environment Levy to carry out environmental projects and on‐ground works for the shire. These positions amount to around 68% of the 2011‐12 Levy budget with the remainder spent on contractors, consultants and materials.
Natural Resource Projects Coordinator
Natural Resource Project Officer‐ Community Support
Natural Resource Project Officer‐ events and education
Sustainability Project Officer
2 X Bushcare Team leaders (one position currently being filled)
2 X Bush regenerators
The Environment Levy also partly funds the Parks and Open Space Coordinators position and Bushland Project Officer position.
Why can’t the funds from the IRS (Infrastructure Recovery Strategy) funds be used for environmental works? Funds created under a special rate variation must be used solely for the defined purpose it was approved for. The current IRS fund was first created in 2003/4 for the maintenance and renewal of Council’s existing infrastructure, and therefore cannot be used to pay for any projects other than these.
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Why can’t Council fund environmental work out of our normal rates? The Environment Levy is used to carry out environmental works and projects that go beyond council’s base responsibilities and funding capabilities. Councils rates are used to fund a vast array of services for the community including road maintenance, kerb and guttering, footpaths, drainage, bridges, parks, gardens, sporting fields, swimming pools, public health administration, bushfire prevention, libraries, community facilities, noxious weed eradication, services to the aged and youth, bus shelters, traffic management, tourism and much more. Our shire is unique in that we have extensive natural assets to manage including around 130km of waterways and approx 2,500 hectares of Council owned/managed passive open space (includes natural areas, parks, gardens and ancillary open space) which equates to 54 hectares per 1000 people in the shire.
Council also manages approximately 260 hectares of Council owned/managed active open space which equates to approximately 5.6 hectares per 1000 people. These figures are well above the 1.62 hectares of passive open space and the 1.21 hectares of active open space per 1000 people, historically used as standards for planning. The large expanses of open space contribute to the shires unique character, having a series of villages connected by rural lands and bushland. While Council does fund many core environmental responsibilities from its general rates, it needs the extra funds generated by the Environment Levy if it is to continue to protect the shire’s rich biodiversity, manage and adapt to current and future environmental challenges, plus maintain all the other Council services
.
Is Council planning to introduce increases in rates and charges for other reasons over the next few years? In NSW any rate increases are regulated by IPART (Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal). Every year rates across NSW are subject to ‘rate pegging’. Rate pegging is the allowable rate increase approved by IPART, to make allowances for the rising cost of living. The rate pegged increase for 2011/2012 was 2.8%. It has not been more than 3.6 % over the last 10 years. A council may increase their income by more than the rate peg percentage by applying for a ‘special variation’. The Environment Levy is one such special variation. These can only occur after approval by IPART. While there are no other set increases in rates and charges planned in the immediate year, Council does foreshadow two areas where increases could be possible. Council is considering asking the public if they want a new domestic green waste collection service. This proposed service would be an additional charge for those residents that already have kerbside waste pickup services.
Any new charge from the normal rate pegging requires a thorough and open community consultation process. Therefore, you will be consulted and informed well in advance of any green waste service charges being implemented. It is also probable that there will be an increase in sewer charges for those properties currently paying a sewer access charge. This increase is due to significant capital costs incurred by Council in recent years upgrading facilities such as the Bowral and Bundanoon sewerage treatment plants and the future costs associated with the construction of a new sewerage scheme at Robertson. To give an indication of the impact or the above scenarios, Council has modeled the likely future total rates and charges. In this modeling Council has assumed an increase in Sewer charges of $60 in 2012/13 & $60 in 2013/14. Again for modeling purposes Council has also made an assumption that a domestic green waste service charge of around $125 may be introduced in 2012/13. These figures and timeframes for implementation are estimates only. For a summary of this modeling refer to fact sheet ‘Impacts on Ratepayers’.
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What is IPART? IPART is the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal and was established by the NSW Government in 1992. It is an independent body that oversees regulation of the water, gas, electricity and public transport industries in New South Wales. IPART took over the role of determining Local Government special variation applications in
2011. For more information about IPART see www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/welcome
I am a rural Landholder, what does the Levy do for me? Current Levy funds are spent maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems in the shire. A healthy, balanced ecosystem can contribute to the productivity of farms and agricultural ecosystems keeping pest species in check, preventing erosion, maintaining healthy soils and clean waterways. While Council’s general funds pay for the control of noxious weeds, Environment Levy funds are used to control the spread of environmental weeds, therefore reducing weed seed spread onto private lands. Weeds impact on rural lands by reducing agricultural productivity, contaminating produce and poisoning livestock. The Levy currently funds a vegetation conservation incentive program. Rural landholders may be eligible for financial incentives to carry out rehabilitation works that will conserve endangered native vegetation, protect waterways and prevent erosion. Council staff, funded through the Environment Levy are available to assess properties for their eligibility. They are also available to provide technical advice to landholders on natural resource initiatives and issues, plus provide access to information and workshops run by council and other agencies including the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority.
I live in a village/town, what does the Levy do for me? The Environment Levy programs have been designed to ensure the shire’s bushland areas are well maintained. The enhanced quality of our bushland areas also provides habitat for our native birds and animals and makes this shire a good place to live and visit. The healthy environment in our shire encourages tourism and passive recreation, resulting in broader economic benefits. The Environment Levy funds enable Council to hold educational events for our school children such as the Schools Environment Day, as well as educational events for the general population (i.e., Threatened Species Day, World Wetlands Day). It also supports activities organized by other agencies and local educational events including the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority and the Penrose Sustainability Festival.
What happens if Councils application of the Environment Levy is unsuccessful? The Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) assessed numerous applications from other Councils last year. Not all Councils were successful with their applications. Some were given much less than they requested ‐ levies for shorter periods of time, a lower rate, or no levy at all. Council has a number of options it would consider if its application was unsuccessful or only partially renewed including:
another application the following year
significant reduction in services which would be funded from the rates collected
reduction in other services and facilities to fund environmental programs
complete cessation of environmental works
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If I support the Environment Levy, how can I be sure the funds raised will be spent on environmental projects? At the ordinary meeting of Wingecarribee Shire Council, held 8 November 2011, it was resolved “THAT Council will ensure that any rates collected as a result of the Environment Levy Special Rate Variation will be accounted for and reported separately in its annual report and that key indicators and progress against targets will be reported in the State of Environment Report for as long as the rate variation exists.” IPART’s conditions for approval of the special variation will include the requirement for Council to adequately report on the program of expenditure proposed as well as the outcomes achieved as a result of the Levy.
What is Council doing to cut costs and save money? Within the last 2 years Council has implemented a variety of programs to reduce our spending and add value to the services that are paid for by your rates and charges. These include:
Approximately $320K pa reduction in labour and wage costs
Organisational restructure has resulted in a flatter structure which has provided more efficient and flexible work practices as well as more responsive services to our community.
Investment in technological improvements to reduce operating expenses
Creation of internal legal function to reduce Council's overall legal costs
Rationalisation of underperforming assets e.g. decommissioning of the Vertical Compost Unit and sale of non‐productive Council land.
Training and development program of staff to increase individual and team productivity
Is Council required to do environmental work? From a statutory point of view, the charter of a local Council in NSW includes the requirement for a Council to “properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible in a manner which is consistent with and promotes the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development principles”. With this fairly high level definition, there is scope for a council to decide to commit to varying levels of service of natural asset management. The level of service that has been provided to our community over the last 10 years has only been able to be achieved through the existence of an Environment Levy.
Want to know more? Additional information on the project can be found on Council’s website www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
We want the community to know all about the project. If this document hasn’t answered your questions, then please contact the Project Team on (02) 4868 0888. We can then add it to the fact sheet so that everyone can see the answer.
Web: www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au (participate in online discussion forums and polls)
www.wsc.nsw.gov.au
Email: [email protected]
Post: Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, MOSS VALE NSW 2577
Phone: (02) 4868 0888
Fax: (02) 4869 1203
Environment Levy Projects During the consultation process for the Wingecarribee 2031+ Community Strategic Plan, our community indicated its strong support for Council to continue, if not increase, the level of service that has been provided over the last 10 years with respect to natural resource management for our shire. From a statutory point of view, the charter of a local Council in NSW includes the requirement for a Council to “properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible in a manner which is consistent with and promotes the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development principles”. With this fairly high level definition, there is scope for a council to decide to commit to varying levels of service of natural asset management. The level of service that has been provided to our community over the last 10 years has only been able to be achieved through the existence of an Environment Levy. Protection of the environment is a long term commitment. With the increasing pressure to use general rates on an ever‐widening set of services and projects across all the responsibilities of Council, it is usually the more immediate and obvious issues that receive the lion’s share of the general rates allocation. This is why it is important to allocate funds specifically to address environmental issues that have longer term objectives beyond the local government 4 year council term. Having a permanent Environment Levy would allow us to achieve this. All environmental projects currently managed by Wingecarribee Shire Council are aligned with objectives and targets stated in the Environment Strategy 2010‐2015. The scope of this strategy can be summarised in the following statements:
1. Maintain, rehabilitate and enhance the natural environment of Wingecarribee Shire.
2. Develop Council systems that reduce risk to the environment
3. Ensure The Wingecarribee Shire and its residents have environmental resilience into the future The majority of projects associated with (1) and (3) are funded by the Environment Levy. If Council is unable to renew the Environment Levy in 2013, it is likely that most, if not all, the projects associated with these focus areas will cease. A project list comprising both existing and proposed Environment Levy projects is found on following pages. The projects highlighted in green are proposed future projects that will only commence if we have a continuance in the Environment Levy up to and beyond 2015. The projects that are in white are projects that are underway or have a plan to be completed prior to June 2015 (but could be cut short if Environment Levy ceases in 2013). Prioritisation of projects will be influenced by emerging issues and community feedback via the online survey at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au. Council is interested in what you think about the proposed projects. The proposed projects (highlighted in green on the project list) were drafted after consideration of community feedback during the development of the Wingecarribee 2031+ Community Strategic Plan as well as data collected as part of the preparation of the 2011 State of Environment Report. Council is taking the opportunity to update its Environment Strategy in order to have clear direction and planned works set in preparation for a permanent Environment Levy. While the Levy may be permanent, it is intended that the Environment Strategy will undergo a significant review and update every 4‐5 years to keep it relevant.
Environment Levy Projects
Ref. Objective Intent Project Name Project Description
Weed Maintenance Regular maintenance of programs are carried out on project sites. Approaches include land management to encourage weed resilience.
Weed Management Plans Development and implementation of weed management plans for environmentally significant Council managed lands
Roadside Reserve Roadside verges are prone to outbreaks of new weeds. Focus on these areas to act quickly and contain new incursions as they occur. Includes development of effective integrated processes to manage these sites.
Invaders Program to target major sources of environmental weed introduction into Southern Highlands, e.g. discourage local nurseries selling invasive species
Community Nursery Expand/support infrastructure for native plant community nursery
Tree Planting Planning and carrying out program of native vegetation planting which includes community tree planting days.
No Net Loss Development of an offest policy and carrying out planting and other activities that support this policy
2.2 Conserve significant native vegetation
The intent of this objective is to support action that will encourage landholders to conserve native vegetation in the Wingecarribee Shire LGA. This recognises that in the most highly cleared landscapes much of the remaining native vegetation is on private land. Ultimately the management of vegetation and biodiversity can only be achieved if all stakeholders become involved and this is one way to engage collaboratively with the largest landholder in the Wingecarribee Shire, the private landholder.
Vegetation Conservation Encourage more private vegetation conservation agreements through incentive programs. Includes supporting BioLink initiative.
Map new EECs Mapping of new EECsGreen Web Strategy Map green web - assist in planning decisions, revegetation
activities, private conservationGreen Web Action Engage stakeholders to preserve identified and prioritised reserves
and corridors, implement focussed planting areas and biodiversity offsets. Targeted activities to list and preserve threatened species and communities.
EEC Maintenance Establish maintenance management programs for endangered plant communities managed by Council
Mt Gibraltar EEC Plan Specialised management plan for EEC at this locationGibbergunyah Reserve EEC Plan
Specialised management plan for EEC at this location
Hammock Hill EEC Plan Specialised management plan for EEC at this locationVertebrate Pest Management
Vertebrate Pest Management Plans developed for each Council managed reserve, targetting pest animals: Fox/Rabbit/Cat/Dog in order of priority.
Indian Minor Facilitate community members to set backyard traps for pest birds
Weed Management & Maintenance of Past Project Sites (planned 18% of Environment Levy)
Environment Strategy Objectives Projects funded from Environment Levy
Biodiversity Conservation (planned 20% of Environment Levy)
The general principles of biodiversity management is to direct investment towards preventing further degradation of good condition lands before investing in the more intervention-based rehabilitation of degraded lands. This biodiversity target will ensure that the biodiversity in lands managed by Wingecarribee Shire Council are protected and enhanced in the longer term.
Manage invasive species into past project sites
Weed control is not an effective investment unless it has longer-term results. The most fundamental stage of any restoration project is the ongoing maintenance. This requires an ongoing investment program to ensure levels of infestation are controlled and managed appropriately to reduce ongoing infestation and sustain a net reduction in weed spread over areas previously controlled. The implementation of this target will lead to more effective investments and shifts the focus of action to the symptoms. While ongoing investment is required it should be recognised that investment will reduce over time and lead to eradication or native ecological resilience.
The intent of this target is to improve and direct Councils management of key threatening process and the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities with in the Shire. Wingecarribee Shire Council is responsible for the management of various threatened species, populations and ecological communities within the Wingecarribee Shire LGA. Management documents need to be developed specifically for Councils management of these significant ecological species and systems. This objective links the management of these ecological species and systems with objectives and targets identified by the DECCW and HNCMA strategies and catchment blue prints.
Weed eradication1.2
2.1
2.3
1.1
2.4
The intent of this target is to reduce the existing spread of area specific weeds identified in Weed Management Plans by 25% by 2013 and to act quickly to deal with emergency mass or new incursions of weeds. This target requires the development of an effective integrated process to manage new and emerging outbreaks and strategically manage established weed infestations.
Protect and restore natural ecosystems
Increase native vegetation extent through revegetation
The intent of this objective is to improve native vegetation extent by providing improved connectivity and buffering priority vegetation from detrimental impacts. Wingecarribee Shire Council is responsible for the management of various community services and infrastructures within the Wingecarribee Shire LGA. Unfortunately at times during routine management Council is required to remove vegetation. This vegetation can be significant or quite common, however Council recognises it has a responsibility to facilitate a “no net loss” of vegetation policy outcome.
Prepare and implement effective management plans to minimise the impact of activities that damage native habitats and assist in the protection of threatened species
Page 1 of 4
Environment Levy Projects
Ref. Objective Intent Project Name Project Description
Community Education Educate and engage the local community on the impacts they personally impose on the environment. Encourage and engage the community to take action to help protect the environment. Includes development of educational tools, fact sheets and website information.
Awareness Campaigns Facilitate environmental awareness campaigns and events that have alignment with global, national and state initiatives. This includes World Envrionment Day, Schools Environment Day, Threatened Species Day, Tree Planting Day.
Commercial Practices Review
Supporting local commercial/industrial businesses to ensure that they understand and act on their environmental responsibilities.
3.2 Develop and support community volunteer based environmental program
Positive behaviour change often occurs gradually through a concerted effort over a long period of time and includes the need for ongoing development of knowledge and skills as information and technology improves. These mechanisms empower and motivate the community to not only understand NRM processes, but also to take positive action that supports improvements to the Wingecarribee's natural environment.
Landcare and Bushcare Training and education of community based groups working in partnership with WSC contribute thousands of hours to the restoration of the local environment.
Environment Levy Promotion
Development of promotional tools and materials as well as ongoing advertising of events, marking of progress and successes.
Environment Forums Continued community forums face-to-face as well as online to "Keep the conversation going"
Urban Sustainability Partner Program
Targeted program to promote and embed sustainable land use practices in existing residential properties. Engage local businesses & events with potential waste issues to support env. or cleanup projects (e.g. Clean Up Australia Day). Promotion of Federal and State Govt. programs e.g. Low Income Energy Efficiency program (up to 2016).
Rural Partner Program Targeted program to promote and embed sustainable land use practices in existing agricultural and rural living properties.Sustainable land management, and biodiversity conservation in rural areas. Seminars for Landholders- Biobanking for landholders. Incentives for landowners protecting natural ecosystems. Support federal & state biodiversity initiatives (e.g. BioLink, Land for Wildlife). Sustainable fire wood programs (full life cycle) to reduce rogue tree choppers. Towards carbon neutrality - carbon farming opportunities for private landholders.
Love the Bushwalk Targeted improvements to bushwalking facilities & trails (focus on Mt Alexandra, Gibbergunyah, Berrima, etc)
Understanding Places Interpretive signs for natural spacesBiodiversity Under Threat Signage for endangered communities across shire
Enhance the Capacity and Commitment of the Broader Community (planned 20% of Environment Levy)
Many environmental initiatives that are applicable to our community have their beginnings in other organisations and levels of government. Quite often these initiatives need to be localised and focussed for our community to maximise the benefits of the program. This includes programs such as Bio Banking, HNCMA activities, Caring for our Country, Land for Wildlife, Clean Up Australia Day, Low Income Energy Efficiency Program, Greening Australia, etc. Priority will be given to activities that are aligned with targets in the WSC Environment Strategy.
Upgrade community owned bushland and natural space amenities
Council reserves are used regularly for bushwalking by both residents and visitors to the area. Amenities and particularly signage associated with these trails as well as interpretive signage and endangered communities information require significant upgrading to support an increase in usage and therefore an increase in awareness and "pride of place" will benefit these natural areas. It is also important to further prevent these areas being affected by destructive activities e.g. trailbikes.
Educate and train, to build the Capacity of the Community to act on environmental issues
For the community to act on environmental change it needs to have access to the information and knowledge and to be introduced to new ideas and techniques. Education and training will encourage the community to be proactive about improving the natural environment
Facilitate, ensure alignment and localise State and Fed. Govt's as well as NGO's environmental education/incentive projects.
3.5
Communication pathways developed to ensure effective communication with community to support environment levy achievements
The environment is an asset of common interest in the community. If we cannot connect with the community, this common bond is significantly reduced. Harnessing this common interest to work together and exchange information will strengthen the ability of Council to work together in a partnership with the community.
3.1
3.4
3.3
Page 2 of 4
Environment Levy Projects
Ref. Objective Intent Project Name Project Description
Riparian Management Strategy
Defines priority areas for on ground investment in riparian health
Council Guidelines for Riparian Management
Develop riparian management guidelines for Council operations.
Management Plan Whites Creek
Plan to restore ecosystem function of the urban sections of Whites Creek.
Management Plan Mittagong Rivulet
Plan to restore ecosystem function of the urban sections of Mittagong Rivulet.
Management Plan Upper Nattai
Plan to restore ecosystem function of the urban sections of Upper Nattai River.
Sediment Focus Sediment control programs along urban creek areas with a focus on areas becoming detrimental to riparian condition
Stormwater Quality Improvement
Establish SQIDs in key stormwater channels (231 stormwater catchments have no SQID's)
Water Runoff Development and implement strategy/plan to deal with Diffuse water pollution.
River & Stream Health Periodic assessment of riparian zones assessed for excessive erosion and general stream health and collation of information
Wetlands Strategy Revise Wetlands StrategyRiparian Management Plan Wingecarribee River
Council managed riparian area of Wingecarribee River
Riparian Management Plan Iron Mines Creek
Council managed riparian area of Iron Mines Creek
Riparian Management Plan Gibbergunyah Creek
Council managed riparian area of Gibbergunyah Creek
Riparian Management Plan Chinamans Creek
Council managed riparian area of Chinamans Creek
Riparian Works Develop and carry out implementation plan to prioritise works for Council riparian land and program of continuous improvement.
Develop riparian managementRiparian health throughout the Wingecarribee is fundamental to the social and economic sustainability of community and industry. Riparian areas in the Wingecarribee provide for the environment, drinking water, recreation, agriculture and tourism. These activities place significant pressure on riparian condition, without appropriate management, the riparian condition could be compromised. Providing for the sound management of this essential natural resource will ensure long term health of rivers and wetlands in the Wingecarribee.
River Health and Wetland (planned 10% of Environment Levy)4.1
Most urban creek areas have a prolonged history of degradation, impacting on their environmental qualities and aesthetic values. For many years streams and creeks have endured the impacts of urban and industrial development, resulting in the decline of the health and quality of riparian systems. Urban creeks and streams are the main environmental interface between the broader community and the living environment. Managing reed growth and rubbish in these areas will have a twofold benefit, maintaining visual amenity and enhancing the quality of the waterway.
Revegetation and rehabilitation of Council managed riparian lands
4.3
Support clean and healthy urban streams and creeks
A long history of agriculture, urbanisation and industrial development has lead to the decline of riparian areas in the Wingecarribee Shire. Many riparian areas, predominantly in reserves, now demonstrate the symptoms of past neglect. These areas typically have a limited capacity to recover through natural regeneration processes. Revegetation is the level of intervention required to combat such decline in the riparian health. Restoration and revegetation will provide protection to the riparian areas, increase ecosystem health, develop habitat corridors and provide for stream bank stabilisation.
4.2
Page 3 of 4
Environment Levy Projects
Ref. Objective Intent Project Name Project Description
Baseline Establish clear baseline data for local flora, fauna, water, land for ongoing reporting data.
Data Collection Set up data collection tools and processes required to enable reporting of progress of Environment Strategy and Environment Levy funds.
Initiate formalised Natural Asset Management system
Natural Asset ManagemenEvaluate systems to manage natural assets that are currently managed by Council.
MERI Framework Adopt and implement the National NRM MERI framework for managing natural assets. Will assist in setting targets and standard approaches to measurement.
Green Business Focus on helping local businesses to improve waste reduction and recycling habits. E.g. Support business initiatives that reduce plastic bag use
New Resources Sponsor recycled products/art initiativesBack Yard Composting Subsidise compost bins & worm farmsGarage Sale Trail Support organised Garage Sale Trails
Facility CAP Project manage carbon action plans for top 10 Council facilities for GHG emissions
Technology Review Conduct regular reviews of energy efficiency technology and legislated requirements (+educate stakeholders)
Wingecarribee Smart Meter
Monitor and feedback whole of community energy use (e.g. meter in Bowral and website)
Southern Highlands Backyard Sustainability
Facilitate "grow your own food" movement. May include community garden in village, workshops on backyard sustainability, swap network, seed savers, Council demonstration garden
Sustainability Hub Support and help to facilitate sustainability Hub with CANWin.
Management & Overheads (planned 7% of Environment Levy)
Sustainability Initiatives (planned 15% of Environment Levy)
Natural Asset Management (planned 10% of Environment Levy)5.1 Monitor , Review and Report Monitoring is the key to knowing you are winning. Implementing a monitoring, review and
reporting process as an integral component of all NRM activities will provide this level of information. As the environment is a living thing, evolving over time; there is constant change in condition, extent and diversity. Data collated from the MR&R program will guide future works and provide Council the information required for future investment and self promotion of the environmental levy.
6.2
5.2
Positive actions to encourage our community to live within it means in terms of its impact on local and imported resources.
Continuous improvement in reduce, re-use, recycle waste targets via education and incentive programs
Volume of waste generated by our community is a major impact on our natural environment. The habits that have been formed in our society are hard to break and concentrated education and incentive programs to alternative behaviour are required to ensure that residents and businesses are conscious of what they consume and mindful to separate out items that can be recycled. Education focus areas include contamination reduction, waste minimisation and waste avoidance.
An overarching approach needs to be developed and agreed with respect to long term management of Council-managed natural assets. Initial steps include: determine to what extent traditional asset management systems can be applied; clear definition of the extent, purpose and "life" of each of the natural asset classes; determination of the "value" of each asset; calculation of sustainability index (SI) for each asset; refinement of strategic objectives for natural asset management to drive future investment and priorities.
Actively reduce our usage of fossil fuels and our carbon emmissions within Wingecarribee Shire
While much of this objective is being addressed by initiatives at a State/National and global level, it is necessary to act locally by identifying the main contributing factors to carbon emissions within our local area and proceeding with action plans that include retrofitting, making use of renewable energy technology and creating new habits that overall reduce our community's fossil fuel usage.
6.1
Encourage and facilitate reduction of Wingecarribee's Ecological Footprint with specific focus on food production and resource consumption
6.3
Page 4 of 4
Council documents amended to include application for Environment Levy
The Delivery Program 2011/2013 has been amended to show that Council intends to apply for a special rate variation to enable the delivery of environmental projects to meet W2031+ goals through continuation of the environment levy. The Operational Plan 2011/2012 has been amended to show an additional action identifying special rate variation project with the relevant measures and targets. The Resourcing Strategy, specifically the Long Term Financial Plan has been amended to include scenarios showing financial projections:
1. The current Environment Levy ends in June 2013 and services are discontinued
2. Full approval of a special variation is granted
3. Projects proceed without special variation.
(It should be noted that the associated community consultation with the exhibition of these documents will include further options than these financial projections, however these would fall within the extremes of projections).
Document Page Detail 62 W2031+ Goal 4.1, Strategy 4.1.1
Program/Project: ‘Apply for a special rate variation to enable delivery of environment projects to meet W2031+ goals through continuation of the Environment Levy relevant to W2031+ strategies.’
64 W2031+ Goal 4.1, Strategy 4.1.2 Program/Project: As above
66 W2031+ Goal 4.2, Strategy 4.2.1 Program/Project: As above
67 W2031+ Goal 4.2, Strategy 4.2.3 Program/Project: As above
68 W2031+ Goal 4.2, Strategy 4.2.4 Program/Project: As above
71 W2031+ Goal 4.3, Strategy 4.3.1 Program/Project: As above
72 W2031+ Goal 4.3, Strategy 4.3.3 Program/Project: As above W2031+ Goal 4.3, Strategy 4.3.4 Program/Project: As above
74 W2031+ Goal 4.4, Strategy 4.4.2 Program/Project: As above
Delivery Program
75 W2031+ Goal 4.4, Strategy 4.4.3 Program/Project: As above
62 Action: ‘Engage community to determine level of support for Environment Levy.’ Program/Project: Action: ‘Submit application for special rate variation.’
64 W2031+ Goal 4.1, Strategy 4.1.2 Program/Project: As above
66 W2031+ Goal 4.2, Strategy 4.2.1 Program/Project: As above
67 W2031+ Goal 4.2, Strategy 4.2.3 Program/Project: As above
68 W2031+ Goal 4.2, Strategy 4.2.4 Program/Project: As above
71 W2031+ Goal 4.3, Strategy 4.3.1 Program/Project: As above
72 W2031+ Goal 4.3, Strategy 4.3.3 Program/Project: As above W2031+ Goal 4.3, Strategy 4.3.4 Program/Project: As above
74 W2031+ Goal 4.4, Strategy 4.4.2 Program/Project: As above
Operational Plan
75 W2031+ Goal 4.4, Strategy 4.4.3 Program/Project: As above
37 Natural Asset Management information
52 Scenario 1 – Continuation of Environment Levy income and expenditure
66 Scenario 2 – No Environment Levy income or expenditure from 1 July 2013
Resourcing Strategy
80 Scenario 3 – No Environment Levy income from 1 July 2013, but continuation of expenditure
Which type of rates do you pay? Take a look at the columns below.
How do the options affect you? Which option would you prefer?
RESIDENTIAL RATES BUSINESS RATES FARMLAND RATES
Option 1: No levy Under this option the 3.6% Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environment Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease.
Option 1: No levy Under this option the 1.73% Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environment Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease.
Option 1: No levy Under this option the 3.96% Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environment Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease.
Option 2: Some levy Under this option, from July 2013 a new 1.86% Environment Levy is charged. The new levy would be 45% lower than the current environment levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average RESIDENTIAL rate payer would be charged $22.26 /year or 43 cents per week instead of 78 cents per week.
Option 2: Some levy Under this option, from July 2013 a new 0.93% Environment Levy is charged. The new levy would be 46.5% lower than the current environment levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average BUSINESS rate payer would be charged $29.48 /year or 57 cents per week instead of $1.06 per week.
Option 2: Some levy Under this option, from July 2013 a new 2.16% Environment Levy is charged. The new levy would be 46.5% lower than the current environment levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average FARMLAND rate payer would be charged $58.10 /year or $1.12 per week instead of $2.09 per week.
Option 3: Permanent levy Under this option, Council permanently collects the 3.6% Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average RESIDENTIAL rate payer $40.40/year which amounts to about 78 cents per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 3: Permanent levy Under this option, Council permanently collects the 1.73% Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average BUSINESS rate payer $53.50/year which amounts to about $1.03 per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 3: Permanent levy Under this option, Council permanently collects the 3.96% Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average FARMLAND rate payer $105.47/year which amounts to about $2.03 per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time Under this option, the 3.6% Environment Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time. As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average RESIDENTIAL rate payer $40.40/year which amounts to about 78 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time Under this option, the 1.73% Environment Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time. As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average BUSINESS rate payer $53.50/year which amounts to about $1.03 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time Under this option, the 3.96% Environment Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time. As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average FARMLAND rate payer $105.47/year which amounts to about $2.03 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
ENVIRONMENT LEVY OPTIONS
How will you be impacted by the proposal to continue
the Environment Levy?
The current Environmental Levy was approved for five years and is due to expire in June 2013. Council is proposing to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) early next year to seek approval for a continuation of the levy.
Council has developed a number of options concerning the future funding of environmental works, and is now seeking community comment for inclusion in its application to IPART.
This document outlines the financial and service level impacts of the four options. Please carefully consider the options and then have your say. You can become involved in this important community decision in a number of ways: Log onto www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au, View displays in the Moss Vale Civic Centre or local libraries, Read the associated documentation and consider how Council’s recently amended Delivery Program,
Resourcing Strategy and Operational Plan are affected, Complete a survey or participate in an online forum (we will be randomly selecting residents to
participate in telephone and postal surveys as well) Email directly to [email protected], or Write to PO Box 141, Moss Vale 2577 And remember to let your friends and neighbours know about this consultation so they can have their say too. The opportunity to complete a survey closes on Friday 9 December 2011 (to allow time to compile and analyse survey responses) however you can continue to comment in other ways until 27 January 2012. For more information contact the Project Team on 4868 0888
ENVIRONMENT LEVY OPTIONS
IMPACT ON THE RESIDENTIAL RATE PAYER
On 28 September 2011 Wingecarribee Council confirmed its commitment to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for a permanent Environment Levy. Council’s preference is for a permanent levy, however, there are other options possible as described below. Read about the financial and service level impacts of the four options carefully then have your say www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
Four (4) Options
NO LEVY‐. Under this option the Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates.
SOME LEVY‐ Under this option, from July 2013 a reduced Environment Levy is charged. The new levy may mean community environmental events, revegetation, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would be reduced.
PERMANENT LEVY‐ Under this option, Council permanently collects the Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill.
CONTINUING LEVY FOR A FIXED PERIOD. Under this option, the Environment Levy would be continued for a fixed time only. The cost to the ratepayer would be the same as for the permanent Levy however the charges would cease after a period of time as determined by community feedback and IPART.
Financial Impact In the 2012/2013 financial year, the average Environment Levy charge for a RESIDENTIAL ratepayer is
$0.78 per week ($40.40 pa)
The Affect of Rate Pegging Council rates and charges increase each year due to rate pegging. Table 1 shows how rate pegging may affect the Environment Levy charge (shown on a weekly basis) over a 5 year period if it was continued.
Table 1: Weekly Environment Levy for RESIDENTIAL ratepayers
Financial Scenarios of Options The following tables show the average costs to a RESIDENTIAL rate payer under the four Levy Options and include the affect of rate pegging over a period of 5 years. Table 2 shows the annual costs associated with the Environment Levy, whereas Table 3 shows the weekly total rates and charges, including the Environment Levy, a RESIDENTIAL rate payer would be paying during the same period.
Table 2: Environment Levy Annual Comparison
Table 3: Total Rates & Charges Weekly Comparison
While Table 2 and Table 3 assume a five year period for the FIXED PERIOD scenario, IPART may determine any number of years as the fixed period. The impact on the rate payer after this time would be the same as for the NO LEVY scenario. The amounts shown in Table 3 include all rates and charges that would normally paid by a RESIDENTIAL ratepayer. This means rates, domestic waste collection charge, environment levy, stormwater levy, and water and sewer charges. For the purpose of modelling the total rates and charges, Council has assumed an increase in sewer charges of $60 in 2012/13 & $60 in 2013/14. Council has also made an assumption that a domestic green waste service charge of $124.80 will be introduced in 2012/13. This would only occur after the community is consulted. These figures and timeframe for implementation are an estimate only. For further information on future charges please refer to the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Service Level Impact
The following presents the service implications for each of the four options.
SERVICE IMPLICATIONS FOR OPTIONS‐ RESIDENTIAL RATE PAYER
NO LEVY The Environment Levy will cease in July 2013 with all the services it funds discontinuing. Under this option Council would have two choices
(A) Reduce service levels of other council services to in order to fund any projects or activities that were funded by the Environment Levy. For example, some facilities may be closed; opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken.
OR
(B) Cease all Environment Levy funded projects and activities. This would mean Council would not have the capacity to supervise and train Landcare and Bushcare volunteers or look after local bushland areas. Bushland reserves commonly used for passive recreation such as bushwalking are likely to deteriorate in quality as environmental weeds gradually spread. Council would have a decreased capacity to obtain grant funding available from state and federal government agencies. Since the Levy started we have obtained over 1 million dollars from agencies to conduct environmental projects. Other activities that would cease under this option include:
Council’s Land for Wildlife program
Vegetation conservation program
Community education events, e.g. Schools Environment Day,
Community nursery
Visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au to see a full list of projects funded by the Levy.
SOME LEVY : The current levy ceases in 2012/13 Council continues with a new Environment Levy that would be lower than the current levy to fund a reduced environmental program.
Reduce service levels or number of Environment Levy funded projects and activities. Council may consult the community to reprioritise the environmental services it delivers. It is important that the community provides council with feedback regarding the priority you place on various environmental services. To have your say visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au and complete the self completion survey or collect a survey from Councils Civic Centre or your local library.
PERMANENT LEVY: Council continues with a permanent Environment Levy from 2012/13 at a rate equivalent to the existing levy. Continue service levels and planned Environment Levy funded projects and activities as outlined in Councils Environment Strategy 2010‐2015. Council will develop new environmental programs in line with community feedback supplied in the development of Wingecarribee 2031‐ Community strategic plan. Council can continue to act on current environmental issues in the shire and will have the ability to plan for, and respond to, new environmental threats into the future.
CONTINUING LEVY FOR A FIXED TIME: Council continues with an Environment Levy from 2012/13 at a rate equivalent to the existing levy for a fixed time
Continue service levels and planned Environment Levy funded projects and activities as outlined in Councils Environment Strategy 2010‐2015. Council will implement new environmental programs in‐line with the community feedback supplied during the development of Wingecarribee 2031 ‐ Community strategic plan and during this community consultation process. Project selection under this scenario will also be dependant on the period of time the levy is renewed for. Council’s ability to plan long term projects is limited under this option.
ENVIRONMENT LEVY OPTIONS
IMPACT ON THE FARMLAND RATE PAYER
On 28 September 2011 Wingecarribee Council confirmed its commitment to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for a permanent Environment Levy. Council’s preference is for a permanent levy, however, there are other options possible as described below. Read about the financial and service level impacts of the four options carefully then have your say www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
Four (4) Options
NO LEVY‐. Under this option the Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates.
SOME LEVY‐ Under this option, from July 2013 a reduced Environment Levy is charged. The new levy may mean community environmental events, revegetation, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would be reduced.
PERMANENT LEVY‐ Under this option, Council permanently collects the Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill.
CONTINUING LEVY FOR A FIXED PERIOD. Under this option, the Environment Levy would be continued for a fixed time only. The cost to the ratepayer would be the same as for the permanent Levy however the charges would cease after a period of time as determined by community feedback and IPART.
Financial Impact
In the 2012/2013 financial year, the average Environment Levy charge for a FARMLAND ratepayer is
$2.03 per week ($105.47 pa)
The Affect of Rate Pegging Council rates and charges increase each year due to rate pegging. Table 1 shows how rate pegging may affect the Environment Levy charge (shown on a weekly basis) over a 5 year period if it was continued.
Table 1: Weekly Environment Levy for FARMLAND ratepayers
Financial Scenarios of Options The following tables show the average costs to a FARMLAND rate payer under the four Levy Options and include the affect of rate pegging over a period of 5 years. Table 2 shows the annual costs associated with the Environment Levy, whereas Table 3 shows the weekly total rates and charges, including the Environment Levy, a FARMLAND rate payer would be paying during the same period.
Table 2: Environment Levy Annual Comparison
Table 3: Total Rates & Charges Weekly Comparison
While Table 2 and Table 3 assume a five year period for the FIXED PERIOD scenario, IPART may determine any number of years as the fixed period. The impact on the rate payer after this time would be the same as for the NO LEVY scenario. The amounts shown in Table 3 include all rates and charges that would normally paid by a FARMLAND ratepayer. This includes rates and Environment Levy only. Domestic waste, water and sewer, and stormwater levy are not included as the average FARMLAND property does not receive these services.
Service Level Impact
The following presents the service implications for each of the four options.
SERVICE IMPLICATIONS FOR OPTIONS‐ FARMLAND RATE PAYER NO LEVY The Environment Levy will cease in July 2013 with all the services it funds discontinuing. Under this option Council would have two choices
(A) Reduce service levels of other council services to in order to fund any projects or activities that were funded by the Environment Levy. For example, some facilities may be closed; opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken.
OR
(B) Cease all Environment Levy funded projects and activities. This would mean Council would not have the capacity to supervise and train Landcare and Bushcare volunteers or look after local bushland areas. In this situation there would be a decrease in the quality of our local environment and ecosystems. Council would not have the capacity to control environmental weeds in Council owned and managed lands and roadsides. This would lead to the spread of environmental weeds. Council would not have the capacity to continue with riverside vegetation projects which could eventually mean a decrease in water quality. Council’s vegetation conservation incentive and Land for Wildlife programs would cease, as well as Councils ability to provide technical advice to local landholders on environmental issues. Council would have a decreased capacity to obtain grant funding available from state and federal government agencies. Since the Levy started we have obtained over 1 million dollars from agencies to conduct environmental projects. Other activities that would cease under this option include:
Community education events, e.g. Schools Environment Day,
Community nursery
Visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au to see a full list of projects funded by the Levy. SOME LEVY : The current levy ceases in 2012/13 Council continues with a new Environment Levy that would be lower than the current levy to fund a reduced environmental program.
Reduce service levels or number of Environment Levy funded projects and activities. Council may consult the community to reprioritise the environmental services it delivers. It is important that the community provides council with feedback regarding the priority you place on various environmental services. To have your say visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au and complete the self completion survey or collect a survey from Councils Civic Centre or your local library.
PERMANENT LEVY: Council continues with a permanent Environment Levy from 2012/13 at a rate equivalent to the existing levy. Continue service levels and planned Environment Levy funded projects and activities as outlined in Councils Environment Strategy 2010‐2015. Council will develop new environmental programs in line with community feedback supplied in the development of Wingecarribee 2031‐ Community strategic plan. Council can continue to act on current environmental issues in the shire and will have the ability to plan for, and respond to, new environmental threats into the future.
CONTINUING LEVY FOR A FIXED TIME: Council continues with an Environment Levy from 2012/13 at a rate equivalent to the existing levy for a fixed time
Continue service levels and planned Environment Levy funded projects and activities as outlined in Councils Environment Strategy 2010‐2015. Council will implement new environmental programs in‐line with the community feedback supplied during the development of Wingecarribee 2031 ‐ Community strategic plan and during this community consultation process. Project selection under this scenario will also be dependant on the period of time the levy is renewed for. Council’s ability to plan long term projects is limited under this option.
ENVIRONMENT LEVY OPTIONS
IMPACT ON THE BUSINESS RATE PAYER
On 28 September 2011 Wingecarribee Council confirmed its commitment to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for a permanent Environment Levy. Council’s preference is for a permanent levy, however, there are other options possible as described below. Read about the financial and service level impacts of the four options carefully then have your say www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
Four (4) Options
NO LEVY‐. Under this option the Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates.
SOME LEVY‐ Under this option, from July 2013 a reduced Environment Levy is charged. The new levy may mean community environmental events, revegetation, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would be reduced.
PERMANENT LEVY‐ Under this option, Council permanently collects the Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill.
CONTINUING LEVY FOR A FIXED PERIOD. Under this option, the Environment Levy would be continued for a fixed time only. The cost to the ratepayer would be the same as for the permanent Levy however the charges would cease after a period of time as determined by community feedback and IPART.
Financial Impact
In the 2012/2013 financial year, the average Environment Levy charge for a BUSINESS ratepayer is
$1.03 per week ($53.50 pa)
The Affect of Rate Pegging
Council rates and charges increase each year due to rate pegging. Table 1 shows how rate pegging may affect the Environment Levy charge (shown on a weekly basis) over a 5 year period if it was continued.
Table 1: Weekly Environment Levy for BUSINESS ratepayers
Financial Scenarios of Options The following tables show the average costs to a BUSINESS rate payer under the four Levy Options and include the affect of rate pegging over a period of 5 years. Table 2 shows the annual costs associated with the Environment Levy, whereas Table 3 shows the weekly total rates and charges, including the Environment Levy, a BUSINESS rate payer would be paying during the same period.
Table 2: Environment Levy Annual Comparison
Table 3: Total Rates & Charges Weekly Comparison
While Table 2 and Table 3 assume a five year period for the FIXED PERIOD scenario, IPART may determine any number of years as the fixed period. The impact on the rate payer after this time would be the same as for the NO LEVY scenario. The amounts shown in Table 3 include all rates and charges that would normally paid by a BUSINESS ratepayer. This means rates, environment levy, stormwater levy, and water and sewer charges. For the purpose of modelling the total rates and charges, Council has assumed an increase in sewer charges of $60 in 2012/13 & $60 in 2013/14. These figures and timeframe for implementation are an estimate only. For further information on future charges please refer to Frequently Asked Questions.
Service Level Impact
The following presents the service implications for each of the four options.
SERVICE IMPLICATIONS FOR OPTIONS‐ BUSINESS RATE PAYER NO LEVY The Environment Levy will cease in July 2013 with all the services it funds discontinuing. Under this option Council would have two choices
(C) Reduce service levels of other council services to in order to fund any projects or activities that were funded by the Environment Levy. For example, some facilities may be closed; opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken.
OR
(D) Cease all Environment Levy funded projects and activities. This would mean Council would not have the capacity to supervise and train Landcare and Bushcare volunteers or look after local bushland areas. Council would not have the capacity to control environmental weeds in Council owned and managed lands and roadsides. This would lead to the spread of environmental weeds which may impact on tourism as our bushland areas would gradually become degraded and new environmental threats would not be addressed. Council would not have the capacity to continue with riverside vegetation projects which could eventually mean a decrease in water quality. Council would have a decreased capacity to obtain grant funding available from state and federal government agencies. Since the Levy started we have obtained over 1 million dollars from agencies to conduct environmental projects. Other activities that would cease under this option include:
Council’s Land for Wildlife program
Vegetation conservation program
Community education events, e.g. Schools Environment Day,
Community nursery
Visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au to see a full list of projects funded by the Levy. SOME LEVY : The current levy ceases in 2012/13. Council continues with a new Environment Levy that would be lower than the current levy to fund a reduced environmental program.
Reduce service levels or number of Environment Levy funded projects and activities. Council may consult the community to reprioritise the environmental services it delivers. It is important that the community provides council with feedback regarding the priority you place on various environmental services. To have your say visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au and complete the self completion survey or collect a survey from Councils Civic Centre or your local library.
PERMANENT LEVY: Council continues with a permanent Environment Levy from 2012/13 at a rate equivalent to the existing levy. Continue service levels and planned Environment Levy funded projects and activities as outlined in Councils Environment Strategy 2010‐2015. Council will develop new environmental programs in line with community feedback supplied in the development of Wingecarribee 2031‐ Community strategic plan. Council can continue to act on current environmental issues in the shire and will have the ability to plan for, and respond to, new environmental threats into the future.
CONTINUING LEVY FOR A FIXED TIME: Council continues with an Environment Levy from 2012/13 at a rate equivalent to the existing levy for a fixed time.
Continue service levels and planned Environment Levy funded projects and activities as outlined in Councils Environment Strategy 2010‐2015. Council will implement new environmental programs in‐line with the community feedback supplied during the development of Wingecarribee 2031 ‐ Community strategic plan and during this community consultation process. Project selection under this scenario will also be dependant on the period of time the levy is renewed for. Council’s ability to plan long term projects is limited under this option.
ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT
LEVY PROGRAM LEVY PROGRAM LEVY PROGRAM LEVY PROGRAM
ANNUAL ANNUAL ANNUAL ANNUAL
REPORTS REPORTS REPORTS REPORTS
ANNUAL REPORT 2000 / 2001
The Wingecarribee Our Future Environment special rate, formally approved by the
Minister of Local Government, was implemented from 1 July 2000 to raise $500,000
per year over three years to be spent on specific environmental projects. Expenditure
focuses on three target areas: our biodiversity, our waters and our native bushland. A
committee was set up early in the program to oversee its progress and to consider
proposed works and expenditure.
Actual expenditure in each program area during 2000/01 and the budget estimate for
2001/02 to 2004/05 are outlined below.
Total expenditure during 2000/01 was $149,500, resulting in a rollover of
approximately $350,000. All expenditure during 2000/01 was in the three target areas
of the program. The primary expenditure items included the field survey and
vegetation mapping component of the biodiversity strategy, and on-ground bushland
regeneration works. On-ground works are in three major areas: rehabilitation of
riparian zones, management of wildlife habitat and corridors and environmental weed
control. Major on-ground projects during 2000/01 include environmental weed control
at Mt Gibraltar and Mt Alexandra Bushland Reserves and riparian zone rehabilitation at
Mittagong Rivulet andWhite Creek. In addition, a two-person bush regeneration team
was formed to carry out and maintain on-ground works.
Almost $200,000 of the rollover from 2000/01 can be attributed to the delay in
recruiting new employees for the Environmental Review Program, Sediment Control
Program and On-Ground Works Maintenance. A further $48,000 was due to unspent
funds committed to onground works and $35,000 due to a delay in setting up the
Water Quality Monitoring Program. There will be a rollover of about $169,000 beyond
the third year of the program, mainly because the Environmental Review Officer and
the Bush Regenerator positions continue for three years from the date of officer
appointment.
The budget estimate for 2001/02 is $759,500. Total on-ground works expenditure will
be $370,000.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2001 / 2002
The Wingecarribee Our Future Environment special rate, formally approved by the
Minister of Local Government, was implemented from 1 July 2000 to raise $500,000
per year over three years to be spent on specific environmental projects. Expenditure
focuses on three target areas: native bushland regeneration, improving our waterways
and development of a biodiversity strategy. A committee was set up early in the
program to oversee its progress and to consider proposed works and expenditure.
Actual expenditure in each program area during 2001/02 and the budget estimate for
2002/03 to 2004/05 are outlined below.
Total expenditure during 2001/02 was $572,367. All expenditure during 2001/02 was
in the three target areas of the program. The primary expenditure items included the
restoration of community owned bushlands and waterways, roadside weed
management and water quality improvement, including the development of a shire
wide water quality monitoring program. Major on-ground projects during 2001/02
included environmental weed control at Berrima Common, the targeted weed removal
program of wild pussy willow and riparian zone rehabilitation at Mittagong and Whites
Creek. Additionally, a two-person bush regeneration team undertook regeneration
work in 15 bushland reserves.
There will be a rollover beyond the third year of the program, mainly because the
Environmental Review Officer and the Bush Regenerator positions continue for three
years from the date of officer appointment.
The budget estimate for 2002/03 is $609,666
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2002 / 2003
The Wingecarribee Our Future Environment special rate, formally approved by
the Minister of Local Government, was implemented from 1 July 2000 to raise
$500,000 per year over three years to be spent on specific environmental
projects. Expenditure focused on three target areas: native bushland
regeneration, improving our waterways and development of a biodiversity
strategy. A committee was set up early in the program to oversee its progress
and to consider proposed works and expenditure.
Actual expenditure during 2002/03 and the budget estimate for the new levy
program for2003/04 and 2004/05 outlined below.
Total expenditure during 2002/03 was $473,154. The primary expenditure
items included the restoration of community owned bushlands and waterways,
roadside weed management and water quality improvement, including the
implementation of a shire wide water quality monitoring program. Major on-
ground projects during 2002/03 included environmental weed control at Iron
Mines Creek, riparian zone rehabilitation at Gibbergunyah and Whites Creek
and wildlife corridor restoration at Goanna Falls Reserve at Berrima.
Additionally, a three-person bush regeneration team undertook regeneration
work in 15 bushland reserves.
Significant commitments continue to be made to improving environmental
management by local industry as a result of the pro-active Environmental
Review and Education Program.
The sediment and erosion control program was successfully completed with
approximately 300 audits undertaken of construction sites to ensure
compliance with Councils erosion control policy.
The budget estimate for 2003/04 under the 2003/2008 WOFE Program is
$529,200
A successful application was made to the Minister for Local Government to
extend the Environment Levy for a further five (5) years.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
2002/03 2003/04 2004/05
Actual Estimate Estimate
Annual Totals 473,154 529,200 630,200
ANNUAL REPORT 2003 / 2004
The Wingecarribee Our Future Environment special rate, formally approved by
the Minister of Local Government in June 2003, was implemented from 1 July
2003 to raise $3.02 million over five years to be spent on specific
environmental programs. Expenditure has focused on three broad themes:
improving natural area land management, improving our rivers and creeks and
protecting the biodiversity values of our natural resources.
Total expenditure during 2002/03 was $573,952.
Major projects undertaken during 2003/04 included: the design and
construction of a gross pollutant trap in Moss Vale, creek bank restoration at
Gibbergunyah Creek, Mittagong Creek, Whites Creek, Iron Mines Creek,
Wingecarribee River and the creekline below Lake Alexandra; bushland
rehabilitation at Penrose, Mt Gibraltar, Robertson, Hammock Hill, and Welby;
roadside weed control at Avoca, Cunningham Park, Yarrunga, Wingello,
Bundanoon, Exeter, Werai and Robertson; bush regeneration work in 15
bushland reserves by Council’s bush regeneration team, rabbit and fox baiting
in Berrima, Mansfield Reserve and Gibbergunyah Reserves; and the joint
funding of the Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) program to operate across the
Shire.
The environmental levy was also able to provide financial and technical
support to Bushcare and Landcare Groups at Moss Vale, Bowral,
Gibbergunyah, Mansfield Reserve, Bundanoon, Mt Gibraltar, Berrima and
Burrawang.
Significant commitments continue to be made to improving environmental
management by local industry as a result of the pro-active Environmental
Review and Education Program and the assistance provided to new businesses
in the planning and ongoing management of their operations to optimise
environmental performance. The production and distribution of the “Solutions
To Pollution” newsletter for businesses in the Shire assists them to comply
with the requirements of NSW pollution control legislation.
The sediment and erosion control program continued with approximately 229
site inspections undertaken of construction sites to reduce the amount of soil
that is washed into our creeks and rivers.
The budget for 2004/05 under the WOFE Program is $630,200.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2004 / 2005
The Wingecarribee Our Future Environment programme, formally
approved by the Minister of Local Government in June 2003, continued in
the 2004/05 year. Expenditure has focused on three broad themes:
improving natural area land management, improving our rivers and creeks
and protecting the biodiversity values of the Shire’s natural resources.
Total expenditure during 2004/05 was $707,830.
The environmental levy programme provided on ground and technical
support to Bushcare and Landcare Groups at Cosgrove Park and Whites
Creek in Moss Vale, Mittagong Creek in Bowral, Gibbergunyah Creek in
Mittagong, Mansfield and Hammock Hill Reserves in East Bowral, Garland
Rd Reserve in Bundanoon, Mt Gibraltar Reserve, along Caalong Creek in
Robertson, along Wingecarribee River in Berrima and at Burrawang
cemetery and nearby road reserves.
Major natural resource management projects undertaken during 2004/05
included: creek bank restoration at Gibbergunyah Creek, Mittagong Creek,
Whites Creek, Iron Mines Creek, Chinamans Creek, Caalang Creek at
Robertson, along the Wingecarribee River in the Burradoo area and the
creekline below Lake Alexandra; bushland rehabilitation at Penrose, Mt
Gibraltar, Hammock Hill, and Welby; roadside weed control at Avoca,
Yarrunga, Mittagong and Robertson as well as a spraying program on one
third of the Shires roads; bush regeneration work in Council’s major
bushland reserves by the bush regeneration team, including Mt Alexandra,
Mt Gibraltar, Wingello, Gibbergunyah, Berrima Weir and Boronia Park;
rabbit and fox baiting in Hammock Hill, Mansfield Reserve, Mt Alexandra
and Gibbergunyah Reserves; the joint funding of the Regional Illegal
Dumping (RID) squad program which operated across the Shire: the
negotiation and implementation of pilot plastic bag reduction programmes
in Robertson and Fitzroy Falls and the negotiation of 19 Vegetation
Conservation agreements with private landowners to provide financial
incentives to conserve Endangered Ecological Community bushland on
their land.
Significant improvements continue to be made to improving
environmental management by local industry as a result of the pro-active
Environmental Review and Education and the Sediment and Erosion
Control programmes. Community education to raise awareness of
pollution control legislation and environmental awareness in general
included production and distribution of the “Solutions To Pollution”
newsletters for businesses, implementation of the Sustaining Wingecarribee
programme, the development and production of the Wingecarribee
Environment Management Directory booklet and the preparation of
displays for World Environment Day and the Environment Expo.
Further information regarding some of the environment levy funded
projects is included in the State of the Environment Report.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2005 / 2006
The Wingecarribee Our Future Environment programme, formally approved by
the Minister of Local Government in June 2003, continued in the 2005/06 year.
Expenditure has focused on three broad themes: improving natural area land
management, improving our rivers and creeks and protecting the biodiversity
values of the Shire’s natural resources.
Total expenditure during 2005/06 was $636,695.
The environmental levy programme provided on ground and technical support
to Bushcare and Landcare Groups at Cosgrove Park and Whites Creek in Moss
Vale, Mittagong Creek in Bowral, Gibbergunyah Creek in Mittagong, Mansfield
and Hammock Hill Reserves in East Bowral, Garland Rd Reserve in Bundanoon,
Mt Gibraltar Reserve, along Caalong Creek in Robertson, along Stonequarry
Walk in Berrima and at Burrawang cemetery and nearby road reserves.
Major natural resource management projects undertaken during 2005/06
included: creek bank restoration at Gibbergunyah Creek, Mittagong Creek,
Whites Creek, Iron Mines Creek, Chinamans Creek, Caalang Creek, along the
Wingecarribee River in the Moss Vale to Burradoo area and the creekline
below Lake Alexandra; bushland rehabilitation at Penrose, Mt Gibraltar,
Hammock Hill, and Welby; roadside weed control program on most of the
Shires roads; bush regeneration work in Council’s major bushland reserves by
the bush regeneration team, including Mt Alexandra, Mt Gibraltar, Wingello,
Gibbergunyah, Berrima Weir, Riverbend Reserve, Goanna Falls Reserve and
Boronia Park; rabbit and fox baiting in Hammock Hill, Mansfield Reserve, Mt
Alexandra and Gibbergunyah Reserves; the joint funding of the Regional Illegal
Dumping (RID) squad program which operated across the Shire: the
negotiation and implementation of a pilot plastic bag reduction programme in
Bundanoon, fire trail maintenance in the major bushland reserves and the
negotiation of Vegetation Conservation agreements with private landowners
to provide financial incentives to conserve Endangered Ecological Community
bushland on their land.
Significant improvements continue to be made to improving environmental
management by local industry as a result of the pro-active Environmental
Review and Education and the Sediment and Erosion Control programmes.
Community education to raise awareness of pollution control legislation and
environmental awareness in general included production and distribution of
the “Solutions To Pollution” newsletters for businesses and the preparation of
displays for World Environment Day and the Environment Expo.
During the year external grant funding of over $350,000 was awarded to
Council for natural resource projects supported by the environment levy.
Further information regarding some of the environment levy funded projects is
included in the most recent State of the Environment Report.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2006 / 2007
The Wingecarribee Our Future Environment programme, formally approved by
the Minister of Local Government in June 2003, continued in the 2006/07 year.
Expenditure has focused on three broad themes: improving natural area land
management, improving our rivers and creeks and protecting the biodiversity
values of the Shire’s natural resources.
Total expenditure during 2006/07 was $783,434
The environmental levy programme provided on ground and technical support
to Bushcare and Landcare Groups at Cosgrove Park and Whites Creek in Moss
Vale, Mittagong Creek in Bowral, Gibbergunyah Creek in Mittagong, Mansfield
and Hammock Hill Reserves in East Bowral, Garland Rd Reserve in Bundanoon,
Mt Gibraltar Reserve, along Caalong Creek in Robertson, along Stonequarry
Walk in Berrima, Yerrinbool, Penrose, Mt Alexandra Reserve, Chinamans Creek
in Mittagong, Hilltop, Caalang Creek in Robertson, Indigo Creek in Exeter and at
Burrawang cemetery and nearby road reserves.
Major natural resource management projects undertaken during 2006/07
included: creek bank restoration at Iron Mines Creek, Mansfield Reserve,
Gibbergunyah Creek, Mittagong Creek, Whites Creek, Chinamans Creek,
Wingecarribee River in the Moss Vale to Berrima area and the creekline below
Lake Alexandra; bushland rehabilitation at Mt Alexandra, Mt Gibraltar,
Hammock Hill and Welby; roadside weed control program on most of the
Shires roads; bush regeneration work in Council’s major bushland reserves by
the bush regeneration team, including Mt Alexandra, Mt Gibraltar,
Gibbergunyah, Berrima Weir, Riverbend Reserve, and Boronia Park; rabbit and
fox baiting in Hammock Hill, Mansfield Reserve, Mt Alexandra and
Gibbergunyah Reserves; the joint funding of the Regional Illegal Dumping (RID)
squad program which operated across the Shire: walking trail maintenance in
the major bushland reserves and the negotiation of Vegetation Conservation
agreements with private landowners to provide financial incentives to
conserve Endangered Ecological Community bushland on their land.
Improvements continue to be made to environmental management by local
industry as a result of the pro-active Environmental Review and Education and
the Sediment and Erosion Control programmes. Community education to raise
awareness of pollution control legislation and environmental awareness in
general included holding the Green Plumbers Forum, the Green Power Tour to
encourage the community to use “green power”, production and distribution
of the Ecological footprint Quiz and the preparation of displays for the
Environment Fair.
During the year significant external grant funding was awarded to Council to
extend the work able to be funded by the environment levy for natural
resource projects.
Further information regarding some of the environment levy funded projects is
included in the most recent State of the Environment Report.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2007 / 2008
The Wingecarribee Our Future Environment programme, formally approved by
the Minister of Local Government in June 2003, continued in the 2007/08 year.
Expenditure has focused on three broad themes: improving natural area land
management; improving our rivers and creeks; and protecting the biodiversity
values of the Shire’s natural resources.
Total expenditure during 2007/08 was approximately $773,008.
The environment levy programme provided on ground and technical support
to Bushcare and Landcare Groups working at Cosgrove Park and Whites Creek
in Moss Vale, Mittagong Creek in Bowral, Gibbergunyah Creek in Mittagong,
Mansfield and Hammock Hill Reserves in East Bowral, Garland Rd Reserve and
Currabunda wetland in Bundanoon, Mt Gibraltar Reserve, along Caalong Creek
in Robertson, along Stonequarry Walk in Berrima, along Wingecarribee River,
Yerrinbool, Penrose, Mt Alexandra Reserve, Chinamans Creek in Mittagong,
Hilltop, Indigo Creek in Exeter and at Burrawang.
Major natural resource management projects undertaken during 2007/08
included: creek bank restoration at Iron Mines Creek, Mansfield Reserve
restoration, Gibbergunyah Creek weed control, Mittagong Creek restoration,
Whites Creek rehabilitation, Chinamans Creek weed control, Wingecarribee
River in the Moss Vale to Berrima area; roadside weed control program; bush
regeneration work in Council’s major bushland reserves, including Mt
Alexandra, Mt Gibraltar, Gibbergunyah, Riverbend Reserve, Berrima Weir,
Hammock Hill, Boronia Park, Paddy’s River and Welby Reserves; rabbit and fox
baiting in Hammock Hill, Mansfield Reserve, Mt Alexandra , Gibbergunyah
Reserves and Bong Bong Common; the installation of protective bollards at
Berrima Weir Reserve and Cunningham Park; the joint funding of the Regional
Illegal Dumping (RID) squad program which operated across the Shire; walking
trail maintenance in the major bushland reserves and the negotiation of
Vegetation Conservation agreements with private landowners to provide
financial incentives to conserve remnant Endangered Ecological Community
bushland on their land.
Improvements continue to be made to environmental management of
construction sites to reduce their off site impacts by the pro-active Sediment
and Erosion Control programme. Community education to raise awareness of
environmental issues in general included holding the Green Power Tour to
encourage the community to use “green power”, production and distribution
of the Wingecarribee Web and the joint organisation of displays for the
Environment Fair.
During the year significant external grant funding was awarded to Council to
extend the work able to be funded by the environment levy for environmental
projects.
Public consultation was undertaken regarding the proposal to apply to the
Minister for Local Government to extend the Environment Levy programme
from 2008 to 2013 and a submission was prepared and lodged with the
Minister.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2008 / 2009
Following approval by the Minister for Local Government in July 2008, the
Wingecarribee Our Future Environment (WOFE) programme for 2008 - 13 was
implemented throughout the 2008/09 financial year. The WOFE programme focuses
on four main areas; the restoration of degraded river systems, urban sustainability,
supporting and improving the level of knowledge of the community in environment
issues and biodiversity conservation.
The environment levy programme provided on ground and technical support to
Bushcare and Landcare Groups working at Gibbergunyah Creek in Mittagong, Cosgrove
Park and Whites Creek in Moss Vale, Mittagong Creek in Bowral, Mansfield and
Hammock Hill Reserves in East Bowral, Garland Rd Reserve and Currabunda wetland in
Bundanoon, Mt Gibraltar Reserve, Caalong Creek in Robertson, Paddy’s River Swamp,
along Wingecarribee River in Berrima , Yerrinbool, Penrose, Mt Alexandra Reserve,
Chinamans Creek in Mittagong, Hilltop and Indigo Creek in Exeter.
Major natural resource management projects undertaken during 2008/09 included:
Mansfield Reserve bushland regeneration, Gibbergunyah Creek weed control,
Mittagong Creek restoration, Whites Creek rehabilitation, Chinamans Creek weed
control, Wingecarribee River restoration in the Moss Vale to Berrima area; bush
regeneration work in Council’s major bushland reserves, including Mt Alexandra, Mt
Gibraltar, Gibbergunyah, Riverbend Reserve, Berrima Weir, Hammock Hill, Boronia
Park, Paddy’s River and Welby Reserves; rabbit and fox baiting in bushland Reserves;
the joint funding of the Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squad program which operated
across the Shire; walking trail maintenance in the major reserves and the negotiation
of Vegetation Conservation Agreements with private landowners to provide financial
incentives to conserve remnant Endangered Ecological Community bushland on their
land.
The major focus of the urban sustainability programme is to engage and partner with
industry and business groups to reduce environmental risk and potential negative
impacts and improve business environmental performance and achieve longer term
sustainable solutions for the community. To this end the Sustainable Futures Business
Plan was prepared. The aim of this program is to implement sustainability analysis
diagnostics on individual businesses within the tourism industry, the Civic Centre and
Visitor Information Centre. The diagnostics were developed by the Department of
Environment Climate Change and Water and Business Treading Lightly to enable
preparation of Sustainability Action Plans.
Improvements continue to be made to environmental management of construction
sites to reduce their off site impacts by the proactive Sediment and Erosion Control
programme.
Community education to raise awareness of environmental issues in general included
holding the Wingecarribee Schools Environment Fair, production and distribution of
the Wingecarribee Web and holding workshops for community volunteers at the
Bushcare community nursery.
During the year significant external grant funding was awarded to Council to extend
the work able to be funded by the environment
levy for environmental projects.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2009 / 2010
Council was granted State Government approval to implement an environment levy,
which was introduced in July 2000 for an initial period of three years, and has since
been extended twice up to June 2013. The levy is being used to fund the
Wingecarribee Our Future Environment (WOFE) programme. WOFE is a multi-faceted
environmental programme which includes four main areas; the restoration of
degraded river systems, biodiversity conservation, supporting and improving the level
of knowledge of the community in environment issues and urban sustainability.
The WOFE programme provided on ground and technical support to Bushcare and
Landcare Groups working at Gibbergunyah Creek in Mittagong, Cosgrove Park and
Whites Creek in Moss Vale, Mittagong Creek in Bowral, Mansfield and Hammock Hill
Reserves in East Bowral, Garland Rd Reserve and Currabunda wetland in Bundanoon,
Mt Gibraltar Reserve, Caalong Creek in Robertson, Paddy’s River Swamp, along
Wingecarribee River in Berrima , Yerrinbool, Penrose, Mt Alexandra Reserve,
Chinamans Creek in Mittagong and Hilltop.
Major natural resource management projects undertaken during 2009/10 included:
• Mansfield Reserve bushland regeneration, Gibbergunyah Creek weed control,
Mittagong Creek restoration, Whites Creek rehabilitation, Chinamans Creek
weed control,
• Bush regeneration work in Council’s major bushland reserves, including Mt
Alexandra, Mt Gibraltar, Gibbergunyah, Riverbend Reserve, Berrima Weir,
Hammock Hill, Boronia Park, Paddy’s River and Welby Reserves;
• Fox baiting program in partnership with DECC&W, Forestry and landholders;
• Joint funding of the Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squad program which
operated across the Shire;
• walking trail maintenance in the major reserves
• Vegetation Conservation Agreements with private landowners to provide
financial incentives to conserve remnant Endangered Ecological Community
bushland on their land; and
• Completion of weed mapping data at Stingray Swamp, Penrose as part of the
Saving Our Swamps program
Council continues to be awarded external grant funding to extend the project work
able to be achieved by the environment levy. One of these projects in the past year
was the completion of Mt Gibraltar trail upgrades where a $20,000 Community Action
Grant was awarded.
Four community events were made possible via WOFE funding this past year. These
included the annual School’s Environment Day, marking of World Wetlands Day at
Cecil Hoskins Reserve, celebration of World Environment Day via an information stall at
Highlands Market Place in Mittagong, and in support of Threatened Species Week the
development of local species profiles with intention to add to these in the
future.
The major focus of the urban sustainability programme is to engage and partner with
industry andbusiness groups as well as the broader community to reduce
environmental risk, increase the Shire’s resilience and improve business environmental
performance. To this end the Sustainable Futures Business Plan was prepared and
attracted state government funding of $200,000 over 2 years to help complete
sustainability analysis diagnostics on individual businesses within the tourism industry,
the Civic Centre and Visitor Information Centre. This engagement process will then
lead to preparation and implementation of Sustainability Action Plans for these
businesses and facilities.
WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT WINGECARRIBEE OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
(ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM (ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY) PROGRAM
WINGECARRIBEE ENVIRONMENT LEVY CASE STUDY
Bus
hcar
e P
rogr
am
The bushland in the Wingecarribee Shire is exceptional. In a relatively small area we have an incredibly diverse range of flora, fauna and geography, ranging from original rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and open woodland. So it is vital that we at least maintain, if not enhance, one of the most admired aspects of the Southern Highlands.
Looking after this bushland involves a lot more than weeding since our bushland areas are under constant threat from a number of other threatening processes including dieback, fragmentation, continual disturbance, inappropriate fire regimes and general lack of maintenance.
Fortunately Council has a dedicated Bushcare Team, who work on a regular basis with an energetic band of volunteer bush regenerators. The Shire’s 15 Bushcare and Landcare groups are active on 46 Bushcare work sites, and also receive support from local schools and TAFE students. Together they have planted well over 7,000 plants in the past year, attacked 46 different types of weeds and contributed over 5,600 volunteer hours.
The 170 plus people who volunteer in these teams not only help to preserve our biodiversity, but also make new friends and work together on projects that make a visible difference to the environmental values and quality of life in the Southern Highlands.
These efforts have helped protect endangered ecological communities, helped stabilise stream banks and enhance downstream water quality, helped establish or enhance wildlife corridors and protect and enhance habitat values throughout the Shire. They have made a significant contribution to educating our youth on the need to care for our environment, helped foster their community spirit and demonstrated to them that by working together we can make a difference for a better future.
Wingecarribee Shire’s Bushcare and Landcare groups always welcome new volunteers to their ranks and Council provides volunteer induction and workplace health and safety training to minimise risk to volunteers, the general public and the environment. Various other natural resource management training is also provided to ensure that the Bushcare & Landcare teams follow best practice in all their activities.
WINGECARRIBEE ENVIRONMENT LEVY CASE STUDY
Land
For
Wild
life
and
V
eget
atio
nC
onse
rvat
ion
Pro
gram
s
Wingecarribee Shire Council runs two programs, funded by the Environment Levy, that assist private landholders with conserving native vegetation for wildlife. Land For Wildlife has been offered since 2009 and aims to assist landholders to maintain wildlife habitats on their land. Registration is free and non-binding. The program is available to landholders who have properties with half a hectare or more of native bushland and are willing to manage all or part of their property in an environmentally sustainable way. As part of the Land For Wildlife program a project officer will undertake a property assessment which includes environmental management issues, species list of plants and advice on how to integrate wildlife conservation into the property’s usual management practices. In addition to environmental property assessments, Land For Wildlife gives landholders the opportunity to participate in workshops, meet like-minded people and receive up to date information via fact sheets and newsletters. 52 properties are currently signed up to the program conserving 360 Ha of native bushland. Properties involved in the program range from schools, farms and lifestyle properties to even a monastery.
The Vegetation Conservation Program commenced in 2004 with the aim of encouraging and assisting landholders to conserve endangered or significant vegetation types within the shire by offering financial incentives. Properties that meet specific criteria are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 to assist with revegetation, fencing off native bushland and undertaking weed control. A voluntary agreement is made between the landholder and Council to help the landholder conserve and manage the native vegetation on their property. It is not registered on the title of the land and only applies to the area being conserved. Once an agreement has been negotiated the conservation area must be maintained by the landholder for the length of the agreement, which is usually for 5 or 10 years. There are currently 68 properties with Management Agreements conserving 330 ha of native bushland throughout the shire. This project has been successful in preserving Endangered Ecological Communities on private land by reducing issues such as unmanaged grazing, weed invasion, loss of biodiversity, clearing and fragmentation of vegetation.
WINGECARRIBEE ENVIRONMENT LEVY CASE STUDY
Com
mun
ity N
urse
ry
The Community Nursery was set up in mid 2008, to provide local provenance plant stock for local revegetation projects that were being undertaken by council
and local landholders involved in Council's vegetation conservation program.
Funding from Council's Environment Levy along with additional funding from the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority and the Sydney Catchment Authority was utilised to expand existing nursery infrastructure at the Moss Vale depot into what is now the Community Nursery.
A dedicated group of volunteers eager to grow the necessary plants came together and now hold monthly working bees, supported by Council’s bush regeneration team. The CMA also helped arrange a number of training workshops to ensure the nursery volunteers were following best practice. These training courses included seed collection, sorting and storage; basic plant propagation techniques and nursery management.
A poly house was installed early in 2010 to allow germination of seed all year round, and swapping over to commercially-produced potting media increased
the productivity to around 10,000 tube stock annually. The 20 nursery volunteers help provide plant species that are not readily available through commercial nurseries and the plants are all grown from local provenance seed sources.
Running in conjunction with the nursery is the Shire's seed bank, which is a store of seeds collected from all corners of the shire, for use in revegetation projects. Seed is opportunistically collected while the Bushcare team is working on Bushcare sites, undertaking fire trail inspections and other duties. This seed is cleaned, sorted and logged into the seed bank database before being stored in a fridge. Like the nursery, this seed bank is a valuable asset, since without it the nursery could never reach its full potential.
It is hoped in the future the Community Nursery will be given a larger, dedicated and more permanent home where it can grow a greater range of native plant species indigenous to the Southern Highlands and provide sufficient stock to keep up with the revegetation aspirations of the Shire.
We also hope to attract more volunteers to the Community Nursery, both those who can share their knowledge and those who wish to learn more as they help grow the plants for the Shire’s revegetation program.
WINGECARRIBEE ENVIRONMENT LEVY CASE STUDY
Win
geca
rrib
ee S
choo
ls E
nviro
nmen
t Day
Wingecarribee Shire Council facilitates an environmentally based event for primary school students within Wingecarribee Shire. Wingecarribee Schools Environment Day first commenced in October 2006. It has become an annual event open to all primary schools within Wingecarribee Shire, with a target audience of years 5 and 6. This event provides local schools with the opportunity to learn and take part in environmentally focused interactive activities at one location for an entire day at no cost to the schools. Lake Alexandra Reserve, Mittagong provides a wonderful setting for this event, which consists of built parkland, play equipment and bbq facilities, as well as a natural bushland setting back drop for students to explore. The Wingecarribee Schools Environment Day provides a positive way of instilling important environmental messages in the minds of the students. It is an effective way of enhancing student respect and understanding of sustainable living and appreciation of the planet and its limited resources. Every year approximately 500 students attend this event. Activities that are offered to students vary from year to year to ensure that the event continues to engage the interest of the schools and most importantly the students themselves. Examples of activities that students have enjoyed in previous years have included worm farming, simple water quality monitoring, creating habitat for native wildlife in the backyard using old boots and pipes, interactions with live native fauna, environmental theatre, creating no dig vegetable gardens and making pizzas using solar energy.
Another positive outcome provided by the Wingecarribee Schools Environment Day is the opportunity for schools to network with other agencies. Agencies that have attended this event and run activities have included the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority, Wingecarribee Landcare and Bushcare Network, NSW Rural Fire Service, Sydney Catchment Management Authority, Office of Environment and Heritage (NPWS) and the Southern Highlands Bird Watchers Group. In 2011 this event was nominated in the Southern Highlands Business Awards for Excellence in an Attraction. This event is also funded by:
And Wingecarribee Landcare and Bushcare Network
WINGECARRIBEE ENVIRONMENT LEVY CASE STUDY
Mou
nt G
ibra
ltar
Land
care
& B
ushc
are
Gro
up
Mount Gibraltar Landcare and Bushcare was formed in 1993 to assist in the care, control and management of the Mount Gibraltar Reserve.
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Bushcare staff are funded by the Environment Levy to provide training and specialist advice to Landcare and Bushcare members. Council also assists the Mt Gibraltar Group in preparing grant application and administering grants on their behalf.
This group undertakes weekly bush regeneration on the 130 hectare public reserve of Mount Gibraltar, removing the dense infestation of environmental weeds, working to restore the heritage infrastructure and raising community awareness of the natural heritage.
Mount Gilbraltar, known locally as The Gib, is an exposed 150 million year old volcanic intrusion composed of unique microsyenite rock It was quarried for 100 years (1886-1986) ‘Bowral Trachyte” stone was used for building important public buildings, monuments, kerb stones and railway ballast.
Mount Gibraltar Reserve conserves the natural Endangered Ecological Community of Mount Gibraltar Forest. It is an important link in the east west biodiversity corridor at the head of the Wingecarribee and Nattai catchment.
The group has promoted and campaigned hard for the Environment Levy to support a qualified Bushcare division that provides professional assistance to volunteers and on going maintenance for regeneration projects within the Shire.
In 2007, the group published a beautiful full colour hardcopy book: The Gib, Mount Gibraltar, Southern Highlands, 2007. Other Projects undertaken include: • Bush regeneration • Stone landscaping • Repairs to shelters and walking trails • Fire control planning • Land acquisition • Ongoing protection of the Reserve
• Publication of Bush Regeneration Manual and Visitor’s Guide • Support for exhibitions and displays about natural environment
management issues.
BUSHCARE ‐ RESTORATION
STONE QUARRY WALK
BEFORE
AFTER
BUSHCARE ‐ RESTORATION
STONE QUARRY WALK
BEFORE
AFTER
BUSHCARE ‐ RESTORATION
AFTER
BEFORE
Objective 1.1 Manage invasive species in past project sites Target Year 1: Develop weed management plans for environmentally significant Council managed lands. Year 1 Target -Achieved: Weed Management Plans developed. Detailed data regarding the types, density and area of weed species found and re-moved within Council Reserves has been compiled for a 2 year period. This informa-tion along with current mapping was used to develop Councils Weed Management
Objective 1.2 Weed Eradication Target Year 1: Investment in Weed Management across the Shire is directed to weed priorities, as identified in Weed Management Plans Year 1 Target -Achieved: Weeding carried out by WSC bushcare staff on 28 bush care sites. WSC bushcare team conducted 419 hours of primary weeding, 221 hours of
secondary weeding & 2078 hrs weed maintenance in the reporting period. Contractors were engaged for weed removal at bush care sites
Objective 2.1 Increase native vegetation extent through revegetation Target Year 1: 8,000 native plant species established Year 1 Target -Achieved: 7065 native plants were planted in the reporting period. 350 native plants were given away to Moss Vale public school 810 native plants were donated to the community nursery
Objective 2. 2 Conserve significant native vegetation on private lands Target Year 1 :25ha of significant native vegetation conserved under landholder agree-ment Year 1 Target -Achieved:
9.4 ha under conservation agreements 73.37 ha under Land For Wildlife agreements since July 2010
Objective 2. 3 Protect and restore natural ecosystem Target Year 1: 50% of all endangered plant communities managed by Council to be under maintenance management programs Year 1 Target -Achieved: 57% of the shires Endangered Ecological Communities are under maintenance pro-grams including those at Mt Gibraltar, Mansfield Reserve Oxley Hill & Hammock Hill Reserves plus other small reserves.
Wingecarribee Environment Strategy 2010‐2011 ANNUAL REPORT
ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE
Objective 2. 4 Prepare and implement effective management plans to minimise the impact of activities that damage native habitats and assist in the protection of threatened species. Target Year 1: Vertebrate Pest Management Plan completed for one Council reserve containing significant fauna and habitats Target Year 1-Achieved: Mt Gibraltar reserve pest animal management plan completed. Participation in the regional wild dog Management Plan in consultation with the wild
dog working committee
Objective 3.1 Educate & train to build the capacity of the Community to act on Environmental Issues Target Year 1: Develop programs which align to Global, National and State environmental awareness campaigns Year 1 Target-Achieved: Threatened Species Day Sept 2010. Six fact sheets developed National Tree Planting Day conducted October 2010 World Wetlands Day 2 Feb 2011- Focused on Wingecarribee Swamp. Newspaper
articles and information on WSC website including school activities. Indian Myna Program ongoing. Land for Wildlife Conference plus Field Trip May 2011 World Environment Day bus tour. Sunday 5 June Fridge Buyback launched in Wingecarribee Shire. Supporting HNCMA BIOLINK project– Part of the Great Eastern Ranges initiative. Schools Environment Day plans were was postponed due to bad weather
Objective 3.2 Develop and support community volunteer based environmental program Target Year 1: Develop and support community volunteer based environmental program Year 1 Target -Achieved: Bushcare staff continue to support and work alongside the shire’s 174
Environmental Volunteers Volunteers donated 2597 hours of their time to bush regeneration activities in the 2010-11 Bird Workshop for Southern Highlands birdwatchers held on 9 April 2011 Southern Highlands Harvest currently have 40 Businesses registered BIOLINK Workshop supported by Council Land For Wildlife - 42 properties involved in the shire Frensham’s school excursions to Penrose Swamp– conducted by Council’s
Bushcare team
Wingecarribee Environment Strategy 2010‐2011 ANNUAL REPORT
ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE
Objective 3.3 Communication pathways developed to ensure effective communication with community to support Environmental Levy achievements Target Year 1: Communication pathways developed to ensure effective communication to support Environment Levy achievements Year 1 Target -Achieved: Development of Environment Levy Logo Environment Levy marquee purchased to help promote Levy at events Wingecarribee Today now has an allocated section for regular Environment Levy news Regular newspaper articles promoting Environment Levy programs or achievements include, *World
Wetlands day. World Environment Day Bus Tour 4 Events per year supported by Environment Levy Environment Levy stall present at Council’s Information Kiosks
Objective 3.4 Monitor, Review and Report
Target Year 1: Methods and plans established to guide community groups and Council in the monitoring, review and reporting process. Specifically linking the process to State Government monitoring and HNCMA MER (Monitoring Evaluation,Reporting ) programs. Progress towards Year 1 Target: Baseline data collection by bushcare team to enable better review and reporting Environment Strategy developed and adopted by Council to give clear direction for Environment Levy projects and a framework for reporting. Introduction of new monthly and annual reporting format.
Objective 4.1 Develop Wingecarribee Riparian Management Strategy Target Year 1: Prepare a riparian strategy which identifies priority areas for on ground investment in riparian health Progress against Year 1 Target:
Wingecarribee Shire Council Stormwater Management Plan 2010-2031 outlines priorities for Riparian Management Plans from a flood risk perspective.
Creation of draft scope of Riparian Strategy commenced
Wingecarribee Environment Strategy 2010‐2011 ANNUAL REPORT
ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE
Objective 4.2 Clean and healthy urban streams and creeks Target Year 1: Develop management plans for all creeks flowing through the urban areas of Moss Vale, Bowral & Mittagong Progress against Year 1 Target: Consultant engaged to prepare Mittagong Creek Riparian Management Plan
Objective 4.3 Revegetation and rehabilitation of Council managed land riparian land Target Year 1: Management plans developed for all riparian lands managed by council. Priority riparian areas identified through plans and Wetland Strategy planted with 5,000 native plants. (Wingecarribee, Bong Bong Common, Paddy’s River, Nattai River) Progress against Year 1 Target: Minimal progress with Riparian management plans Riparian land planted with 3,802 new plants National Tree Day held on riparian land along Whites Creek, Moss Vale
Wingecarribee Environment Strategy 2010‐2011 ANNUAL REPORT
ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE
. . .
ENVIRONMENT LEVY SURVEY Compared with other Councils, our shire has large expanses of bushland reserves and natural areas, providing opportunities for recreation as well as protecting local biodiversity and water quality. This gives the shire its unique character, however it also creates financial and management challenges for council who are caretakers of the many reserves and natural areas.
Wingecarribee Shire Council first obtained approval to charge an Environment Levy in 2000. The levy, renewed several times, has helped fund works and programs required for management of the natural environment. Activities funded through the environmental levy include:
Supporting the volunteer bushcare team who work in our Bushland reserves
Supporting community activities such as Schools Environment Day and National Tree Day
Managing riverside vegetation to help stop erosion and protect water quality.
Supporting rural landholders with incentives and advice on how to conserve habitat on their properties.
Funding Council staff that manage environmental projects and on‐ground works.
The current Environment Levy was approved for 5 years and is due to expire in June 2013. Council will apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) early next year for a continuation of the levy.
Council’s preference is for a permanent levy however it has developed a number of options concerning the future funding of environmental works, and is now seeking community comment for inclusion in its application to IPART.
It is important for Council to ensure residents understand these before providing feedback. This means the survey will take up to 15 minutes but it is very important to us to hear your views.
Please take a few minutes to read and complete our survey, then fold where marked, seal with a piece of tape and put it into any post box to be received by 9 December 2011. It is postage paid and being returned to an independent research company. All responses will be kept strictly confidential and a report prepared for Council outlining the community’s responses.
For further information please contact Barry Arthur, Manager Environment and Sustainability, on 4868 0888 or email [email protected].
Thank you in advance for taking the time to assist us in this way.
Find out more about the proposal: View displays in the Moss Vale Civic Centre or local libraries,
Participate in an online forum and view associated documents at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
Encourage others to have a say Let your friends and neighbours know about this consultation so they can have their say too.
We will be randomly selecting residents to participate in telephone and postal surveys in November.
The opportunity to complete a survey closes on Friday 9 December 2011 (to allow time to compile and analyse survey responses) however you can continue to comment in other ways until 27 January 2012.
Which type of rates do you pay? Take a look at the columns below.
How do the options affect you? Which option would you prefer?
RESIDENTIAL RATES BUSINESS RATES FARMLAND RATES
Option 1: No levy Under this option the 3.6% Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environment Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease.
Option 1: No levy Under this option the 1.73% Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environment Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease.
Option 1: No levy Under this option the 3.96% Environment Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environment Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease.
Option 2: Some levy Under this option, from July 2013 a new 1.86% Environment Levy is charged. The new levy would be 45% lower than the current environment levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average RESIDENTIAL rate payer would be charged $22.26 /year or 43 cents per week instead of 78 cents per week.
Option 2: Some levy Under this option, from July 2013 a new 0.93% Environment Levy is charged. The new levy would be 46.5% lower than the current environment levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average BUSINESS rate payer would be charged $29.48 /year or 57 cents per week instead of $1.06 per week.
Option 2: Some levy Under this option, from July 2013 a new 2.16% Environment Levy is charged. The new levy would be 46.5% lower than the current environment levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average FARMLAND rate payer would be charged $58.10 /year or $1.12 per week instead of $2.09 per week.
Option 3: Permanent levy Under this option, Council permanently collects the 3.6% Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average RESIDENTIAL rate payer $40.40/year which amounts to about 78 cents per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 3: Permanent levy Under this option, Council permanently collects the 1.73% Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average BUSINESS rate payer $53.50/year which amounts to about $1.03 per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 3: Permanent levy Under this option, Council permanently collects the 3.96% Environment Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average FARMLAND rate payer $105.47/year which amounts to about $2.03 per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time Under this option, the 3.6% Environment Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time. As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average RESIDENTIAL rate payer $40.40/year which amounts to about 78 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time Under this option, the 1.73% Environment Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time. As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average BUSINESS rate payer $53.50/year which amounts to about $1.03 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time Under this option, the 3.96% Environment Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time. As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average FARMLAND rate payer $105.47/year which amounts to about $2.03 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report.
Survey continued over page…
Not at all Extremely Important Important
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ENVIRONMENT LEVY SURVEY
Please place a tick in the boxes which appear closest to your answers.. 1. In which suburb or locality do you live? ______________________________________________ 2. Are you:
Male 1 Female 2
3. Which age bracket best describes you?
18‐34 years 1 35‐54 years 2 55‐69 years 3 70 or more years 4
4. Do you currently pay rates to Wingecarribee Shire Council?
Yes 1 Please proceed to Question 5 No 2 Please proceed to Question 6
5. What type of rates do you pay?
Residential 1 Business 2 Farmland 3 Not sure 4
6. Prior to this survey, were you aware of the Environment Levy that is a component of rates?
Yes 1 No 2 Not sure 3
7. Which option do you prefer? (Only choose one) See page 2 for more information.
Option 1: No levy 1 Please proceed to Question 8 Option 2: Some levy 2 Please proceed to Question 9 Option 3: Permanent levy 3 Please proceed to Question 9 Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time 4 Please proceed to Question 9
8. If you chose Option One – No Levy, why is this so?
Too expensive 1 Pay enough Council rates already 2 Environmental projects should be privately funded 3 Environment already has enough funding 4 Haven’t seen any benefits in my local area 6
Volunteers do this work 7 I just can’t afford it – all my bills are increasing 9 Other (please specify): _________________________________________
9. If the environment levy was set for a fixed period of time (rather than permanent), what period would you
support for the continuation of the Levy? 3 ‐ 5 years 1 6 – 10 years 2 11 – 15 years 3 More than 15 years 4
10. What importance do you place on the following programs? Please use a 1 – 10 scale, where 1 is not at all important and 10 is extremely important.
Water quality including maintaining healthy natural streams and creeks
Protect Wingecarribee’s distinct and diverse flora and fauna
Community environmental education
Sustainability initiatives to reduce resource consumption and waste
Weed management and maintenance of past project sites
11. If Council decides that the environmental program is to be funded from general rate funds, and not through an environment levy, which of the following services do you think Council could discontinue or reduce in order to fund the environmental program? (Choose as many as you like)
Pool facilities 1 Waste and recycling collection 8 Library services 2 Tourism 9 Sporting fields 3 Economic development 10 Road maintenance 4 Water and sewerage 11 Road construction 5 Sale yards 12 Community Halls 6 Development and building assessment 13 Parks and Gardens 7 Health inspections 14 None – all are important 15
Thank you very much for completing this survey. Wingecarribee Shire Council appreciates the time you have spent
answering these questions. Your responses will form part of a report to Council and subsequent application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) early next year but you will remain anonymous. Our research is carried out in compliance with the privacy act and the information you have provided will only be used for research purposes.
Please fold the page so your personal details are hidden to maintain privacy. Seal with tape and post it back to the research company to arrive no later than Friday 9 December 2011. No postage stamp is necessary.
Become an Our Future ‐ Our Choice ‐ Our Say member Join other residents and become an Our Future ‐ Our Choice ‐ Our Say member. You will be provided with opportunities
to have a say about important decisions affecting the Wingecarribee local government area and also receive information about shire wide and locality specific projects.
Please provide your email address:
Questions/ Statement RESPONSE GO
TO Good morning, my name is xxxxxx from OWL Research & Marketing Pty Ltd.. We have been commissioned by Wingecarribee Shire Council to conduct a survey amongst a random selection of residents, concerning proposals for the Environmental Levy which is currently charged as part of your rates. This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. May I please speak to: CHECK QUOTA. IF NOT AVAILABLE MAKE APPOINTMENT TO CALL BACK. Respondent Name______________________ Phone Number ________________ Time of Appointment ____________________________________________________________________________________________ READ STATEMENT: In October last year Wingecarribee Shire Council undertook research to identify our community’s priorities. 84% of survey respondents told us that healthy, natural urban streams and creeks were very important or important. 78% thought the restoration of natural bushland was very important or important. And 75% rated community environmental initiatives as very important or important. Compared with other Councils, our shire has large expanses of bushland reserves and natural areas, providing opportunities for recreation as well as protecting local biodiversity and water quality. This gives the shire its unique character, however it also creates financial and management challenges for council who are caretakers of the many reserves and natural areas. Wingecarribee Shire Council first obtained approval to charge an Environmental Levy in 2000. The levy, renewed several times, has helped fund works and programs required for management of the natural environment. Activities funded through the environmental levy include:
• Supporting the volunteer bushcare team who work in our Bushland reserves • Supporting community activities such as Schools Environment Day and National Tree Day • Managing riverside vegetation to help stop erosion and protect water quality. • Supporting rural landholders with incentives and advice on how to conserve habitat on their properties. • Funding 8 Council staff that manage environmental projects and on-ground works.
The current Environmental Levy was approved for 5 years and is due to expire in June 2013. Council is applying to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) early next year to seek approval in order to continue to collect the levy on a permanent basis. Council has developed a number of options concerning the future funding of environmental works, and is now seeking community comment for inclusion in its application to IPART. It is important for Council to ensure residents understand these before voting on their preference. This means the survey will take up to 15 minutes BUT it is VERY important to us to hear your views. Do you have time now to complete the survey or could we call you back at a more convenient time? Firstly a few questions about you and your location to ensure that our sample is a good representation of our community.
Q1. Where are you located? AVOCA AYLMERTON BANGADILLY BARREN GROUNDS BARRENGARRY BEAUMONT BELANGLO BERRIMA BONG BONG BOWRAL BRAEMAR BUDGONG BULLIO BUNDANOON BURRADOO
KNIGHTS HILL MACQUARIE PASS MANCHESTER SQUARE MANDEMAR MEDWAY MERYLA MITTAGONG MOSS VALE MOUNT LINDSEY MOUNT MURRAY MYRA VALE NEW BERRIMA PADDYS RIVER PENROSE PHEASANT GROUND RED ROCKS
(pre-coded all towns/villages/districts)
Q2
BURRAWANG CALWALLA CANYONLEIGH CARRINGTON FALLS COLO VALE EAST BOWRAL EAST KANGALOON EXETER FITZROY FALLS GLENQUARRY HIGH RANGE HILL TOP JOADJA KANGALOON KANGAROO VALLEY
ROBERTSON SUTTON FOREST TALLONG UPPER KANGAROO RIVER UPPER KANGAROO VALLEY WATTLE RIDGE WELBY WERAI WILDES MEADOW WILLOW VALE WINGELLO WOODLANDS YARRUNGA YERRINBOOL
Q2. Gender Male / Female Q3
Q3. Age Under 18 – too young 18-34 35-54 55-69 70 or more
Q4
Q4. Do you currently pay rates to Wingecarribee Shire Council? Yes / no Q6
Q5.Prior to this interview, were you aware of the Environmental Levy that is a component of rates?
Yes / no Q5
Q6. Is that on residential, business or farmland? Residential Farmland Business Other (Specify) _________
Divert to info & questions specific to each rate type
READ STATEMENT: As I mentioned, the current Environmental Levy has been in place since 2008 and Council is now seeking your opinion on options concerning the future funding of environmental works. In 2012 the Levy will cost the average residential rate payer $40.40/year which amounts to about 78 cents per week or 3.56% of your rates. It is important to Council that you understand the following proposals, including the potential costs to you into the future. Council has come up with four options for you to choose from. We call them a choice between No Levy, Some Levy, Permanent Levy and Continue Levy For A Time. I will explain these to you now and then repeat them, asking you to choose your preference. Option 1 : No levy . Under this option the Environmental Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environmental Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease. Option 2: Some levy . Under this option, from July 2013 a new 1.86% Environmental Levy is charged. The new levy would be 45% lower than the current environmental levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average residential rate payer would be charged $22.26 /year or 43 cents per week instead of 78 cents per week. Option 3: Permanent levy . Under this option, Council permanently collects the Environmental Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average residential rate payer $40.40/year which amounts to about 78 cents per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report. Option 4 : Continue Levy For A Time . Under this option, the Environmental Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time . As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average residential
rate payer $40.40/year which amounts to about 78 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report. I’ll now summarise the options so you can make your selection.
Q7. Which option do you prefer? Would you want me to give you a brief recap of each option or just list them?
Option 1: No levy . The Environmental Levy ceases in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates with Council determining either to fund some environmental services out of its general budget including reductions in other services OR ceasing all environmental projects and activities currently funded by the levy.
Q8
Option 2: Some levy . The Council introduces a new reduced Environmental Levy that is 1.86% of your rates. This lower levy would fund substantially less environmental services and works than under the current environmental levy.
Q9
Option 3: Permanent levy . Council continues to permanently collect the Environmental Levy at the current rate.
Q9
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time . The Environmental Levy would be continued at the current rate, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time.
Q9
Q8. If you consider that the current Environmental Levy should not be continued – why is this so?
Options for interviewer to mark – NOT read to participant Remove 5 & 8 for online and
printed versions 1 Too expensive
2 Pay enough Council rates already
3 Environmental projects should be privately funded
4 Environment already has enough funding 5 Should be paid for out of carbon taxes
6 Haven’t seen any benefits in my local area 7 Volunteers to do this work
8 Too much money is being spent on wages and not enough on ground work 9 I just can’t afford it – all my bills are increasing
10 Other (Specify) ______
Free text response
Q10
Q9. If the environmental levy was set for a fixed period of time (rather than permanent), what period would you support for the continuation of the Levy? a) 3 - 5 years b) 6 – 10 years c) 11 – 15 years d) Greater than 15 years
Q10
Q10. From the list below what IMPORTANCE do you place on the following projects… RATE OUT OF 10
Q11
� Water quality including maintaining healthy natural streams and creeks � Protect Wingecarribee’s distinct and diverse natural environment � Community environmental education � Sustainability initiatives supporting the community to reduce resource consumption and
waste � Weed management and maintenance of past project sites
response 1-10 Scale 1 to 10
READ STATEMENT:
If Council decides that the environmental program is to be funded from general rate funds and not through an environmental levy…
Q11. Which of the following services do you think Council could discontinue or reduce in order to fund the environmental program? I’m going to list them and you can choose as many as you like – please stop me if I read one you’d like to choose
thankyou
a) Pool facilities b) Library services c) Sporting fields d) Road maintenance
e) Road construction f) Community halls g) Parks and gardens h) Waste and recycling collection i) Tourism j) Economic development k) Water and sewerage l) Saleyards m) Development and building assessment n) Health inspections o) None – all are important Thank you for participating in our survey. Wingecarribee Shire Council appreciates the time you have spent answering these questions.
Your responses will form part of a report to Council but you will remain anonymous.
Our research is carried out in compliance with the privacy act and the information that
you have provided will only be used for research purposes.
To see what other residents are saying about the environment levy and to participate in
online forums, visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au
Become an Our Future - Our Choice - Our Say member Join other residents and become an Our Future - Our Choice - Our Say member. Members will be provided with
opportunities to have a say about important decisions affecting the Wingecarribee local government area and also
receive information about shire wide and locality specific projects.
Please give us your contact details. Your name: ____________________________Day time Phone _________________ Email _________________________________Your suburb ___________________ Or contact Council staff to register Charmaine Cooper Phone 4868 0861
BUSINESS As I mentioned, the current Environmental Levy has been in place since 2008 and Council is now seeking your opinion on options concerning the future funding of environmental works. From July 2012 the Levy will cost the average BUSINESS rate payer $53.50/year which amounts to about $1.03 per week or 1.73% of your rates. It is important to Council that you understand the following proposals, including the potential costs to you into the future. Council has come up with four options for you to choose from. We call them a choice between No Levy, Some Levy, Permanent Levy and Continue Levy For A Time. I will explain these to you now and then repeat them, asking you to choose your preference. Option 1 : No levy . Under this option the 1.73% Environmental Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environmental Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease. Option 2: Some levy . Under this option, from July 2013 a new 0.93% Environmental Levy is charged. The new levy would be 46.5% lower than the current environmental levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average BUSINESS rate payer would be charged $29.48 /year or 57 cents per week instead of $1.06 per week. Option 3: Permanent levy . Under this option, Council permanently collects the 1.73% Environmental Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average BUSINESS rate payer $53.50/year which amounts to about $1.03 per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report. Option 4 : Continue Levy For A Time . Under this option, the 1.73% Environmental Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time . As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average BUSINESS rate payer $53.50/year which amounts to about $1.03 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report. I’ll now summarise the options so you can make your selection.
Q7. Which option do you prefer? Would you want me to give you a brief recap of each option or just list them?
Option 1: No levy . The Environmental Levy ceases in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates with Council determining either to fund some environmental services out of its general budget including reductions in other services OR ceasing all environmental projects and activities currently funded by the levy.
Q8
Option 2: Some levy . The Council introduces a new reduced Environmental Levy that is 0.93% of your rates. This lower levy would fund substantially less environmental services and works than under the current environmental levy.
Q9
Option 3: Permanent levy . Council continues to permanently collect the 1.73% Environmental Levy at the current rate.
Q9
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time . The 1.73% Environmental Levy would be continued at the current rate, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time.
Q9
FARMLAND As I mentioned, the current Environmental Levy has been in place since 2008 and Council is now seeking your opinion on options concerning the future funding of environmental works. From July 2012 the Levy will cost the average FARMLAND rate payer $105.47/year which amounts to about $2.03 per week or 3.96% of your rates. It is important to Council that you understand the following proposals, including the potential costs to you into the future. Council has come up with four options for you to choose from. We call them a choice between No Levy, Some Levy, Permanent Levy and Continue Levy For A Time. I will explain these to you now and then repeat them, asking you to choose your preference. Option 1 : No levy . Under this option the 3.96% Environmental Levy would cease in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates. Under this option Council could either: (A) Consider what level of environmental services it could continue to afford at the expense of reducing other council services. For example, some facilities may be closed, opening hours for some services could be reduced and/or less maintenance undertaken OR (B) The Environmental Levy and all environmental projects and activities funded by it would cease. Option 2: Some levy . Under this option, from July 2013 a new 2.16% Environmental Levy is charged. The new levy would be 46.5% lower than the current environmental levy and may mean community environmental events, revegetation projects, weed management, private landholder programs or sustainability initiatives would have to be reduced under this option. Under this option a reduced level of environmental services would mean the average FARMLAND rate payer would be charged $58.10 /year or $1.12 per week instead of $2.09 per week. Option 3: Permanent levy . Under this option, Council permanently collects the 3.96% Environmental Levy, effectively becoming part of the annual rates charge but itemised separately on your bill. For example from July 2012 the levy would cost the average FARMLAND rate payer $105.47/year which amounts to about $2.03 per week. Long term environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy projects and spending would be documented each year in Council’s annual report. Option 4 : Continue Levy For A Time . Under this option, the 3.96% Environmental Levy would be continued, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time . As in option 3, from July 2012 the levy would cost the average FARMLAND rate payer $105.47/year which amounts to about $2.03 cents per week. For a fixed time environmental works and initiatives could be planned and carried out, ensuring the shire maintains, protects and enhances its distinct and diverse natural environment. Levy related projects and spending on works would be documented each year in Council’s annual report. I’ll now summarise the options so you can make your selection.
Q7. Which option do you prefer? Would you want me to give you a brief recap of each option or just list them?
Option 1: No levy . The Environmental Levy ceases in June 2013 and would be removed from your rates with Council determining either to fund some environmental services out of its general budget including reductions in other services OR ceasing all environmental projects and activities currently funded by the levy.
Q8
Option 2: Some levy . The Council introduces a new reduced Environmental Levy that is 2.16% of your rates. This lower levy would fund substantially less environmental services and works than under the current environmental levy.
Q9
Option 3: Permanent levy . Council continues to permanently collect the 3.96% Environmental Levy at the current rate.
Q9
Option 4: Continue Levy For A Time . The 3.96% Environmental Levy would be continued at the current rate, not permanently, but for a fixed period of time.
Q9
SHIRE COUNCIL
Artwork by Sarah Clegg. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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New Year’s Day Additional Day
Australia Day
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World Wetlands Day
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Schools Clean Up Day
Clean Up Australia Day
World Water Day
Artwork by Katerina Kaczor. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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Earth Day
Good Friday Easter Saturday
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Anzac Day
Artwork by Tim Ryan. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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Artwork by Francesca Morrison. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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World Environment Day
Queen’s Birthday
Artwork by Lucy Gabor. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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Artwork by Honey Healy-Green. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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Bank Holiday ***
Artwork by Amanda Grieco. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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Threatened Species Day
Sustainable House Day
Artwork by Jasper Mevissen. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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World Animal Day Labour Day
Artwork by Maddie Kerr. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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World Fisheries Day
Artwork by Peter Kasseroler. St Michaels School, Mittagong
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Christmas Day Boxing Day
SHIRE COUNCIL
Wingecarribee Council
2007 Environmental Management Survey
Management Report DRAFT REPORT
Prepared for
Prepared by IRIS Research Ltd
September 2007
IRIS Research ABN 16 002 278 793 Porter Street Annex, The University of Wollongong, 22 Porter Street, Nth Wollongong
Postal address: Northfields Ave, Wollongong. NSW 2522 Telephone: (02) 4229 4777 Fax: (02)4227 2987 Net: http://www.iris.org.au Email: [email protected]
I n s i g h t f o r B u s i n e s s & G o v e r n m e n t
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................... III
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 STUDY OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 ATTITUDE MEASUREMENT .................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 DATA ANALYSIS .............................................................................................................................. 2
1.5 SURVEY RESPONSE........................................................................................................................... 4
SURVEY RESULTS .......................................................................................................... 5
2 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF CONCERN.............................................................. 6
2.1 IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES .................................................................................................. 6
3 AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES........................................................... 7
3.1 PROBLEM ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES..................................................................................................... 7
3.2 COUNCIL INVOLVEMENT .................................................................................................................. 9
3.3 SATISFACTION WITH COUNCIL PERFORMANCE .................................................................................. 10
4 COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TO THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................... 12
4.1 COMMUNITY ATTITUDES ................................................................................................................. 12
4.2 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION .......................................................................................................... 14
5 AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY AND RELATED PROJECTS.................. 16
5.1 AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY............................................................................................ 16
5.2 AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS .................................................................................... 17
6 AWARENESS OF COUNCIL’S ROLE & PERCEIVED PERFORMANCE.................... 18
6.1 OVERALL PERFORMANCE............................................................................................................... 18
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report ii
6.2 ISSUES INFLUENCING OVERALL SATISFACTION RATINGS ...................................................................... 20
6.3 OVERALL STATE OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT............................................................................... 22
APPENDIX 1: SURVEY METHODOLOGY ................................................................ 24
SAMPLE DESIGN ...................................................................................................................................... 24
DATA COLLECTION .................................................................................................................................. 25
RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................... 25
WEIGHTING ADJUSTMENT.......................................................................................................................... 26
SURVEY ACCURACY................................................................................................................................. 26
APPENDIX 2: QUESTIONNAIRE .............................................................................. 27
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
IRIS Research was commissioned by Wingecarribee Council to conduct this study with the
intention of identifying key environmental issues that the local area faces. The broad goal of
the study was to determine how the community believes that funding from the environmental
levy should be ultilised, and to gauge the level of satisfaction with Council’s recent efforts to
protect and improve the natural environment.
A total of 312 completed interviews were collected from a random sample of residents from
throughout the Wingecarribee local government area. Strict sampling procedures ensured
that characteristics of selected respondents mirrored those of the overall adult population of
the area (based on Census data).
Important Environmental Issues
§ When asked to identify the most important environmental issue facing the
Wingecarribee area, nearly half of respondents indicated that they were concerned
about water supply (43.7%).
§ Overdevelopment/ overcrowding was the second most mentioned issues at 18.7%,
while the protection/ clearing of trees and bushland was third at 10.4%.
Awareness of Environmental Issues
§ Overdevelopment/ overcrowding and noxious weeds were clearly identified as the 2
biggest environmental problems in the Wingecarribee area. With a mean score of 6.3
out of 10, just over half of survey respondents believed that overdevelopment and
overcrowding were a problem. 45.8% of respondents indicated that noxious weeds
were a problem, with a mean score of 6.2.
§ Air pollution fell far behind other issues in terms of being a problem in the region. Only
12.7% of those surveyed identified it as a problem, resulting in a low mean score of 3.3
out of 10.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report iv
§ At least 9 in every 10 respondents believed that Council should be involved in waste
management, recycling and reuse of resources (97.1%), the maintenance of public
reserves and natural bush areas (95.2%), the controlling of water pollution (93.4%) and
the removal of noxious weeds (93.3%).
§ Wingecarribee residents gave the Council’s performance in addressing waste
management, recycling and reuse of resources the highest satisfaction rating out of
the list of environmental issues. 56.9% of respondents indicated a high level of
satisfaction, resulting in a moderate mean score of 6.5 out of 10.
§ While overdevelopment/ overcrowding and noxious weeds are considered the biggest
problems facing Wingecarribee, the Council’s handling of these issues were given the
lowest satisfaction ratings (4.4 and 4.5 out of 10 respectively).
Community Attitudes to the Environment
§ The results of the attitude measurements indicate that Wingecarribee residents are
fairly environmentally conscious. 86.4% feel obliged to do things that help the
environment, while 82.0% believe that the community has a major role to play in
conserving the natural environment.
§ While two thirds of survey respondents believe that it is the Council’s responsibility to
improve the environment, only 38.5% felt informed about what Council was actually
doing in this regard.
§ While only 10% of respondents indicated that they were actively involved in any
environmental or landcare type organization, 29% have participated in an
environmental program or organized community clean-up initiative in the past 18
months.
§ 39% of those surveyed indicated that they are likely to participate in an environmental
program or organized community clean-up initiative in the next 12 months, while
another 19% suggested they might.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report v
Awareness of the Environmental Levy & Related Projects
§ 52% of surveyed respondents were aware of the Environmental Levy.
§ The environmental projects undertaken by Council that local residents are most familiar
with include supporting the work of volunteer landcare and bushcare groups, the
targeting of illegal rubbish dumping, bush regeneration, and the control of noxious
weeds.
Awareness of Council’s Role & Perceived Performance
§ 33.7% of survey respondents indicated that they were highly satisfied with Council’s
overall performance in managing the local environment, resulting in a fairly neutral
mean score of 5.6 out of 10.
§ Just over half of local residents surveyed indicated a high level of satisfaction with the
current state of the natural environment in the Wingecarribee area, resulting in a
moderate mean score of 6.4.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
This study was commissioned by Wingecarribee Council with the intention of identifying
key environmental issues that the local area faces. The broad goal of the study was to
determine how the community believes that funding from the environmental levy should
be ultilised, and to gauge the level of satisfaction with Council’s recent efforts to protect
and improvement the natural environment.
1.2 STUDY OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives for the Community Survey were to:
Ø Identify the key environmental issues for urban and rural communities;
Ø Understand the community’s awareness of the programs that the
environmental levy has assisted;
Ø Determine the key areas that the Wingecarribee community would
prefer the environmental levy to be allocated;
Ø Determine the community’s satisfaction with the overall performance of
Council in addressing the environmental issues facing the region; and
Ø Determine the community’s satisfaction with the current state of the
natural environment in Wingecarribee.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 2
1.3 ATTITUDE MEASUREMENT
The three separate attitude scales used in this survey are shown below: they are used by
survey respondents to rate problem, satisfaction and agreement. Results from these
ratings form the basis of much of the analysis in this report.
Problem scale Satisfaction scale Agreement Scale 0 = Not at all a problem 0 = Very dissatisfied 1 = Strongly disagree 1 … 1 … 2… 2 … 2 … 3… 3 … 3 … 4… 4 … 4 … 5 = Strongly agree 5 … 5 … 6 … 6 … 7 … 7 … 8 … 8 … 9 … 9 … 10 = Major problem 10 = Very satisfied
For all rating scales, those respondents who could not provide a rating, either because
the question did not apply to them or they had no opinion, were coded as a non-
response (i.e. 11 = ‘Can’t say’).
1.4 DATA ANALYSIS
Results have been presented in a standardised way in this report. Rating scale results
have generally been presented in two basic forms. Firstly, the numeric values recorded
for each issue have been converted into an overall mean score out of ten for the
problem and satisfaction scales, and out of five for the agreement scale. To derive the
mean score for an attribute, all respondents' answers are 'averaged' to produce an
overall rating that conveniently expresses the result of scale items in a single numeric
figure. The mean score makes data interpretation considerably easier when comparing
multiple issues.
On the whole, a mean score is a good measure of the overall agreement, problem,
satisfaction or priorities measured in the sample group. However, two issues with the
same mean score could have vastly different dispersions of opinion, leading to a gap in
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 3
any interpretation of results. This potential problem can be avoided by considering the
collapsed frequency distribution tables presented in this report, which serve to highlight
possible differences between seemingly similar mean scores. Hence, in this report the
results have also been summarised into collapsed frequency distributions as shown in the
table below.
Table 1-1 Reporting collapsed frequency distributions
Scale values
Scale type 0-3 4-6 7-10
Problem Low Medium High
Satisfaction Low Medium High
Scale values
Scale type 1-2 3 4-5
Agreement Disagree Neutral Agree
Analysis of the survey results was carried out by IRIS using SPSS statistical analysis software.
Frequency counts, cross tabulations and charts have been used to present basic
descriptive results in most sections of the report. Other statistical procedures were used to
conduct significance tests. Where proportions have been reported for groups of
respondents (e.g. males 65% vs. females 75%) Pearson’s Chi-Square was the test statistic
used to determine whether group results were indeed significantly different. When
comparing mean scores for interval data (e.g. 16-24yrs = 5.4, 25-34 = 5.6, 35-54 = 5.8 &
55+ = 5.7) analysis of variance (ANOVA) was the primary statistical test used to
investigate whether results were significantly different. Where more than two groups
were being compared, post-hoc tests were applied: Bonferroni (equal variance
assumed) and Games-Howel (equal variance not assumed). Post-hoc tests highlight
exactly which groups have differing results where more than two groups are being
compared.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 4
1.5 SURVEY RESPONSE
A total of 312 completed interviews were collected from a random sample of residents
from throughout the Wingecarribee local government area. Strict sampling procedures
ensured that characteristics of selected respondents mirrored those of the overall adult
population of the area (based on Census data). Table 1-3 provides an overview of the
distribution of key respondent characteristics.
Table 1-2 Sample Respondent Characteristics
Proportion of Sex (%)
Characteristic Male Female Overall
Age Group
16-24yrs 6.7 7.7 14.4
25-34yrs 5.4 7.1 12.5
35-54yrs 19.6 20.2 39.7
55+ yrs 16.3 17.0 33.3
Please refer to Appendix 1 for a detailed description of the survey methodology.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 5
SURVEY RESULTS
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 6
2 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF CONCERN
2.1 IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Often the most deeply insightful responses to any community survey are those where the
respondent is free to raise the issues they feel are most important about the area they live
in. In an effort to get a “finger on the pulse” of the key issues for residents, survey
respondents were asked to nominate a major environmental issue facing the
Wingecarribee area. Respondents were afforded the opportunity to mention up to three
separate issues. Table 2-1 provides a summary of the issue themes to emerge.
Table 2-1 Major environmental issues facing Wingecarribee Council area
MAJOR ISSUE % OF SAMPLE
Water supply 43.7
Development/ Over-development 18.7
Protection/clearing of trees & bush land 10.4
Rubbish/ Waste management 8.9
Care/pollution of waterways 8.4
Pollution 6.1
Sewerage 3.8
Road conditions 3.8
Recycling/ Green waste 3.7
Bushfire protection/ Burning off 3.6
Preserve rural atmosphere 3.1
Energy consumption 3.0
Weeds 2.8
Public transport 2.6
Parks 2.5
Town planning/ Town appearance 2.1
Flooding/ Storm water drainage 1.8
Noise pollution 1.4
Traffic 1.3
Global warming 1.1
Feral animals 1.1
Protection of wildlife 0.9
Other 9.8
Non response 18.3
Note: Multiple responses allowed.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 7
3 AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
3.1 PROBLEM ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Now I am going to read out a list of broad environmental issues.
For each issue I want to get your opinion about whether or not is a problem in the Wingecarribee area. Use a scale from 0-10, where a rating of 0 means you think the issue
is “not a problem at all” and 10 means it is a “major problem” in your area.
Table 3-1 Composite Importance Ratings for Key Service Areas
Importance Rating (%)
Environmental Issue (rank order) NR Low (0-3)
Medium (4-6)
High (7-10)
Mean Score
(out of 10)
Over-development/ Over crowding 1.6 18.4 27.8 52.2 6.3
Noxious weeds 6.1 15.1 32.9 45.8 6.2
Energy used in homes and businesses 4.9 21.7 38.9 34.4 5.4
Creek management 12.8 20.5 34.7 31.9 5.4
Maintenance of public reserves and natural bush areas
1.5 28.6 35.8 34.1 5.2
Sustainable living 5.6 23.5 41.3 29.5 5.2
Impacts of global warming 7.6 26.7 34.7 30.9 5.1
Threat to wildlife and biodiversity 4.2 28.4 39.3 28.1 5.0
Obstruction of rural views and vistas 2.3 39.5 31.6 26.6 4.5
Waste management, recycling, reuse of resources
0.4 43.7 29.9 26.1 4.5
Water pollution 5.7 38.0 35.5 20.7 4.4
Water Supply 3.1 46.9 25.1 24.9 4.2
Air pollution 0.8 61.2 25.3 12.7 3.3
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 8
Key Results:
§ Overdevelopment/ overcrowding and noxious weeds were clearly identified as the 2
biggest environmental problems in the Wingecarribee area. With a mean score of 6.3
out of 10, just over half of survey respondents believed that overdevelopment and
overcrowding were a problem. 45.8% of respondents indicated that noxious weeds
were a problem, with a mean score of 6.2.
§ Air pollution fell far behind other issues in terms of being a problem in the region. Only
12.7% of those surveyed identified it as a problem, resulting in a low mean score of 3.3
out of 10.
§ ANOVA testing revealed that females were statistically more likely to consider air
pollution, threats to wildlife and biodiversity, overdevelopment/ overcrowding, global
warming and energy consumption as environmental problems.
§ Persons aged 35-54 years were statistically more likely to believe that water pollution,
energy consumption and the maintenance of public reserves and natural bush areas
were environmental problems facing the region than were older respondents aged
55 years and over. Youth were also less likely to rate the maintenance of public
reserves and natural bush areas as a problem than 35-54 year olds, as well as
regarding noxious weeds as less of a problem.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 9
3.2 COUNCIL INVOLVEMENT
Now I am going go through the same list and I want you to:
First, tell me whether you think that Council should be involved in addressing that issue.
Table 3-2 NEED FOR COUNCIL INVOLVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Issue Number Percent
Waste management, recycling, reuse of resources 303 97.1%
Maintenance of public reserves and natural bush areas 297 95.2%
Controlling water pollution 291 93.4%
Removal of noxious weeds 291 93.3%
Controlling over-development/ Over crowding 280 89.7%
Managing water Supply 279 89.5%
Preservation of rural views and vistas 276 88.5%
Creek maintenance 276 88.3%
Encouraging sustainable living 257 82.2%
Protecting wildlife and biodiversity 254 81.5%
Encouraging reduced energy used in homes and businesses 252 80.8%
Controlling air pollution 220 70.5%
Impacts of global warming 163 52.1%
Key Results:
§ At least 9 in every 10 respondents believed that Council should be involved in waste
management, recycling and reuse of resources (97.1%), the maintenance of public
reserves and natural bush areas (95.2%), the controlling of water pollution (93.4%) and
the removal of noxious weeds (93.3%).
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 10
3.3 SATISFACTION WITH COUNCIL PERFORMANCE
Could you tell me your perception of Council’s performance in assessing each of these issues. Again, use a scale from 0-10, where a rating of 0 means you are “very dissatisfied” and 10 means you are “very satisfied” with Council’s performance in this area.
Table 3-3 Composite Satisfaction Ratings for Council Performance with Environmental Issues
Satisfaction Rating (%)
Environmental Issue (rank order) NR Low (0-3)
Medium (4-6)
High (7-10)
Mean Score
(out of 10)
Waste management, recycling, reuse of resources 2.2 13.1 27.8 56.9 6.5
Managing water Supply 5.7 12.8 36.7 44.8 6.0
Controlling air pollution 9.5 11.1 45.8 33.6 5.9
Controlling water pollution 8.1 11.4 46.8 33.7 5.7
Protecting wildlife and biodiversity 6.9 11.5 49.4 32.1 5.7
Maintenance of public reserves and natural bush areas
3.8 20.1 45.7 30.4 5.3
Creek maintenance 9.2 19.9 49.2 21.7 5.1
Impacts of global warming 16.1 13.1 55.7 15.1 5.0
Preservation of rural views and vistas 5.8 25.7 44.3 24.1 4.9
Encouraging reduced energy used in homes and businesses
7.3 24.2 48.7 19.8 4.9
Encouraging sustainable living 5.5 26.4 50.5 17.6 4.6
Removal of noxious weeds 6.0 30.0 44.0 20.0 4.5
Controlling over-development/ Over crowding 1.5 37.0 39.1 22.4 4.4
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 11
Key Results:
§ Wingecarribee residents gave the Council’s performance in addressing waste
management, recycling and reuse of resources the highest satisfaction rating out of
the list of environmental issues. 56.9% of respondents indicated a high level of
satisfaction, resulting in a moderate mean score of 6.5 out of 10.
§ While overdevelopment/ overcrowding and noxious weeds are considered the
biggest problems facing Wingecarribee, the Council’s handling of these issues were
given the lowest satisfaction ratings (4.4 and 4.5 out of 10 respectively).
§ ANOVA testing indicated that males have a tendency to be more satisfied with
Council’s performance in dealing with environmental issues, particularly in regards to
water supply and air pollution.
§ The only statistically significant variations in satisfaction based on age were that
residents in the 55 years and over age bracket were more highly satisfied with how
Council was controlling air pollution, as well as waste management, recycling and
the reuse of resources.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 12
4 COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TO THE ENVIRONMENT
4.1 COMMUNITY ATTITUDES
I am going to read out a number of statements and would like you to tell me whether you agree or disagree. I would like you to use a scale from 1-5, where a rating of 1 means “strongly agree” and 5 means “strongly disagree”.
Table 4-1 Composite Community Attitude Ratings
Attitude Rating (%)
Environmental Issue (rank order) NR Low (1-2)
Medium (3)
High (4-5)
Mean Score
(out of 5)
I feel obliged to do things to help the environment
0.4 3.6 9.6 86.4 4.4
The community should play a major role in managing the natural environment
0.8 4.2 13.0 82.0 4.3
Council’s policies in relation to things like transport, urban development and planning should be encouraging sustainable living practices
1.3 11.1 18.2 69.3 4.0
It is Council’s responsibility to maintain and improve the environment 0.4 13.2 20.9 65.5 3.9
Council works with the community on dealing with environmental and waste issues
1.5 14.7 18.0 65.8 3.8
I feel informed on what Council is doing for the environment
2.4 33.2 25.9 38.5 3.1
Key Results:
§ The results of the above attitude measurements indicate that Wingecarribee
residents are fairly environmentally conscious. 86.4% feel obliged to do things that
help the environment, while 82.0% believe that the community has a major role to
play in conserving the natural environment.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 13
§ While two thirds of survey respondents believe that it is the Council’s responsibility to
improve the environment, only 38.5% felt informed about what Council was actually
doing in this regard.
§ The results of ANOVA testing revealed that females were statistically more likely to
agree that it was Council’s responsibility to improve the environment and that they
felt obliged to do things to help the environment.
§ ANOVA testing also indicated that the region’s youth feel less obliged to actively
help the environment, and less informed about Council’s environmental initiatives.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 14
4.2 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Are you an active member of any environmental or landcare type organisation?
Figure 4-2 Distribution of Overall Satisfaction Ratings
Yes10%
No90%
In the past 12 to 18 months have you participated in an environmental program or organised community clean-up initiative?
Figure 4-3 Distribution of Overall Satisfaction Ratings
Yes29%
No71%
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 15
Are you likely to participate in environmental programs or a community clean-up initiative in the next 12 months?
Figure 4-4 Distribution of Overall Satisfaction Ratings
Yes39%
No42%
Maybe19%
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 16
5 AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY AND RELATED PROJECTS
5.1 AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY
Wingecarribee Council has an Environmental Levy that is used to pay for important environmental projects. Are you aware that this levy exists?
Figure 6-1 Distribution of Overall Satisfaction Ratings
Yes52%
No48%
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 17
5.2 AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
Are you aware of any of the following environmental projects that are undertaken by Council?
Figure 6-1 Distribution of Overall Satisfaction Ratings
32.4%
33.7%
36.2%
36.9%
37.0%
41.5%
47.7%
48.1%
55.3%
57.6%
66.7%
71.3%
72.1%
74.3%
67.6%
66.3%
63.8%
63.1%
63.0%
58.5%
52.3%
51.9%
44.7%
42.4%
33.3%
28.7%
27.9%
25.7%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Preparing an Environmental Management System
Assisting industry to comply w ith the NSW pollution controllegislation
Improved environmental management of local commercial andindustrial operations
Providing incentives for private landow ners to conserveendanagered remnant bush
Conservation of high value bushland in public ow nership
Construction of litter traps on stormw ater pipes flow ing intocreeks
Supporting community education events (eg EnvironmentFair)
Improving sediment and erosion controls on developmentsites
Feral animial control in bushland reserves
Restoration of creek banks and w etlands
Control of environmental and nxious weeds
Bush regeneration in bushland reserves
Targeting of illegal dumpers supported by the Regional IllegalDumping Squad
Support w ork of the volunteer landcare and bushcare groups
Yes No
Key Results:
§ The environmental projects undertaken by Council that local residents are most
familiar with include supporting the work of volunteer landcare and bushcare groups,
targeting illegal rubbish dumping, bush regeneration, and the control of noxious
weeds.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 18
6 AWARENESS OF COUNCIL’S ROLE & PERCEIVED
PERFORMANCE
6.1 OVERALL PERFORMANCE
To gauge the overall performance of Council in preserving and improving the natural
environment, survey respondents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with
Council’s overall performance in managing the local environment during the 12 month
period preceding the survey.
The results for this question are displayed in Figure 6-1, which shows the distribution of
responses on the 11-point scale.
Figure 6-1 Distribution of Overall Satisfaction Ratings
4.3%
1.4%3.3%
2.1%
8.0%
29.6%
15.2%
19.4%
9.7%
2.6% 2.1% 2.4%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
0
Very
dissatisfied
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Very
satisfied
Can't
Say
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 19
Table 6-1 Composite Satisfaction Ratings for Overall Council Performance
Satisfaction Rating (%)
NR Low (0-3)
Medium (4-6)
High (7-10)
Mean Score
(out of 10)
Overall Performance 2.4 11.0 52.8 33.7 5.6
Key Results:
§ 33.7% of survey respondents indicated that they were highly satisfied with Council’s
overall performance in managing the local environment, resulting in a fairly neutral
mean score of 5.6 out of 10.
§ Nearly two thirds of those surveyed gave a score of between 5 and 7 out of 10 for this
question.
§ ANOVA testing indicated that residents aged 16-24 years old were statistically
significantly more likely to give a higher satisfaction rating for Council’s performance.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 20
6.2 ISSUES INFLUENCING OVERALL SATISFACTION RATINGS
In an effort to drill down to key issues influencing their overall satisfaction rating,
respondents then were asked this follow-up question:
In giving your rating, has any issue strongly influenced your view, either in a positive or
negative way? If yes, what was the main issue?
Table 6-2 Positive or Negative Influences on Satisfaction Rating
Main reason Number Percent
Yes: positive 55 17.5%
Yes: negative 103 33.1%
No 154 49.4%
For the 312 respondents who stated that there was an issue, interviewers probed for
detail about the specific issue of concern. Figure 6-2 provides a list of respondent
comments.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 21
Figure 6-2 Underlying Positive & Negative Influencers
What issue
influenced your
rating most?
NEGATIVE INFLUENCERS
Description % of
sample
Yes: negative 33.1
Development/ Over-development 16.1
Rubbish collection & maintenance 12.9
Pollution/ Upkeep of waterways 8.8
Council needs to do more 4.7
Tree clearing 4.6
Road maintenance/ management 4.5
Lack of environmental concern/ management 4.5
Not aware of Council initiatives 3.6
Green waste 3.5
Lack of funding/ investment in environment 3.5
Weed control 3.3
Maintenance of footpaths/ walking tracks 3.2
Water supply 3.0
Sewerage 2.9
Recycling 1.9
Maintenance of parks/ bushland/ reserves 1.7
Council doing well given their resources 0.8
Other 16.7
POSITIVE INFLUENCERS
Description % of
sample
Yes: positive 17.5
Protection/ regeneration of environment
14.9
Aware of Council initiatives 12.9
Council doing well given their resources
9.7
Council improving 8.9
Pollution/ Upkeep of waterways
8.2
Communication with residents
7.5
Maintenance of parks/ bushland/ reserves
7.1
Appearance/ maintenance of local area
5.3
Recycling 4.0
Rubbish collection & maintenance
3.1
Green waste 1.7
Tree clearing 1.7
Development/ Over-development
1.6
Other 11.8
Non response 1.6
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 22
6.3 OVERALL STATE OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
How satisfied are you with the overall state of the natural environment in the Wingecarribee area? Again, use a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 mean “very dissatisfied” and 10 mean “very
satisfied”.
Figure 6-3 Distribution of Overall Satisfaction Ratings
1.7%0.4% 1.0% 1.5%
4.8%
21.8%
15.7%
25.3%
17.3%
5.1% 4.6%
0.9%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
0
Very
dissatisfied
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Very
satisfied
Can't
Say
Table 6-3 Composite Satisfaction Ratings for the Overall State of the Natural Environment
Satisfaction Rating (%)
NR Low (0-3)
Medium (4-6)
High (7-10)
Mean Score
(out of 10)
Overall state of natural environment 0.9 4.7 42.2 52.2 6.4
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 23
Key Results:
§ Just over half of local residents surveyed indicated a high level of satisfaction with the
current state of the natural environment in the Wingecarribee area, resulting in a
moderate mean score of 6.4.
§ 80% of respondents gave a satisfaction rating of between 5 and 8 out of 10.
§ There were no statistically significant variations based on demographic factors in relation
to this question.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 24
APPENDIX 1: Survey Methodology
SAMPLE DESIGN
A telephone-based survey aiming to secure a response from approximately 300 residents from
throughout the Wingecarribee LGA was used. The survey unit was permanent residents of the
Wingecarribee area who were aged 16 years or older. The 2006 Census was used to establish
quotas to ensure a good distribution of response by age and sex.
The sample base for the survey was the electronic White Pages. This sample is known to be sub
optimal, as the churn of telephone numbers due to people moving and new numbers being
added as dwellings are occupied affects about 12% to 15% of possible numbers. Furthermore,
from previous research we know that the proportion of silent numbers is increasing and can be
as high as 25-30% in some areas. To deal with these issues, IRIS uses a technique that starts with
the population of numbers listed in the telephone book and adds new and unlisted numbers
using the ‘half open’ method. In this method, all numbers were incremented by five to create
new numbers in the ‘gaps’ between the listed numbers. The resultant universe of numbers was
then de-duplicated to remove any numbers that may be repeated. This process was replicated
five times to create a new theoretical universe of telephone numbers. This provided the
opportunity for all potential numbers to be selected in the sample. This equal and known
opportunity for selection is the first criterion of good random sampling.
Once the potential universe of numbers had been generated, a computer program was used
to randomise the database. Following this, a sequential sample (eg. every 110th number) was
extracted from the database. The sample was geographically stratified and evenly distributed
within strata. This process gave a very even distribution of potential numbers across the whole
survey area and within the three survey sub areas. Every household therefore had an equal
and known chance of selection and every part of the survey area received a fair proportional
representation in the final sample drawn.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 25
DATA COLLECTION
Interviews were conducted on weekday evenings between 4.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.
Unanswered numbers were retried three times throughout the period of the survey, and call
backs organized for participants that were unable to complete the survey at the time of first
contact. These procedures ensure a good sampling process from the sample frame used.
Following the close of the main survey period, additional interviews were conducted,
according to need, in those age groups that were under represented. During this part of the
sampling process, a quota sampling procedure was employed to ensure that adequate
numbers in all age groups were selected for interview. This eliminated the need for heavily
weighting the survey data. Non-private numbers and faxes reached during the selection
process were excluded from the sample. The survey was implemented under IQCA quality
guidelines. Interviews were conducted using our computer-aided telephone interviewing (CATI)
system. Continuous interviewer monitoring was used and post interview validations were
conducted within five days of the close of the survey.
RESPONSE
At the end of the survey period, 312 completed interviews had been collected. Table 0-1 shows
that a completion rate of 59% was achieved.
Table 0-1 Survey Response Outcomes
Response sequence Outcome
Completed Interviews 312
Refusals & terminated interviews 220
Valid contacts (Excludes disqualified – businesses, out of area, under 16yrs etc) 532
Completion rate 59%
Given the level of response to the survey and the fact that it represents a good random cross-
section of the area the findings presented in this report provide a good basis for gauging
community opinion.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 26
WEIGHTING ADJUSTMENT
The final results have been weighted by the age and sex distribution of the population, as this
provides the most accurate reflection of overall resident opinions. Table 0-2 shows the
weighting factor applied to the final data and its effect on the distribution of the sample across
sub-groups.
Table 0-2 Weights applied to final data
2001 Census Adult
Population Sample Achieved Overall Final Weighted
Sample
Male Female Total Male Female Total Weighted Factors Male Female Total
(No.) (No.) (%) (No.) (No.) (%) Male Female (No.) (No.) (%)
16-24 2,000 1,939 12.0% 21 24 14.4% 0.9057577 0.7683655 19 18 12.0%
25-34 1,720 1,956 11.2% 17 22 12.5% 0.9622343 0.8455659 16 19 11.2%
35-54 5,531 6,179 35.7% 61 63 39.7% 0.8623333 0.9327794 53 59 35.7%
55+ 6,265 7,216 41.1% 51 53 33.3% 1.1682942 1.2948575 60 69 41.1%
Total 15,516 17,290 100.0% 150 162 100.0% 0.9057577 0.7683655 148 164 100.0%
1. Final sample was 312. 2. Weighting is based on age and geographic distribution of population, as recorded in the 2006 Census.
The proportions and frequency counts in this report are based on a combination of the above
sex weights and an age weighting. Using weighted results means that, whilst large enough sub-
samples have been achieved to make statistically valid comparisons between sub-groups, all
sub-groups will contribute to the total sample result in proportion to their characteristics.
SURVEY ACCURACY
When analysing results for the entire sample, the maximum error rate will be about ±5.8% at the
95% confidence level, assuming a proportional response of 50%. Put another way, we can be
confident that if the survey were to be repeated there would be a 95% chance that the new
result would lie within ±5.8% of the result achieved in this survey.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 27
APPENDIX 2: Questionnaire
INTRODUCTION
Hello, my name is ...... from IRIS, an independent social research organisation. We are conducting a short survey on behalf of Wingecarribee Council about environmental issues. It will only take about 15 minutes - is now convenient? [ IF NOT, TRY TO SCHEDULE CALLBACK ]
And can I just check that your household is situated in the Wingecarribee local government area? [IF "No", THANK & TERMINATE ]
In starting this interview, I just have to inform you that my supervisor may monitor this call for quality control purposes.
Just to give you some background, the information provided by respondents is completely confidential and will help Council to better understand and meet the diverse needs of its residents.
SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF CONCERN
Q 1.1 Can you tell me what you think are the most important environmental issues facing your local area?
[ RECORD UP TO THREE RESPONSES ]
1ST MENTIONED: __________________________________________________
2ND MENTIONED: __________________________________________________
3RD MENTIONED: __________________________________________________
SECTION 2: AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Now I’m going to read out a list of broad environmental issues.
Q2.1 For each issue I want to get your opinion about whether or not it is a problem in the Wingecarribee area. Use a scale from 0-10, where a rating of 0 means you think the issue is “not at all a problem” and 10 means it is a “major problem” in your area.
[ RANDOMISED BLOCK ]
A. Water supply
B. Water pollution
C. Air pollution
D. Threat to wildlife and biodiversity
E. Noxious weeds
F. Waste management, recycling, reuse of resources
G. Over-development / overcrowding
H. Creek management
I. Maintenance of public reserves and natural bush areas
J. Impacts of global warming
K. Energy use in homes and businesses
L. Sustainable living
M. Views and Vistas
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 28
Now I’m going to through the same list and I want you to:
Q2.2 First, tell me whether you think that Council should be involved in addressing that issue.
[ RANDOMISED BLOCK ]
A. Water supply
B. Water pollution
C. Air pollution
D. Threat to wildlife and biodiversity
E. Noxious weeds
F. Waste management, recycling, reuse of resources
G. Over-development / overcrowding
H. Creek management
I. Maintenance of public reserves and natural bush areas
J. Impacts of global warming
K. Energy use in homes and businesses
L. Sustainable living
M. Views and Vistas
Q2.3 Now can you to tell me your perception of Council’s performance in addressing each issue. Again, use a scale from 0-10, where a rating of 0 means you are “very dissatisfied” with Council’s performance, and a rating of 10 means you are “very satisfied” with Council’s performance in this area.
[ RANDOMISED BLOCK ]
A. Water supply
B. Water pollution
C. Air pollution
D. Threat to wildlife and biodiversity
E. Noxious weeds
F. Waste management, recycling, reuse of resources
G. Over-development / overcrowding
H. Creek management
I. Maintenance of public reserves and natural bush areas
J. Impacts of global warming
K. Energy use in homes and businesses
L. Sustainable living
M. Views and Vistas
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 29
SECTION 3: COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Q3.1 I am going to read out a number of statements and would like you tell me whether you agree or disagree. I would like you to use a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 means strongly disagree and 5 means strongly agree.
[CONFIRM RESPONSE: So you agree/disagree]
1. Strongly disagree
2.
3.
4.
5. Strongly agree
6 Don’t know
A. Council’s policies in relation to things like transport, urban development and planning should be encouraging sustainable living practices
B. It is Council’s responsibility to maintain and improve the environment
C. Council works with the community on dealing with environmental and waste issues.
D. I feel informed on what Council is doing for the environment
E. The community should play a major role in managing the environment
F. I feel a responsibility to do things to help the environment.
Q3.2 Are you an active member of any environmental or landcare type organisation?
1. Yes
2. No
Q3.3 In the past 12-18 months have you participated in an environmental program or organised community clean-up initiative?
1. Yes
2. No
Q3.4 Are you likely to participate in environmental programs or a community clean-up initiative in the next 12 months?
1. Yes
2. Maybe
3. No
SECTION 4: AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY & RELATED PROJECTS
Q4.1 Wingecarribee Council has an Environmental Levy that is used to pay for important environmental projects. Were you aware that this levy exist?
1. Yes
2. No
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 30
Q4.2 Are you aware of any of the following environmental projects that are undertaken by Council?
A. Feral animal control in bushland reserves
B. Control of environmental and noxious weeds
C. Improving sediment and erosion controls on development sites
D. Restoration of creek banks and wetlands
E. Supporting community education events such as the Environment Fair and World Environment Day
F. Support the work of volunteer landcare and bushcare groups
G. Bush regeneration in bushland reserves
H. Preparing an Environment Management System
I. Targeting of illegal dumpers in the Shire by supporting the Regional Illegal Dumping Squad
J. Improved environmental management of local commercial and industrial operations
K. Assisting industry in the Shire to comply with the NSW pollution control legislation
L. Providing incentives for private landowners wishing to conserve endangered remnant bush on their land
M. Conservation of high value bushland in public ownership
N. Construction of litter traps on stormwater pipes flowing into creeks
SECTION 5: AWARENESS OF COUNCIL’S ROLE & PERCEIVED PERFORMANCE
Council has a role in the preservation and improvement of the natural environment.
Q5.1 How satisfied are you with the overall performance of Council in managing the local environment? Again, use a scale from 0-10, where 0 means “very dissatisfied and 10 means “very satisfied”.
[CONFIRM RESPONSE: So you agree/disagree]
1. Very dissatisfied
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Very satisfied
11 Can’t say
Q5.2 In giving your rating, has any particular issue strongly influenced your view, either in a positive or negative way? [IF YES] Was it a positive or negative influence?
1. Yes – Positive
2. Yes - Negative
3. No
Q5.3 Please describe the major issue that strongly influenced your rating.
Wingecarribee Council Environmental Management Survey – Draft Report 31
Q5.4 How satisfied are you with the overall state of the natural environment in the Wingecarribee area? Again, use a scale from 0-10, where 0 means “very dissatisfied and 10 means “very satisfied”.
[CONFIRM RESPONSE: So you agree/disagree]
1. Very dissatisfied
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Very satisfied
11 Can’t say
SECTION 6: RESPONDENT CHARACTERISTICS
Finally, I’d like to ask you a few questions to help qualify your responses.
SEX From the sound of your voice you are…
1. Male
2. Female
3. Refused
AGE Which of the following age brackets do you fall into?
1. 16 to 24
2. 25 to 34
3. 35 to 54
4. 55 and over.
5. Refused.
PC What is your postcode?
NAME And could you please tell me your first name as my supervisor audits 1 in 10 of my calls as part of our quality control process?
CONCLUSION
That completes our interview. As this is market research, you can be assured that it is carried out in full compliance with the Privacy Act and the information you provided is only used for research purposes.
Again, my name is ….and my supervisors name is Judy. If you have any questions about this survey, or would like further information about IRIS Research, you can call our office between 9am and 5pm weekdays on 4229-4777. Thank you for your time.
END.
Community Priorities Research
October 2010
Prepared for:
Prepared by:
ABN 14 003 179 440
10/1 Bounty Close Tuggerah, NSW 2259
Postal address: PO Box 5059, Chittaway Bay NSW 2261
Telephone: (02) 4352 2388 Fax: (02) 4352 2117
www.micromex.com.au
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010
The information contained herein is believed to be reliable and accurate. However, no guarantee is given as to
its accuracy and reliability, and no responsibility or liability for any information, opinions or commentary
contained herein, or for any consequences of its use, will be accepted by Micromex Research, or by any person
involved in the preparation of this report.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Background & Methodology ............................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Profile ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 1.1 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Key Findings .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Table 1.1.1 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Table 1.1.2 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Table 1.2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Figure 1.2 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 1.3 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 1.4 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Section A .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Detailed Findings ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Overview Of Services/Facilities and Rating Scale ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Table 2.1 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services ........................................................................................................................................ 13
People ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Figure 2.2.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2.2.2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 2.2 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Places ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 2.3.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 2.3.2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 2.3.3 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Table 2.3 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Environment................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 2.4.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 2.4.2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 2.4.3 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Table 2.4 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Leadership and Economy............................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 2.5.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 2.5.2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Table 2.5 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Overall Satisfaction with the Performance of Council ......................................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 2.6.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Comparison with LGA Stated Satisfaction Benchmarks ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Table 2.6 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
How Wingecarribee Council will Improve Satisfaction with Its Performance .......................................................................................................... 36
Figure 2.7.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 2.7.2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Council’s Image Within the Community ........................................................................................................................................................... 38
Figure 2.7.3 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Section B ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Contact with Council ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Contact with Council in the last 12 months ....................................................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 3.1.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 3.1.2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 3.1.3 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 3.1.4 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Satisfaction with Council’s communication ....................................................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 3.2.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Section C..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Priorities for the Local Area ............................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Best Thing About Living in the Wingecarribee Area .......................................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 4.1 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Agreement with Specific Statements ................................................................................................................................................................ 43
Figure 4.2 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Activities Within the Shire .............................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Figure 4.3.1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 4.3.2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 4.3.3 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Response Timeliness ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Figure 4.4 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Appendix A ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Demographics ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Table 5.1.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Table 5.1.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Table 5.1.3 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Table 5.1.4 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Table 5.1.5 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Table 5.1.6 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Table 5.1.7 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Table 5.1.8 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Appendix B ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 49
Data and Correlation Tables .......................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services ........................................................................................................................................ 49
People ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 49
Table 6.1.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Table 6.1.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Table 6.1.3 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Table 6.1.4 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Places ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Table 6.2.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Table 6.2.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
Table 6.2.3 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Table 6.2.4 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Environment................................................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Table 6.3.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Table 6.3.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Table 6.3.3 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Table 6.3.4 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Leadership and Economy............................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Table 6.4.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Table 6.4.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Table 6.4.3 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Table 6.4.4 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Overall Satisfaction with Council’s Performance ............................................................................................................................................... 58
Table 6.5.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Table 6.5.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Perception of Council’s image within the community.......................................................................................................................................... 58
Table 6.6.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Table 6.6.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Contact with Council ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Table 6.7.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Table 6.7.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Table 6.7.3 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Table 6.7.4 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Table 6.7.5 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Satisfaction with Council’s Communication ...................................................................................................................................................... 60
Table 6.8.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Table 6.8.2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Agreement with Specific Statements ................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Table 6.9.1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Community Activities ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Table 6.10.1 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Table 6.10.2 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Table 6.10.3 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Table 6.10.4 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Table 6.10.5 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Table 6.10.6 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Response Timeliness ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Table 6.11.1 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Table 6.11.2 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 1
Background & Methodology
Questionnaire
Micromex Research, together with Wingecarribee Shire Council prepared the questionnaire in October 2010.
A copy of the questionnaire is provided in Appendix C.
Data collection period
The survey was conducted by telephone. The survey was conducted from 4:30pm to 8:30pm over the week
commencing 15th October 2010.
Ratings questions
The Likert Scale of 1 to 5 was used in all rating questions, where 1 was the lowest importance or satisfaction
and 5 the highest importance or satisfaction.
This scale allowed for a mid range position for those who had a divided or neutral opinion.
Within the report, the mean ratings for each of the criteria have been assigned a determined ‘level of
importance or satisfaction’. This determination is based on the following groupings:
Mean rating 1.99 or lower ‘Very low’ level of importance/satisfaction
2.00 – 2.49 ‘Low’ level of importance/satisfaction
2.50 – 2.99 ‘Moderately low’ levels of importance/satisfaction
3.00 – 3.59 ‘Moderate’ level of importance/satisfaction
3.60 – 3.89 ‘Moderately high’ level of importance/satisfaction
3.90 – 4.19 ‘High’ level of importance/satisfaction
4.20 – 4.49 ‘Very high’ level of importance/satisfaction
4.50 + ‘Extremely high’ level of importance/satisfaction
Note: Only respondents who rated services/facilities a 4 or 5 in importance were asked to rate their
satisfaction with that service/facility
Sampling error
A sample size of 400 residents provides a sampling error of +/- 4.9 at 95% confidence.
Errors: Data in this publication is subject to sampling variability because it is based on information relating to a sample
of residents rather than the total number. This difference (sampling error) may occur due to imperfections in
reporting and errors made in processing the data. This may occur in any enumeration, whether it is a full count
or sample.
Efforts have been made to reduce the non-sampling error by careful design of the questionnaire and detailed
checking of completed questionnaires.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 2
Profile
Sample Profile
The final achieved sample of n=400 robustly covers off all key demographic sub-groups.
This allowed us to undertake some of the analysis at a subgroup level.
Figure 1.1
44%
56%
46%
21%
23%
9%
2%
18%
19%
20%
28%
10%
90%
8%
19%
33%
35%
14%
86%
24%
28%
28%
20%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Male
Female
More than 20 years
11 - 20 years
6 - 10 years
2 - 5 years
Up to 2 years
Single with no children
Married/de facto with children over 12
Married/de facto with children under 12
Married/de facto with no children
Rent the property
Own/buying the property
Household duties
Currently in part time paid employment
Retired from paid employment
Currently in full time paid employment
Overseas
Australia
65+ years and over
50 - 64
35 - 49
18 - 34
86% of residents were born in Australia
35% of residents are involved in full time work, whilst 33% are retired from paid employment
Almost half of the sample (46%) have lived in the Wingecarribee Shire for over 20 years
90% own or are in the process of buying the property they live in
51% of the respondents have children
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 3
Key Findings
The results are generally positive for Wingecarribee Council, with 29 of the 38 services/facilities/criteria rated
as delivering ‘moderate satisfaction’ to ‘very high satisfaction’.
At an overall level, residents are ‘moderately’ satisfied with the performance of Council. The actual overall
satisfaction score is in line with the LGA normative score for this measure.
Identifying Priorities via Specialised Analysis (Explanation)
The specified research outcomes required us to measure both community importance and community
satisfaction with a range of specific service delivery areas. In order to identify core priorities we undertook a 2
step analysis process on the stated importance and rated satisfaction data, after which, we conducted a third
level of analysis. This level of analysis was a Shapley regression in order to identify which facilities and services
are the actual drivers of overall satisfaction with Council.
By examining both approaches to analysis we have been able to:
1. Identify and understand the hierarchy of community priorities
2. Inform the deployment of Council resources in line with community aspirations
Step 1. Performance Gap Analysis (PGA)
PGA establishes the gap between importance and satisfaction. This is calculated by subtracting the mean
satisfaction score from the mean importance score. In order to measure PGA, respondents are asked to rate the
importance of, and their satisfaction with, each of a range of different services or facilities on a scale of 1 to 5,
where 1 = low importance or satisfaction and 5 = high importance or satisfaction. These scores are aggregated
at a total community level.
The higher the differential between importance and satisfaction, the greater the difference is between the
provision of that service by Wingecarribee Council and the expectation of the community for that
service/facility.
In the table on the following page, we can see the 38 services and facilities residents rated, by importance and
then by satisfaction.
When analysing the performance gaps it is important to recognise that, for the most part, a gap of
approximately 1.0 – 1.1 is acceptable, particularly when the initial importance rating is 4.2+, as it indicates
that residents consider the attribute to be of ‘high’ to ‘very high’ importance’ and that the satisfaction they have
with Wingecarribee Council’s performance on that same measure, is ‘moderate’ to ‘moderately high’.
For example, ‘local traffic management’ was given an importance score of 4.33, which indicates that it is
considered a highly important focus area by residents. At the same time it was given a satisfaction score of
3.15, which indicates that residents are moderately satisfied with Wingecarribee Council’s performance and
focus on that measure.
In the case of a performance gap, such as for the ‘festival and events’ (3.73 importance vs. 3.69 satisfaction)
we can identify that the facility is only moderately important to the broader community, but that for residents
who do feel that this facility is important, Wingecarribee Council is perceived to have performed to a
moderately high level of satisfaction.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 4
Key Findings (Cont’d)
When analysing performance gap data it is important to consider both stated satisfaction and the absolute size
of the performance gap.
Performance Gap Ranking
Table 1.1.1
Ranking Service / Facility Importance
Mean
Satisfaction
Mean
Performance
Gap
1 Condition of local roads 4.53 2.29 2.24
2 Availability of car parking in the town and village centres 4.45 2.44 2.01
3 Support for youth 4.43 2.66 1.77
4 Availability of and access to public transport 4.16 2.57 1.59
5 Managing development and growth 4.37 2.82 1.55
6 The provision and quality of footpaths 4.30 2.77 1.53
7 Green waste collection 3.91 2.48 1.43
8 Enforcement of development and building regulations 4.22 2.88 1.34
9 Support for people with a disability 4.45 3.18 1.27
10 Support for local business and employment 4.42 3.16 1.26
11 Opportunities to participate in Council decision making 4.08 2.83 1.25
12 Local traffic management 4.33 3.15 1.18
13 Community safety/crime prevention 4.56 3.40 1.16
14 Encouraging waste reduction initiatives 4.43 3.28 1.15
15 Council provision of information to residents 4.39 3.25 1.14
16 Providing adequate drainage 4.21 3.12 1.09
17 Support for aged persons 4.49 3.41 1.08
18 Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers 4.26 3.25 1.01
19 The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets 4.12 3.16 0.96
20 Encouraging recycling 4.56 3.63 0.93
21 Provision & maintenance of swimming pools 3.95 3.08 0.87
22 Cycle paths and walking tracks 4.14 3.38 0.76
23 Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres as well as the surrounding areas 3.95 3.21 0.74
24 Support for community environmental initiatives 4.07 3.35 0.72
25 Support for the aboriginal community 3.77 3.12 0.65
26 Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens 4.28 3.64 0.64
27 Town water quality (taste, smell and colour) 4.50 3.89 0.61
28 Restoration of natural bushland 4.11 3.51 0.60
29 Provision and maintenance of sporting facilities 4.15 3.59 0.56
30 Protecting Heritage values & Buildings 3.96 3.43 0.53
31 Provision and maintenance of playgrounds 4.10 3.60 0.50
32 Provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities 3.99 3.57 0.42
33 Support for tourism 4.07 3.73 0.34
34 Domestic garbage collection 4.51 4.18 0.33
35 The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip) 4.22 3.90 0.32
36 Dog control 3.88 3.59 0.29
37 Provision and operation of libraries 4.28 4.14 0.14
38 Festivals and events 3.73 3.69 0.04
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 5
Key Findings (Cont’d)
When we examine the 11 largest performance gaps, we can identify that all the services or facilities have been
rated as ‘high’ to ‘extremely high’ in importance. Resident satisfaction for 9 out of the 11 areas is less than 3.0,
which indicates that Wingecarribee Council’s perceived performance for these measures is considered to be
less than ‘moderately satisfactory’.
Table 1.1.2
Ranking Service / Facility Importance
Mean
Satisfaction
Mean
Performance
Gap
1 Condition of local roads 4.53 2.29 2.24
2 Availability of car parking in the town and village centres 4.45 2.44 2.01
3 Support for youth 4.43 2.66 1.77
4 Availability of and access to public transport 4.16 2.57 1.59
5 Managing development and growth 4.37 2.82 1.55
6 The provision and quality of footpaths 4.30 2.77 1.53
7 Green waste collection 3.91 2.48 1.43
8 Enforcement of development and building regulations 4.22 2.88 1.34
9 Support for people with a disability 4.45 3.18 1.27
10 Support for local business and employment 4.42 3.16 1.26
11 Opportunities to participate in Council decision making 4.08 2.83 1.25
The key outcomes of this analysis would suggest that, while there are opportunities for improvement in all
areas, ‘condition of local roads’, ‘availability of car parking in the town and village centres’ and ‘support for
youth’ are the areas that require clear focus as they have the lowest levels of resident satisfaction.
Note: Performance gap is the first step in the process, we now need to identify comparative ratings across all
the services and facilities to get an understanding of relative importance and satisfaction at an LGA level.
This is when we undertake step 2 of the analysis.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 6
Key Findings (Cont’d)
Step 2. Quadrant Analysis
Quadrant analysis is a useful tool for planning future directions. It combines the stated needs of the community
and assesses Wingecarribee Council’s performance in relation to these needs.
This analysis is completed by plotting the variables on x and y axes, defined by stated importance and rated
satisfaction. We aggregate the mean scores for stated importance and rated satisfaction to identify where the
facility or service should be plotted. For these criteria, the average stated importance score was 4.22 and the
average rated satisfaction score was 3.27. Therefore, any facility or service that received a mean stated
importance score of ≥ 4.22 would be plotted in the higher importance section and, conversely, any that scored
<4.22 would be plotted into the lower importance section. The same exercise is undertaken with the satisfaction
ratings above or below 3.27. Each service or facility is then plotted in terms of satisfaction and importance,
resulting in its placement in one of four quadrants.
Quadrant Analysis
Table 1.2
Improve Higher importance, lower satisfaction
Maintain Higher importance, higher satisfaction
Condition of local roads Community safety/crime prevention
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres Encouraging waste reduction initiatives
Support for youth Support for aged persons
Managing development and growth Encouraging recycling
The provision and quality of footpaths Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
Enforcement of development and building regulations Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Support for people with a disability Domestic garbage collection
Support for local business and employment The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip)
Local traffic management Provision and operation of libraries
Council provision of information to residents
Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers
Niche Lower importance, lower satisfaction
Secondary Lower importance, higher satisfaction
Availability of and access to public transport Cycle paths and walking tracks
Green waste collection Support for community environmental initiatives
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making Restoration of natural bushland
Providing adequate drainage Provision and maintenance of sporting facilities
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets Protecting Heritage values & Buildings
Provision & maintenance of swimming pools Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres as
well as the surrounding areas Provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities
Support for the aboriginal community Support for tourism
Dog control
Festivals and events
S a t i s f a c t i o n
I
m
p
o
r
t
a
n
c
e
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 7
Key Findings (Cont’d)
Explaining the 4 quadrants
Attributes in the top right quadrant, MAINTAIN, such as ‘community safety/crime prevention’, are Council’s
core strengths, and should be treated as such. Maintain, or even attempt to improve your position in these
areas, as they are influential and address clear community needs.
Attributes in the top left quadrant, IMPROVE, such as ‘condition of local roads’, are areas where Council is
perceived to be currently under-performing and are key concerns in the eyes of your residents. In the vast
majority of cases you should aim to improve your performance in these areas to better meet the community’s
expectations.
Attributes in the bottom left quadrant, NICHE, such as ‘availability of and access to public transport’, are of a
relatively low priority (and the word ‘relatively’ should be stressed – they can still be important). These areas
tend to be important to a smaller segment of the community.
Finally, attributes in the bottom right quadrant, SECONDARY, such as ‘cycle paths and walking tracks’ are core
strengths, but in relative terms they are less important than other areas and Council’s servicing in these areas
may already be exceeding expectation. Consideration could be given to rationalising focus in these areas as
they are not community priorities for improvement.
Recommendations based only on stated importance and satisfaction have major limitations, as the actual
questionnaire process essentially ‘silos’ facilities and services as if they are independent variables, when they
are in fact all part of the broader community perception of Council performance.
Residents’ priorities identified in stated importance/satisfaction analysis often tend to be in areas that are
problematic. No matter how much focus a Council dedicates to the ‘road maintenance’ it will always be found
in the IMPROVE quadrant. This is because, perceptually, the condition of local roads can always be better.
Further, the outputs of stated importance and satisfaction address the current dynamics of the community, they
do not predict which focus areas are the most likely agents to change the community’s perception of Council’s
overall performance.
Therefore, in order to identify how Wingecarribee Council can actively drive overall community satisfaction we
conducted further analysis.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 8
Key Findings (Cont’d)
The Shapley Value Regression
We recently finalised the development of a Council Satisfaction Model to identify priorities that will drive overall
satisfaction with Council.
This model was developed by conducting specialised analysis from over 30,000 LGA interviews conducted
since 2005. In essence, it proved that increasing resident satisfaction by actioning the priorities that they stated
as important does not necessarily positively impact on overall satisfaction with Council.
What Does This Mean?
The learning is that if we only rely on the stated community priorities we will not be allocating the appropriate
resources to the actual service attributes that will improve overall community satisfaction. Using regression
analysis we can identify the attributes that essentially build overall satisfaction. We call the outcomes ‘derived
importance’.
Figure 1.2
Correlation Between Stated Importance And Derived Importance Is Low
If you only focus on stated importance you are not focusing on the key drivers
of community satisfaction
Coles
89%
Derived Importance
S
t
a
t
e
d
I
m
p
o
r
t
a
n
c
e
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Council provision of information to residents
Support for local business and employment
Support for tourism
Local traffic management
Community safety/crime prevention
Managing development and growth
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
Support for youth
Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres as well as the surrounding
areas
3.8
3.9
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
2.5 4.5 6.5 8.5 10.5 12.5 14.5
In the chart above, on the vertical axis of ‘stated importance’, all the facilities/services fall in relatively close
proximity to each other (i.e. between approximately 3.8 & 4.6). However, on the horizontal axis the attributes
are spread between 2.5 and 12.7. The further an attribute is found to the right of the horizontal axis of
‘derived importance’, the more it contributes in driving overall satisfaction with Council.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 9
Key Findings (Cont’d)
Key Drivers of Satisfaction with Wingecarribee Council
The results in the chart below provide Wingecarribee Council with a complete picture of both the extrinsic and
intrinsic community priorities and motivations, and identifies what attributes are the key drivers of community
satisfaction.
These top 11 services/facilities account for 60% of overall satisfaction with Council. This indicates that the
remaining 27 attributes we obtained measures on have only a limited impact on the community’s satisfaction
with Wingecarribee Council’s performance. Therefore, whilst all 38 service/facility areas are important, only a
minority of them will measurably influence the community’s overall satisfaction with Council.
Figure 1.3
These Top 11 Indicators Account For 60% Of Overall Satisfaction With Council
Wingecarribee Council needs to concentrate on engaging and consulting
with residents, as well as ensuring town water quality
Coles
89%
2.5
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.3
3.4
3.5
5.0
8.5
12.4
12.7
0.00 3.00 6.00 9.00 12.00 15.00
Support for youth
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets
Managing development and growth
Community safety/crime prevention
Local traffic management
Support for tourism
Support for local business and employment
Council provision of information to residents
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making
These 11 services/facilities are the key community priorities and by addressing these Wingecarribee Council
will improve community satisfaction. The score assigned to each area indicates the percentage of influence
each attribute contributes to overall satisfaction with Council. In the above chart, ‘community safety/crime
prevention’ contributes 3.3% towards overall satisfaction.
We can see in this chart that ‘opportunities to participate in Council decision making’, which was in the Niche
quadrant in our analysis of stated importance and rated satisfaction – is actually the number 1 driver of
community satisfaction with Wingecarribee Council.
This indicates that 12.7% of all overall community satisfaction is being driven by the way Council interacts and
informs its residents. Wingecarribee Council needs to ensure that they are proactively focussed on catering to
this need.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 10
Key Findings (Cont’d)
If Wingecarribee Council can address the core drivers, they will be able to improve resident satisfaction with
their performance.
Clarifying Priorities
In the chart below we can see that for many of the core drivers Council is already performing reasonably well.
There are clear opportunities to improve satisfaction with the service facilities that fall below the diagonal line.
Figure 1.4
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Council provision of information to residentsSupport for local business and
employment
Support for tourism
Local traffic management
Community safety/crime prevention
Managing development and growth
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres
2.8
3
3.2
3.4
3.6
3.8
4
2.5 4.5 6.5 8.5 10.5 12.5 14.5
Mapping Stated Satisfaction And Derived Importance Identifies The Community Priority Areas
Community consultation and involvement and town water quality are the important
drivers of community satisfaction with Council
Coles
IMPROVE
CONSOLIDATE
Derived Importance
S
t
a
t
e
d
s
a
t
i
s
f
a
c
t
i
o
n
Recommendations
Based on the key findings from this research study it is clear from a resident perspective, that there are
potentially a number of areas that require action or at least more salient communication or community
consultation. Whilst some of these may not be currently feasible, based on the outcomes of this research we
recommend Wingecarribee Council consider the following:
1. Revisit and reassess Council’s current communication strategy
2. Identify methods and mediums that could better engage the community in Council decision making
3. Ensure that town water quality is always treated as a community priority
4. Communicate the Council’s role in supporting local business and tourism
Next Steps
As a next step, Wingecarribee Council could consider conducting a qualitative deep dive to clarify the
community’s understanding and attitudes to the core drivers of satisfaction. A series of resident focus groups
could be conducted further to explore and contextualise the above recommendations.
Section A
Detailed Findings Importance of and Satisfaction
with Council services and
facilities
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 11
Overview Of Services/Facilities and Rating Scale
The Likert Scale of 1 to 5 was used in all rating questions, where 1 was the lowest importance or satisfaction and 5 the
highest importance or satisfaction. This scale allowed for a mid range position for those who had a divided or neutral
opinion.
Participants were asked to indicate which best described their opinion of the importance of the following
services/facilities to them. Then respondents who rated services/facilities a 4 or 5 in importance were asked to rate
their satisfaction with that service/facility.
Table 2.1
People•Support for youth •Support for people with a disability •Community safety/crime prevention •Support for aged persons •Support for the aboriginal community •Provision and operation of libraries •Festivals and events
Places•Availability of and access to public transport •Availability of car parking in the town and village centres •Condition of local roads •Cycle paths and walking tracks •Dog control •Local traffic management •Protecting Heritage values & Buildings •Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens •Provision & maintenance of swimming pools •Provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities •Provision and maintenance of playgrounds •Provision and maintenance of sporting facilities •Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres as well
as the surrounding areas •The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets •The provision and quality of footpaths
We Explored Resident Response To38 Service Areas
Environment•Domestic garbage collection •Encouraging recycling •Encouraging waste reduction initiatives •Enforcement of development and building regulations •Green waste collection •Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers •Managing development and growth •Providing adequate drainage •Restoration of natural bushland •Support for community environmental initiatives •The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip) •Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Leadership•Council provision of information to residents •Opportunities to participate in Council decision making
Economy•Support for local business and employment •Support for tourism
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 12
Overview Of Services/Facilities And Rating Scale
Interpreting the Mean Scores
Within the report, the mean ratings for each of the criteria have been assigned a determined ‘level of importance or
satisfaction’. This determination is based on the following groupings:
Mean rating
1.99 or lower ‘Very low’ level of importance/satisfaction
2.00 – 2.49 ‘Low’ level of importance/satisfaction
2.50 – 2.99 ‘Moderately low’ levels of importance/satisfaction
3.00 – 3.59 ‘Moderate’ level of importance/satisfaction
3.60 – 3.89 ‘Moderately high’ level of importance/satisfaction
3.90 – 4.19 ‘High’ level of importance/satisfaction
4.20 – 4.49 ‘Very high’ level of importance/satisfaction
4.50 + ‘Extreme’ level of importance/satisfaction
Interpreting Performance Gap
Within the report, the mean ratings for each of the criteria have been assigned a determined ‘level of importance or
satisfaction’. To identify the performance gap we subtract the rated satisfaction mean score from the stated importance
mean scores:
Performance gap
1.50 or higher Extremely high gap between importance and satisfaction
Requires Immediate Action – Code Violet
0.90 – 1.49 Moderately high – Very high gap between importance and satisfaction
Requires Immediate Investigation – Code Red
0.20 – 0.89 Moderately low – Moderate gap between importance and satisfaction
Monitor – Code Grey
0.00 – 0.19 Minimal gap between importance and satisfaction
Monitor – Code Blue
Less than Zero Negative performance gap between importance and satisfaction
Revisit/Reconsider Resource Allocation – Code Green
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 13
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services People
People – Services and facilities rated
Support for youth
Support for people with a disability
Community safety/crime prevention
Support for aged persons
Support for the aboriginal community
Provision and operation of libraries
Festivals and events
Contribution to Overall Satisfaction with Council (Regression Data)
Based on the regression analysis, Council performance, in the areas charted below, accounts for 13.7% of overall
satisfaction.
Figure 2.2.1
Coles
89%
0.8
1.5
1.5
1.7
2.3
2.5
3.3
13.7
0.0 3.0 6.0 9.0 12.0 15.0
Provision and operation of libraries
Support for aged persons
Support for people with a disability
Support for the aboriginal community
Festivals and events
Support for youth
Community safety/crime prevention
People (Nett)
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 14
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services People
Overview of Rating Scores
Importance - overall
In terms of importance 5 of the 7 services/facilities were stated to be of ‘very high’ to ‘extremely high’ importance.
These were:
Support for youth
Support for people with a disability
Community safety/crime prevention
Support for aged persons
Provision and operation of libraries
The remaining 2 services/facilities ‘festivals and events’ and ‘support for the aboriginal community’ were considered to
be of ‘moderately high’ importance.
Importance – by age
50-64y/o & over considered both ‘festivals and events’ and ‘community safety/crime prevention’ significantly less
important than 18-34 y/o.
Respondents aged 18-34 years considered ‘support for aged persons’ significantly more important than 35-49 y/o.
Importance – by gender
Females attributed significantly higher levels of importance to 5 of the 7 services/facilities than did males. These were:
Support for youth
Support for people with a disability
Support for aged persons
Support for the aboriginal community
Provision and operation of libraries
Importance – by town/village
Townspeople attributed significantly higher levels of importance to ‘support for aged persons’ than did villagers.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 15
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services People
Satisfaction – overall
With the exception of ‘support for youth’, that was rated to be of ‘moderately low’ satisfaction, resident satisfaction with
6 of the 7 services/facilities was ‘moderate’ to ‘high’. These were:
Support for people with a disability
Community safety/crime prevention
Support for aged persons
Support for the aboriginal community
Provision and operation of libraries
Festivals and events
Satisfaction – by age
Respondents in the 35-49 age group expressed a significantly lower level of satisfaction than those 18-34y/o with
‘support for aged persons’, ‘support for people with a disability’ and ‘support for the aboriginal community’.
When compared to the 50-64 age group, respondents aged 35-49 also expressed a significantly lower level of
satisfaction with ‘community safety/crime prevention’.
Satisfaction – by gender
There were no significant differences observed by gender.
Satisfaction – by town/village
Relative to townspeople, villagers had significantly higher levels of satisfaction with ‘festivals and events’ and ‘support
for youth’. Conversely townspeople had significantly higher levels of satisfaction with ‘support for aged persons’ and
‘provision and operation of libraries’.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 16
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services People
Figure 2.2.2
17%
29%
37%
56%
5%
36%
13%
66%
13%
72%
10%
65%
3%
66%
51%
33%
44%
25%
30%
28%
34%
23%
34%
19%
27%
22%
13%
19%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Support for youth
Mean
ratings
Community
sa fety/crime
prevention
Base: Importance n=400, Satisfaction n=192-351
Support for people
with a disability
Support for the aboriginal community
4.43
2.66
4.45
3.18
4.56
3.40
4.49Support for aged
persons3.41
4.14
People
3.77
4.28Provision and operation of
l ibraries
3.73
3.69
Festivals and events
3.12
Performance
gap
1.77
1.27
1.16
1.08
0.14
0.04
0.65
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Very important Important Extremely high gap Moderately low
- moderate gap
Very satisfied Satisfied Moderately high
– very high gap
Minimal gap
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 17
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services People
Quadrant Analysis Table 2.2
Improve Higher importance, lower satisfaction
Maintain Higher importance, higher satisfaction
Support for youth Community safety/crime prevention
Support for people with a disability Support for aged persons
Provision and operation of libraries
Niche Lower importance, lower satisfaction
Secondary Lower importance, higher satisfaction
Support for the aboriginal community Festivals and events
Recommendations
Based on the stated outcomes analysis, Wingecarribee Shire Council needs to improve:
Support for youth
Support for people with a disability
Additionally, Wingecarribee Shire Council needs to foster and maintain resident satisfaction with:
Community safety/crime prevention
Support for aged persons
Provision and operation of libraries
S a t i s f a c t i o n
I
m
p
o
r
t
a
n
c
e
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 18
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Places – Services and facilities rated
Availability of and access to public transport
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres
Condition of local roads
Cycle paths and walking tracks
Dog control
Local traffic management
Protecting Heritage values & Buildings
Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
Provision & maintenance of swimming pools
Provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
Provision and maintenance of sporting facilities
Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres as well as the surrounding areas
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets
The provision and quality of footpaths
Contribution to Overall Satisfaction with Council (Regression Data)
Based on the regression analysis, Council performance, in the areas charted below, accounts for over 26% of overall
satisfaction. Figure 2.3.1
Coles
89%
0.7
0.8
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
2.2
2.5
2.7
2.8
3.4
26.1
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0
Availability of and access to public transport
Protecting Heritage values & Buildings
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres
Provision & maintenance of swimming pools
Cycle paths and walking tracks
The provision and quality of footpaths
Condition of local roads
Dog control
Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
Provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities
Provision and maintenance of sporting facilities
Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres as well as the surrounding areas
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets
Local traffic management
Places (Nett)
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 19
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Overview of Rating Scores
Importance - overall
In terms of importance 5 of the 15 services/facilities were stated to be of ‘very high’ to ‘extremely high’ importance.
These were:
Condition of local roads
Local traffic management
Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
The provision and quality of footpaths
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres
The remaining 10 services/facilities were considered to be of ‘high’ importance.
Importance – by age
50-64y/o considered ‘revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres as well as the surrounding areas’
significantly less important than residents aged 65 years and over. 50-64y/o also considered the ‘condition of local
roads’ significantly less important than 18-34 y/o.
Respondents aged 18-34 years rated 4 services/facilities significantly more important than 35-49 y/o. These were:
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres
Condition of local roads
Local traffic management
The provision and quality of footpaths
Respondents aged 18-34 years also considered the ‘provision and maintenance of playgrounds’ and the ‘provision and
maintenance of sporting facilities’ significantly more important than residents aged 65 years and over.
35-49 y/o considered the ‘provision and maintenance of swimming pools’ significantly more important than residents
aged 65 years and over.
Importance – by gender
Females attributed significantly higher levels of importance to 9 of the 15 services/facilities than did males. These were:
Availability of and access to public transport
Cycle paths and walking tracks
Dog control
Protecting Heritage values & Buildings
Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
Provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
Provision and maintenance of sporting facilities
The provision and quality of footpaths
Importance – by town/village
Townspeople attributed significantly higher levels of importance to the ‘provision & maintenance of local parks and
gardens’, ‘local traffic management’ and ‘the provision and quality of footpaths’ than did villagers.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 20
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Satisfaction – overall
Resident satisfaction with 2 of the 15 services/facilities was ‘moderately high’. These were:
Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
Resident satisfaction with 4 of the 15 services/facilities was ‘moderately low’ to ‘low’. These were:
Availability of and access to public transport
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres
Condition of local roads
The provision and quality of footpaths
Satisfaction with the remaining 9 services/facilities was ‘moderate’.
Satisfaction – by age
Those in the age group 35-49 y/o and 65 years & over expressed lower levels of satisfaction than residents aged 18-
34 y/o for ‘the provision and quality of footpaths’ and ‘provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities’.
18-34 y/o were significantly more satisfied with ‘protecting Heritage values & Buildings’ than were residents 50 years
and over.
35-49 years considered ‘provision and maintenance of sporting facilities’ significantly less satisfying than 18-24 y/o.
Satisfaction – by gender
Males attributed significantly higher levels of satisfaction to 2 services/facilities than did females. These were:
Protecting Heritage values & Buildings
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets
Females were significantly more positive about ‘cycle paths and walking tracks’ than males.
Satisfaction – by town/village
Compared to townspeople, villagers had a significantly higher level of satisfaction with ‘protecting Heritage values and
Buildings’. Perhaps not surprisingly, townspeople indicated significantly higher levels of satisfaction with the ‘availability
and access to public transport’.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 21
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Figure 2.3.2
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Very important Important Extremely high gap Moderately low
– moderate gap
Very satisfied Satisfied Moderately high
– very high gap
20%
49%
10%
46%
9%
51%
7%
54%
5%
54%
8%
56%
5%
65%
1%
68%
29%
29%
29%
23%
28%
24%
36%
30%
21%
29%
15%
22%
15%
22%
13%
23%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Condition of
local roads
Mean
ratings
Availability of
and access to
public transport
Base: Importance n=400, Satisfaction n=248-362
Availability of car
parking in the town
and village centres
The cleanliness and
functionality of
public toilets
4.53
2.29
4.45
2.44
4.16
2.57
4.30
2.77
The provision and
quality of footpaths
3.15
3.21
Places - Part 1
4.12
3.95
Local traffic
management
Provision &
maintenance of
swimming pools
4.14
3.38
Cycle paths and
walking tracks
4.33
3.16
Performance
gap
2.24
2.01
1.59
1.53
1.18
0.87
0.76
0.96
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 22
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Figure 2.3.3
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Very important Important Moderately low - moderate gap
Very satisfied Satisfied
21%
37%
12%
37%
18%
50%
14%
38%
18%
51%
20%
48%
8%
36%
40%
28%
47%
35%
38%
24%
35%
34%
41%
26%
41%
37%
33%
33%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Revitalisation/
beautification of
town and village
centres as well as
the surrounding
areas
Mean
ratings
Provision and
maintenance of
sporting facilities
Base: Importance n=400, Satisfaction n=248-362
Provision &
maintenance of local
parks and gardens
Provision and
maintenance of
playgrounds
3.95
3.21
4.28
3.64
4.15
3.59
3.96Protecting heritage
values & buildings3.43
3.57
Places - Part 2
4.10
3.99Provision and
maintenance of
community
halls/facilities
3.88
3.59
Dog control
3.60
Performance
gap
0.74
0.64
0.56
0.53
0.42
0.29
0.50
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 23
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Quadrant Analysis Table 2.3
Improve Higher importance, lower satisfaction
Maintain Higher importance, higher satisfaction
Condition of local roads Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres
The provision and quality of footpaths
Local traffic management
Niche Lower importance, lower satisfaction
Secondary Lower importance, higher satisfaction
Availability of and access to public transport Cycle paths and walking tracks
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets Provision and maintenance of sporting facilities
Provision & maintenance of swimming pools Protecting Heritage values & Buildings
Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres
as well as the surrounding areas Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
Provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities
Dog control
Recommendations
Based on the stated outcomes analysis, Wingecarribee Shire Council needs to improve:
Condition of local roads
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres
Local traffic management
The provision and quality of footpaths
Additionally, Wingecarribee Shire Council needs to foster and maintain resident satisfaction with:
Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
S a t i s f a c t i o n
I
m
p
o
r
t
a
n
c
e
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 24
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Environment
Environment – Services and facilities rated
Domestic garbage collection
Encouraging recycling
Encouraging waste reduction initiatives
Enforcement of development and building regulations
Green waste collection
Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers
Managing development and growth
Providing adequate drainage
Restoration of natural bushland
Support for community environmental initiatives
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip)
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Contribution to Overall Satisfaction with Council (Regression Data)
Based on the regression analysis, Council performance, in the areas charted below, accounts for 30.5% of overall
satisfaction. Figure 2.4.1
Coles
89%
0.2
0.6
0.9
1.0
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.1
2.4
2.5
2.9
12.4
30.5
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip)
Green waste collection
Encouraging recycling
Encouraging waste reduction initiatives
Domestic garbage collection
Enforcement of development and building regulations
Providing adequate drainage
Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers
Support for community environmental initiatives
Restoration of natural bushland
Managing development and growth
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Environment (Nett)
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 25
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Environment
Overview of Rating Scores
Importance - overall
In terms of importance, 9 of the 12 services/facilities were rated to be of ‘very high’ to ‘extremely high’ importance.
These were:
Domestic garbage collection
Encouraging recycling
Encouraging waste reduction initiatives
Enforcement of development and building regulations
Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers
Managing development and growth
Providing adequate drainage
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip)
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
The remaining 3 services/facilities were considered to be of ‘high’ importance.
Importance – by age
Residents aged 65+ considered ‘the Resource Recovery Centre’ and ‘managing development and growth’ significantly
less important than residents aged 18-34 y/o.
Respondents aged 18-34 years rated 3 services/facilities significantly more important than 35-49 y/o. These were:
Domestic garbage collection
Encouraging recycling
Enforcement of development and building regulations
Importance – by gender
Females attributed significantly higher levels of importance to 7 of the 12 services/facilities than did males. These were:
Domestic garbage collection
Encouraging recycling
Encouraging waste reduction initiatives
Enforcement of development and building regulations
Green waste collection
Restoration of natural bushland
Support for community environmental initiatives
Importance – by town/village
Villagers attributed significantly lower levels of importance to 4 out of the 12 services/facilities than did townspeople.
These were:
Domestic garbage collection
Green waste collection
Providing adequate drainage
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 26
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Environment
Satisfaction – overall
Resident satisfaction with 4 of the 12 services/facilities was ‘moderately high’ to ‘very high’. These were:
Domestic garbage collection
Encouraging recycling
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip)
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Resident satisfaction with 3 of the 12 services/facilities was ‘moderately low’ to ‘low’. These were:
Managing development and growth
Enforcement of development and building regulations
Green waste collection
Satisfaction with the remaining 5 services/facilities was ‘moderate’.
Satisfaction – by age
Those in the age group 65 years & over expressed higher levels of satisfaction than residents aged 18-34 y/o for
‘domestic garbage collections.’
18-34 y/o were significantly more satisfied with ‘support for community environmental initiatives’ than were 35-49
y/o.
35-64 years considered ‘restoration of natural bushland’ significantly less satisfying than 18-24 y/o.
Satisfaction – by gender
There were no significant differences observed by gender.
Satisfaction – by town/village
Compared to townspeople, villagers expressed significantly higher levels of satisfaction with ‘managing development
and growth’ and ‘enforcement of development and building regulations ‘.
Townspeople had significantly higher levels of satisfaction with ‘the Resource Recovery Centre’ and ‘providing adequate
drainage’.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 27
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Environment
Figure 2.4.2
23%
68%
7%
51%
10%
50%
13%
61%
6%
50%
12%
49%
4%
59%
33%
25%
29%
33%
24%
31%
27%
26%
22%
32%
16%
22%
19%
25%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
ImportanceManaging
development and
growth
Mean
ratings
Enforcement of
development
and building
regulations
Base: Importance n=400, Satisfaction n=264-369
Green waste
collection
Providing
adequate
drainage
4.37
2.82
3.91
2.48
4.22
2.88
4.43
Encouraging waste
reduction initiatives3.28
3.25
Environment - Part 1
4.21
4.26Healthy, natural
urban streams
and creeks but
not rivers
4.56
3.63
Encouraging
recycling
3.12
Performance
gap
1.55
1.43
1.34
1.15
1.01
0.93
1.09
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Very important Important Extremely high gap
Very satisfied Satisfied Moderately high – very high gap
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 28
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Environment
Figure 2.4.3
35%
54%
51%
70%
15%
44%
30%
74%
7%
44%
36%
28%
31%
20%
34%
34%
44%
17%
37%
31%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Mean
ratings
Town water quality
(taste, smell and
colour)
Base: Importance n=400, Satisfaction n=264-369
Support for
community
environmental
initiatives
Domestic garbage
collection
4.07
3.35
4.50
3.89
4.11
Restoration of
natural bushland3.51
3.90
Environment - Part 2
4.51
4.22
The Resource
Recovery Centre
(RCC/local tip)
4.18
Performance
gap
0.72
0.61
0.60
0.33
0.32
Very important Important Moderately low – moderate gap
Very satisfied Satisfied
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 29
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Environment
Quadrant Analysis Table 2.4
Improve Higher importance, lower satisfaction
Maintain Higher importance, higher satisfaction
Managing development and growth Encouraging waste reduction initiatives
Enforcement of development and building regulations Encouraging recycling
Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Domestic garbage collection
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip)
Niche Lower importance, lower satisfaction
Secondary Lower importance, higher satisfaction
Green waste collection Support for community environmental initiatives
Providing adequate drainage Restoration of natural bushland
Recommendations
Based on the stated outcomes analysis, Wingecarribee Shire Council needs to improve:
Managing development and growth
Enforcement of development and building regulations
Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers
Additionally, Wingecarribee Shire Council needs to foster and maintain resident satisfaction with:
Domestic garbage collection
Encouraging recycling
Encouraging waste reduction initiatives
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip)
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
S a t i s f a c t i o n
I
m
p
o
r
t
a
n
c
e
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 30
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Leadership and Economy
Leadership and Economy – Services and facilities rated
Council provision of information to residents
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making
Support for local business and employment
Support for tourism
Contribution to Overall Satisfaction with Council (Regression Data)
Based on the regression analysis, Council performance, in the areas charted below, accounts for 29.8% of overall
satisfaction.
Figure 2.5.1
Coles
89%
3.5
5.0
8.5
12.7
29.8
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0
Support for tourism
Support for local business and employment
Council provision of information to residents
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making
Leadership and Economy (Nett)
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 31
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Leadership and Economy
Overview of Rating Scores
Importance - overall
In terms of importance, 2 of the 4 services/facilities were rated to be of ‘very high’ importance. These were:
Council provision of information to residents
Support for local business and employment
The remaining 2 services/facilities were considered to be of ‘high’ importance.
Importance – by age
Respondents aged 18-34 rated ‘support for local business and employment’ as being of ‘extremely high’ importance,
which was significantly higher than the score expressed by residents aged 50 years and over
Importance – by gender
Females attributed significantly higher levels of importance to ‘support for local business and employment’ than did
males.
Importance – by town/village
No significant differences were observed.
Satisfaction – overall
Resident satisfaction with ‘support for tourism’ was ‘moderately high’.
Resident satisfaction with ‘opportunities to participate in Council decision making’ was ‘moderately low’.
Satisfaction with the remaining 2 services/facilities was ‘moderate’.
Satisfaction – by age
No significant differences were observed.
Satisfaction – by gender
No significant differences were observed.
Satisfaction – by town/village
No significant differences were observed.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 32
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Leadership and Economy
Figure 2.5.2
20%
43%
11%
54%
5%
43%
10%
60%
45%
35%
30%
35%
20%
33%
24%
27%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Satisfaction
Importance
Base: Importance n=400, Satisfaction n=287-354
Leadership and Economy
Support for local
business and
employment
Mean
ratings
Council provision of
information to
residents
Opportunities to
participate in
Council decision
making
4.42
3.16
4.08
2.83
4.39
3.25
Support for tourism
4.07
3.73
Performance
gap
1.26
1.25
1.14
0.34
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Very important Important Moderately high – very high gap
Very satisfied Satisfied Moderately low – moderate gap
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 33
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Leadership and Economy
Quadrant Analysis Table 2.5
Improve Higher importance, lower satisfaction
Maintain Higher importance, higher satisfaction
Support for local business and employment
Council provision of information to residents
Niche Lower importance, lower satisfaction
Secondary Lower importance, higher satisfaction
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making Support for tourism
Recommendations
Based on the stated outcomes analysis, Wingecarribee Shire Council needs to improve:
Council provision of information to residents
Support for local business and employment
S a t i s f a c t i o n
I
m
p
o
r
t
a
n
c
e
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 34
Overall Satisfaction with the Performance of Council
59% of residents indicated that they were either ‘satisfied’ (55%) or ‘very satisfied’ (4%) with the overall performance of
Council.
15% of residents indicated that they were ‘dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’ with the overall performance of Council.
Q6a. Overall, for the last 12 months, how satisfied are you with the performance of Council, not just on one or two
issues, but across all responsibility areas? Figure 2.6.1
2%
13%
26%
55%
4%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Very dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neither
Satisfied
Very satisfied
Mean rating - 3.45
Base: n=400
Mean ratings: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Q6b. Why do you say that?
Satisfied
Council is doing a good job 150
Council has good communication with residents 30
Services and facilities in the area are good 20
Some services and facilities need improvement 18
Other 42
Dissatisfied
Lack of road/street maintenance 15
Financial issues 9
Lack of services for the youth 9
Poor services and facilities 9
Development 7
Poor communication 7
Poor management of the environment 5
Other 22
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 35
Comparison with LGA Stated Satisfaction Benchmarks
Comparisons with a Micromex Research developed Local Government Benchmark are able to be made with 15 specific
key criteria that are common to all LGAs.
Sample
The sample includes up to 30 LGAs representing over 30,000 resident interviews.
Comment
Comparisons indicate that Wingecarribee Council performed above average for 5 of the criteria, below for 6 of the
criteria and was equal to the remaining 4 criteria.
Table 2.6
Service/Facility
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Satisfaction Scores
LGA Average
Satisfaction
Above the Benchmark
Garbage services 4.2 4.1
Satisfaction with the way contact with Council was handled 4.1 3.9
Playgrounds 3.6 3.4
Cycleways & walking paths 3.4 3.1
Public toilets 3.2 2.9
Equal to the Benchmark
Libraries 4.1 4.1
Recycling 3.7 3.7
Ovals and sporting facilities 3.6 3.6
Overall satisfaction 3.5 3.5
Below the Benchmark
Protection of heritage buildings and items 3.4 3.6
Satisfaction with community consultation/communication 3.5 3.8
Support for people with a disability 3.2 3.3
Youth services and facilities 2.7 3.0
Condition of local roads 2.3 2.8
Support for aged persons 3.4 3.5
Mean ratings: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Key Takeout
Overall, compared to other LGAs Wingecarribee Shire Council has performed adequately.
The opportunity for Council is to strengthen satisfaction with the measure that it is currently most obviously
underperforming, the ‘condition of local roads’.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 36
How Wingecarribee Council will Improve Satisfaction
with Its Performance
Overview
Using regression analysis, we have identified the variables that have the greatest influence on driving positive overall
satisfaction with Council.
Figure 2.7.1
0.2
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.6
1.6
1.7
1.7
1.8
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.3
3.4
3.5
5.0
8.5
12.4
12.7
0.0 3.0 6.0 9.0 12.0 15.0
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local tip)
Green waste collection
Availability of and access to public transport
Provision and operation of libraries
Protecting Heritage values & Buildings
Encouraging recycling
Availability of car parking in the town and village centres
Encouraging waste reduction initiatives
Provision & maintenance of swimming pools
Cycle paths and walking tracks
The provision and quality of footpaths
Condition of local roads
Dog control
Support for aged persons
Support for people with a disability
Provision & maintenance of local parks and gardens
Domestic garbage collection
Support for the aboriginal community
Provision and maintenance of community halls/facilities
Enforcement of development and building regulations
Providing adequate drainage
Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks but not rivers
Provision and maintenance of sporting facilities
Festivals and events
Support for community environmental initiatives
Restoration of natural bushland
Revitalisation/beautification of town and village centres as …
Support for youth
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets
Managing development and growth
Community safety/crime prevention
Local traffic management
Support for tourism
Support for local business and employment
Council provision of information to residents
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making
Summary
While all 38 of the service/facilities are important to residents, only the first 7 have a greater than 3% influence on how
residents rate the performance of Council overall. ‘Opportunity to participate in Council decision making’ and ‘town
water quality’ are the core drivers, which when combined account for just over 25% of overall satisfaction with Council.
By comparison, the influence of ‘the Resource Recovery Centre’ on overall satisfaction with Council is only 0.2%.
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 37
How Wingecarribee Council will Improve Satisfaction
with Its Performance
Recommendations
If Wingecarribee Council can address the core drivers, they will be able to improve resident satisfaction with their
performance. Based on the regression analysis, Council performance in the areas listed below account for 60% of
overall satisfaction.
Figure 2.7.2
These Top 11 Indicators Account For 60% Of Overall Satisfaction With Council
Wingecarribee Council needs to concentrate on engaging and consulting
with residents, as well as ensuring town water quality
Coles
89%
2.5
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.3
3.4
3.5
5.0
8.5
12.4
12.7
0.00 3.00 6.00 9.00 12.00 15.00
Support for youth
Provision and maintenance of playgrounds
The cleanliness and functionality of public toilets
Managing development and growth
Community safety/crime prevention
Local traffic management
Support for tourism
Support for local business and employment
Council provision of information to residents
Town water quality (taste, smell and colour)
Opportunities to participate in Council decision making
Based on the key findings from this research study it is clear from a resident perspective, that there are potentially a
number of areas that require action or at least more salient communication or community consultation. Whilst some of
these may not be currently feasible, based on the outcomes of this research we recommend Wingecarribee Council
consider the following:
1. Revisit and reassess Council’s current communication strategy
2. Identify methods and mediums that could better engage the community in Council decision making
3. Ensure that town water quality is always treated as a community priority
4. Communicate the Council’s role in supporting local business and tourism
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 38
Council’s Image Within the Community
42% of residents rated the Council’s image within the community as either ‘good’ or ‘very good’
29% of residents indicated that they believe Council has a ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ community image
Council needs to identify how it can strengthen its image
Q6c. Overall, how would you rate Council’s image within the community?
Figure 2.7.3
Mean ratings: 1 = very poor, 5 = very good
3%
26%
28%
40%
2%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Very poor
Poor
Neither
Good
Very good
Mean rating - 3.12
Section B
Contact with Council
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 39
Contact with Council in the last 12 months
41% of residents had made contact with Council in the 12 months leading up to the survey.
An issue related to ‘development’ was the primary reason for contacting Council (30%).
The predominant method of contact was via telephone (63%).
81% of residents who contacted were satisfied with the outcome
Only 6% of residents were dissatisfied with the way the contact was handled
Figure 3.1.1
Q2. Have you contacted Council in the last 12 months?
Yes
41%No
59%
Figure 3.1.2
Q3a. Thinking of the last time when you made contact
with the Council staff, was it by:
6%
6%
26%
63%
0% 25% 50% 75%
Mai l
I n person
Phone
Base: n=400 Base: n=165
Figure 3.1.3
Q3b. What was the nature of your enquiry? Figure 3.1.4
Q3c. How satisfied were you with the way your contact
was handled?
12%
4%
7%
13%
16%
18%
30%
0% 20% 40%
Other
Community services (youth,
ch ildren, aged care)
Town planning and Zoning
Rates - land or water
Roads, footpaths and parks etc
Waste and clean up services
Bu ilding and development
approval
3%
3%
13%
46%
35%
0% 25% 50%
Very dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neither
Satisfied
Very satisfied
Base: n=165 Base: n=165
Mean ratings: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 40
Contact with Council in the last 12 months
Q3d. (If dissatisfied or very dissatisfied), how could the way this contact was handled have been improved?
Staff should be more polite and understanding 4
Council should reply to emails/phone calls 3
Staff should be more knowledgeable and be able to provide the correct information 2
Should be more open to hear residents' concerns 1
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 41
Satisfaction with Council’s communication
81% of residents expressed satisfaction with the information they get from Council about its services and activities. Only
6% of residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current levels of information/consultation.
Q4a. How satisfied are you with the level of communication Council currently has with the community?
Figure 3.2.1
3%
3%
13%
46%
35%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Very dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neither
Satisfied
Very satisfied
Mean rating - 3.49
Base: n=400
Q4b. (If dissatisfied or very dissatisfied), how do you think Council could improve its communication?
Make information more available to residents by sending frequent newsletters or emails, notices in public
places and/or advertising in the local newspaper or radio 28
More community meetings and forums 13
Better training of Council staff in customer service 5
Increased transparency 3
Better communication within Council 2
Improved online presence 2
Improved responses to resident communications 2
Section C
Priorities for the Local Area
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 42
Best Thing About Living in the Wingecarribee Area
The natural environment and quality of life are the best things about living in the Wingecarribee LGA.
Q6d. Thinking generally about living in the Wingecarribee area, what do you feel is the best thing about living here?
Figure 4.1
Environment
39%
High quality of
l ife/lifestyle
30%
Community sp irit/people
12%
Location11%
Access to services and
facilities
2%
Other
5%
Base: n=396
Environment 39%
Climate 10%
Fresh air 8%
Natural environment 7%
Open spaces 6%
Other 9%
High quality of life/lifestyle 30%
Rural environment/lifestyle 18%
Peace and quiet 7%
Other 5%
Community spirit/people 12%
Great community environment/spirit 6%
Other 5%
Location 11%
Proximity to other locations, e.g. Sydney, Canberra, the countryside and the coast 4%
Great location 3%
Other 2%
Access to services and facilities 2%
Facilities/amenities 1%
Other 1%
Other 5%
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 43
Agreement with Specific Statements
95% of residents indicate they ‘feel there are benefits to living in a community with people of diverse ages,
backgrounds and cultures’
90% of residents indicated that they are satisfied ‘with the current level of water pressure when using town water’
86% of residents agreed that they feel a part of the local community 84% indicated that they feel there are adequate support networks available to them if required 49% of residents feel that there is an adequate number of public toilets in the shire
Q7. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Figure 4.2
49%
84%
86%
90%
95%
51%
16%
14%
10%
5%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
I feel that there is an adequate number of public toilets in the
Wingecarribee Shire
I feel there are adequate support networks available to me if I need
them
I feel a part of my local community
I am satisfied with the current level of water pressure I get when using
town water
I feel there are benefits to living in a community with people of
diverse ages, backgrounds and cultures
Agree Disagree
Base: n=342-399
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 44
Activities Within the Shire
While living in the Wingecarribee Shire Council:
90% of residents agree that they have the opportunity to participate in arts and related activities
93% of residents indicated they believe they have the opportunity to participate in recreational and sporting
activities In the last 12 months, 56% of residents have participated in a volunteer activities
Q8a. Do you believe that living in the Shire you have the opportunity to participate in arts and related activities?
Figure 4.3.1
Yes
90%
No
10%
Q8b. Do you believe that living in the Shire you have the opportunity to participate in recreational and sporting
activities?
Figure 4.3.2
Yes93%
No7%
Q8c. In the last 12 months have you participated in any volunteer activities?
Figure 4.3.3
Yes
56%
No44%
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 45
Response Timeliness
Resident satisfaction with Council’s response timeliness to the 4 key issues ranged widely:
75% of residents were satisfied with response to ‘water supply’ 72% of residents were satisfied with response to ‘sewerage’ 31% of residents were satisfied with response to ‘drainage’ Only 18% of residents were satisfied with response to ‘roads’
Q9. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is very dissatisfied and 5 is very satisfied, how satisfied are you with the timeliness
of Council response to:
Figure 4.4
2%
6%
30%
30%
16%
25%
42%
45%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Roads
Drainage
Sewerage
Water
supply
Mean
ratings
Base: n=332-380
3.96
3.89
3.03
2.56
Very satisfied Satisfied
Mean ratings: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Appendix A
Demographics
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 46
Demographics
Q10a. Please stop me when I read out your age group. Table 5.1.1
Q10b. Were you born in Australia or overseas?
Table 5.1.2
Q11. Which of the following best describes your current employment status?
Table 5.1.3
Q12. Which of the following best describes the house where you are currently living?
Table 5.1.4
79 20%
114 28%
110 28%
97 24%
400 100%
18 - 34
35 - 49
50 - 64
65+ years and over
Total
Count Col umn %
344 86%
56 14%
400 100%
Australia
Overseas
Total
Count Col umn %
140 35%
130 33%
76 19%
30 8%
12 3%
8 2%
1 0%
396 100%
Currently in full time paid employment
Retired from paid employment
Currently in part time paid employment (at least 10 hours a week)
Household duties
Studying at school, TAFE or university
Currently looking for paid employment
Carer
Total
Count Col umn %
359 90%
41 10%
400 100%
I/We own/are currently buying this property
I/We currently rent this property
Total
Count Col umn %
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 47
Demographics
Q13. Which of the following best describes your status? Table 5.1.5
Q14a. How long have you lived in the local area?
Table 5.1.6
107 28%
78 20%
71 19%
70 18%
32 8%
12 3%
11 3%
2 1%
2 1%
385 100%
Married/de facto with no children
Married/de facto with children under 12
Married/de facto with children over 12
Single with no children
Married/defacto with children both under and over 12
Single parent with children over 12
Living at home with parents
Single parent with children both under and over 12
Single parent with children under 12
Total
Count Col umn %
7 2%
35 9%
90 23%
83 21%
184 46%
400 100%
Up to 2 years
2 - 5 years
6 - 10 years
11 - 20 years
More than 20 years
Total
Count Col umn %
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 48
Demographics
Q14b. In which suburb do you live?
Table 5.1.7
Q15. Gender.
Table 5.1.8
94 23%
72 18%
67 17%
31 8%
30 7%
19 5%
16 4%
14 4%
12 3%
11 3%
7 2%
4 1%
4 1%
3 1%
3 1%
3 1%
2 1%
2 0%
2 0%
1 0%
1 0%
1 0%
400 100%
Bowral
Moss Vale
Mittagong
Bundanoon
Hill Top
Robertson
Berrima
Colo Vale
Yerrinbool
Exeter
Penrose
Canyonleigh
Wingello
Joadja
Burrawang
High Range
Balmoral
Avoca
Sutton Forest
Wildes Meadow
New Berrima
Kangaloon
Total
Count Col umn %
176 44%
224 56%
400 100%
Male
Female
Total
Count Col umn %
Appendix B
Data and Correlation Tables
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 49
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services People
Table 6.1.1
Service/Facility - Importance 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Festivals and events 3.97 3.69 3.53 3.80 3.65 3.80 3.75 3.70 3.73
Community safety/crime
prevention 4.82 4.53 4.40 4.58 4.47 4.63 4.59 4.53 4.56
Support for aged persons 4.67 4.30 4.47 4.59 4.36 4.59 4.57 4.39 4.49
Support for people with a disability 4.64 4.34 4.35 4.52 4.31 4.55 4.47 4.41 4.45
Support for youth 4.61 4.50 4.28 4.36 4.30 4.53 4.46 4.39 4.43
Support for the aboriginal
community 3.82 3.58 3.84 3.88 3.49 4.00 3.82 3.71 3.77
Provision and operation of libraries 4.06 4.22 4.41 4.36 4.07 4.44 4.35 4.18 4.28
Table 6.1.2
Service/Facility - Satisfaction 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Festivals and events 3.65 3.59 3.75 3.80 3.67 3.71 3.56 3.87 3.69
Community safety/crime prevention 3.48 3.18 3.55 3.43 3.35 3.45 3.40 3.41 3.40
Support for aged persons 3.63 3.10 3.43 3.50 3.38 3.44 3.52 3.26 3.41
Support for people with a disability 3.58 2.99 3.07 3.16 3.28 3.11 3.19 3.16 3.18
Support for youth 2.75 2.62 2.62 2.66 2.58 2.71 2.56 2.78 2.66
Support for the aboriginal
community 3.59 2.98 2.88 3.12 3.12 3.12 3.10 3.14 3.12
Provision and operation of libraries 4.36 4.06 4.05 4.18 4.12 4.16 4.25 3.98 4.14
= A significantly higher level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
= A significantly lower level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 50
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services People
Table 6.1.3
Table 6.1.4
18 5% 36 9% 98 25% 130 33% 117 29% 400 100%
9 2% 7 2% 20 5% 77 19% 287 72% 400 100%
5 1% 14 3% 25 6% 91 23% 265 66% 400 100%
9 2% 10 3% 33 8% 87 22% 260 65% 400 100%
7 2% 16 4% 36 9% 78 19% 262 66% 400 100%
29 7% 32 8% 83 21% 112 28% 144 36% 400 100%
11 3% 16 4% 48 12% 100 25% 224 56% 400 100%
Festivals and events
Community safety/crime
prevention
Support for aged persons
Support for people with a
disability
Support for youth
Support for the aboriginal
community
Provision and operation of
libraries
Count Row %
Not at al l
importan t
Count Row %
Not very
importan t
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Importan t
Count Row %
Very importan t
Count Row %
Total
11 5% 15 6% 53 22% 124 51% 41 17% 244 100%
12 3% 42 12% 133 38% 120 34% 44 13% 351 100%
11 3% 38 12% 123 38% 110 34% 41 13% 324 100%
17 6% 49 17% 117 41% 77 27% 29 10% 289 100%
35 11% 98 31% 127 41% 41 13% 10 3% 310 100%
16 8% 22 11% 87 45% 58 30% 10 5% 192 100%
3 1% 9 3% 46 15% 138 44% 116 37% 312 100%
Festivals and events
Community safety/crime
prevention
Support for aged persons
Support for people with a
disability
Support for youth
Support for the aboriginal
community
Provision and operation of
libraries
Count Row %
Very
dissatis f ied
Count Row %
Diss ati sf ied
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Sati sf ied
Count Row %
Very sati sf ied
Count Row %
Total
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 51
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Table 6.2.1
Service/Facility - Importance 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Revitalisation/beautification of town and
village centres as well as the
surrounding areas
4.00 3.91 3.76 4.19 3.86 4.03 4.01 3.87 3.95
Protecting Heritage values & Buildings 3.88 3.87 3.98 4.12 3.83 4.07 4.00 3.92 3.96
Provision & maintenance of local parks
and gardens 4.33 4.32 4.12 4.36 4.13 4.40 4.38 4.15 4.28
Dog control 3.94 3.82 3.85 3.95 3.75 3.99 3.94 3.80 3.88
The cleanliness and functionality of public
toilets 4.06 4.32 4.10 3.95 4.00 4.22 4.11 4.13 4.12
Availability of car parking in the town
and village centres 4.73 4.24 4.40 4.53 4.42 4.48 4.51 4.38 4.45
Cycle paths and walking tracks 4.30 4.17 4.08 4.04 3.98 4.27 4.20 4.06 4.14
Local traffic management 4.52 4.15 4.39 4.32 4.27 4.37 4.42 4.20 4.33
Availability of and access to public
transport 4.36 4.06 4.13 4.16 4.01 4.28 4.11 4.24 4.16
Condition of local roads 4.82 4.42 4.47 4.50 4.50 4.55 4.53 4.53 4.53
The provision and quality of footpaths 4.61 4.17 4.26 4.25 4.15 4.41 4.39 4.18 4.30
Provision & maintenance of swimming
pools 4.03 4.18 3.89 3.67 3.83 4.04 3.98 3.90 3.95
Provision and maintenance of
playgrounds 4.39 4.18 4.03 3.83 3.92 4.24 4.16 4.02 4.10
Provision and maintenance of sporting
facilities 4.36 4.28 4.08 3.89 4.02 4.25 4.17 4.12 4.15
Provision and maintenance of community
halls/facilities 4.09 3.85 4.06 3.98 3.79 4.15 3.99 3.99 3.99
= A significantly higher level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
= A significantly lower level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 52
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Table 6.2.2
Service/Facility - Satisfaction 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Revitalisation/beautification of town and
village centres as well as the
surrounding areas
3.55 3.12 3.11 3.14 3.17 3.23 3.16 3.27 3.21
Protecting Heritage values & Buildings 3.83 3.35 3.31 3.35 3.57 3.33 3.33 3.59 3.43
Provision & maintenance of local parks
and gardens 3.55 3.59 3.60 3.80 3.66 3.62 3.69 3.55 3.64
Dog control 3.55 3.62 3.65 3.51 3.57 3.60 3.57 3.62 3.59
The cleanliness and functionality of public
toilets 3.06 2.95 3.37 3.30 3.32 3.03 3.13 3.20 3.16
Availability of car parking in the town
and village centres 2.40 2.48 2.40 2.45 2.43 2.44 2.39 2.50 2.44
Cycle paths and walking tracks 3.63 3.20 3.25 3.53 3.12 3.56 3.42 3.32 3.38
Local traffic management 3.37 3.10 3.05 3.15 3.02 3.25 3.13 3.19 3.15
Availability of and access to public
transport 2.68 2.32 2.59 2.72 2.59 2.55 2.73 2.36 2.57
Condition of local roads 2.28 2.21 2.42 2.26 2.27 2.31 2.27 2.33 2.29
The provision and quality of footpaths 3.27 2.53 2.83 2.50 2.77 2.76 2.70 2.87 2.77
Provision & maintenance of swimming
pools 3.35 2.96 2.91 3.25 3.20 3.00 3.00 3.19 3.08
Provision and maintenance of
playgrounds 3.75 3.49 3.54 3.69 3.67 3.55 3.61 3.59 3.60
Provision and maintenance of sporting
facilities 3.81 3.32 3.60 3.76 3.63 3.56 3.63 3.53 3.59
Provision and maintenance of community
halls/facilities 3.91 3.47 3.46 3.54 3.59 3.56 3.54 3.61 3.57
= A significantly higher level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
= A significantly lower level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 53
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Table 6.2.3
7 2% 23 6% 95 24% 131 33% 143 36% 400 100%
15 4% 27 7% 69 17% 137 34% 152 38% 400 100%
4 1% 12 3% 44 11% 148 37% 191 48% 400 100%
22 5% 15 4% 101 25% 113 28% 149 37% 400 100%
18 5% 21 5% 60 15% 95 24% 205 51% 400 100%
10 2% 7 2% 36 9% 90 22% 258 65% 400 100%
20 5% 10 2% 59 15% 116 29% 195 49% 400 100%
11 3% 3 1% 48 12% 121 30% 217 54% 400 100%
28 7% 16 4% 44 11% 87 22% 225 56% 400 100%
8 2% 7 2% 22 5% 91 23% 272 68% 400 100%
11 3% 6 2% 50 12% 118 29% 215 54% 400 100%
32 8% 18 5% 74 18% 91 23% 185 46% 400 100%
20 5% 15 4% 70 18% 96 24% 199 50% 400 100%
18 4% 16 4% 60 15% 103 26% 203 51% 400 100%
15 4% 11 3% 86 21% 138 35% 149 37% 400 100%
Revitalisation/beautif ication
of town and village centres as
well as the surrounding areas
Protecting Heritage values &
Buildings
Provision & maintenance of
local parks and gardens
Dog control
The cleanliness and
functionality of public toilets
Availability of car parking in
the town and village centres
Cycle paths and walking
tracks
Local traffic management
Availability of and access to
public transport
Condition of local roads
The provision and quality of
footpaths
Provision & maintenance of
swimming pools
Provision and maintenance of
playgrounds
Provision and maintenance of
sporting facilities
Provision and maintenance of
community halls/facilities
Count Row %
Not at al l
importan t
Count Row %
Not very
importan t
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Importan t
Count Row %
Very importan t
Count Row %
Total
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 54
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Places
Table 6.2.4
15 6% 44 16% 104 38% 89 33% 21 8% 273 100%
14 5% 25 9% 97 36% 95 35% 38 14% 268 100%
14 4% 28 8% 91 27% 140 41% 66 20% 340 100%
18 7% 21 8% 57 23% 99 40% 52 21% 248 100%
20 8% 36 14% 106 41% 72 28% 23 9% 257 100%
84 24% 116 33% 77 22% 51 15% 18 5% 346 100%
22 7% 48 16% 89 29% 88 29% 60 20% 307 100%
33 10% 55 16% 103 31% 121 36% 25 7% 337 100%
71 24% 73 25% 85 29% 43 15% 22 8% 293 100%
89 25% 130 36% 94 26% 46 13% 3 1% 362 100%
60 18% 62 19% 122 37% 69 21% 18 5% 331 100%
34 13% 38 14% 91 34% 76 29% 26 10% 265 100%
8 3% 20 7% 96 34% 106 38% 49 18% 279 100%
16 5% 22 8% 80 28% 121 41% 53 18% 292 100%
6 2% 23 8% 86 31% 128 47% 32 12% 274 100%
Revitalisation/beautif ication
of town and village centres as
well as the surrounding areas
Protecting Heritage values &
Buildings
Provision & maintenance of
local parks and gardens
Dog control
The cleanliness and
functionality of public toilets
Availability of car parking in
the town and village centres
Cycle paths and walking
tracks
Local traffic management
Availability of and access to
public transport
Condition of local roads
The provision and quality of
footpaths
Provision & maintenance of
swimming pools
Provision and maintenance of
playgrounds
Provision and maintenance of
sporting facilities
Provision and maintenance of
community halls/facilities
Count Row %
Very
dissatis f ied
Count Row %
Diss ati sf ied
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Sati sf ied
Count Row %
Very sati sf ied
Count Row %
Total
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 55
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Environment
Table 6.3.1
Service/Facility - Importance 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Green waste collection 4.09 3.89 3.83 3.86 3.56 4.19 4.11 3.64 3.91
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local
tip) 4.48 4.19 4.22 4.05 4.13 4.29 4.27 4.16 4.22
Domestic garbage collection 4.76 4.35 4.47 4.55 4.38 4.61 4.68 4.29 4.51
Providing adequate drainage 4.45 4.09 4.21 4.14 4.12 4.28 4.31 4.06 4.21
Support for community environmental
initiatives 4.18 4.03 4.06 4.04 3.93 4.18 4.15 3.97 4.07
Restoration of natural bushland 4.27 3.93 4.10 4.19 3.89 4.28 4.17 4.02 4.11
Healthy, natural urban streams and
creeks but not rivers 4.24 4.17 4.31 4.32 4.16 4.34 4.31 4.19 4.26
Encouraging recycling 4.73 4.43 4.58 4.56 4.43 4.67 4.62 4.49 4.56
Encouraging waste reduction initiatives 4.55 4.29 4.53 4.39 4.32 4.52 4.46 4.40 4.43
Managing development and growth 4.55 4.28 4.51 4.17 4.28 4.44 4.36 4.38 4.37
Enforcement of development and building
regulations 4.48 3.98 4.25 4.26 4.06 4.35 4.26 4.17 4.22
Town water quality (taste, smell and
colour) 4.70 4.37 4.47 4.53 4.44 4.55 4.76 4.15 4.50
Table 6.3.2
Service/Facility - Satisfaction 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Green waste collection 2.82 2.16 2.62 2.41 2.60 2.40 2.56 2.34 2.48
The Resource Recovery Centre (RCC/local
tip) 4.00 3.79 3.94 3.89 3.88 3.91 4.03 3.71 3.90
Domestic garbage collection 3.94 4.02 4.30 4.44 4.13 4.23 4.27 4.05 4.18
Providing adequate drainage 3.28 2.94 3.16 3.13 3.18 3.06 3.22 2.96 3.12
Support for community environmental
initiatives 3.67 3.15 3.33 3.32 3.44 3.28 3.31 3.41 3.35
Restoration of natural bushland 3.85 3.39 3.38 3.52 3.51 3.52 3.50 3.53 3.51
Healthy, natural urban streams and
creeks but not rivers 3.36 3.27 3.14 3.25 3.31 3.19 3.24 3.26 3.25
Encouraging recycling 3.66 3.45 3.68 3.76 3.62 3.65 3.70 3.53 3.63
Encouraging waste reduction initiatives 3.43 3.11 3.29 3.33 3.36 3.23 3.36 3.19 3.28
Managing development and growth 3.04 2.79 2.74 2.76 2.83 2.81 2.65 3.04 2.82
Enforcement of development and building
regulations 3.14 2.76 2.79 2.86 2.82 2.92 2.78 3.02 2.88
Town water quality (taste, smell and
colour) 3.87 3.71 4.07 3.93 3.93 3.87 3.95 3.80 3.89
= A significantly higher level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
= A significantly lower level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 56
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Environment
Table 6.3.3
Table 6.3.4
47 12% 24 6% 43 11% 90 22% 196 49% 400 100%
21 5% 8 2% 45 11% 111 28% 214 54% 400 100%
15 4% 5 1% 21 5% 78 20% 280 70% 400 100%
17 4% 9 2% 50 12% 124 31% 200 50% 400 100%
19 5% 12 3% 67 17% 124 31% 177 44% 400 100%
16 4% 16 4% 54 14% 135 34% 178 44% 400 100%
13 3% 8 2% 45 11% 132 33% 203 51% 400 100%
5 1% 5 1% 19 5% 99 25% 271 68% 400 100%
3 1% 14 4% 33 8% 105 26% 244 61% 400 100%
11 3% 5 1% 47 12% 99 25% 237 59% 400 100%
11 3% 13 3% 50 12% 126 32% 199 50% 400 100%
27 7% 0 0% 11 3% 66 17% 294 74% 400 100%
Green waste collec tion
The Resource Recovery
Centre (RCC/local tip)
Domestic garbage collection
Providing adequate drainage
Support for community
environmental initiatives
Restoration of natural
bushland
Healthy, natural urban
streams and creeks but not
rivers
Encouraging recycling
Encouraging waste reduction
initiatives
Managing development and
growth
Enforcement of development
and building regulations
Town water quality (taste,
smell and colour)
Count Row %
Not at al l
importan t
Count Row %
Not very
importan t
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Importan t
Count Row %
Very importan t
Count Row %
Total
96 36% 52 20% 42 16% 41 16% 33 12% 264 100%
11 4% 29 9% 51 16% 114 36% 110 35% 314 100%
17 5% 18 5% 29 8% 109 31% 181 51% 354 100%
23 7% 57 18% 132 41% 77 24% 31 10% 320 100%
12 4% 26 9% 122 43% 106 37% 21 7% 286 100%
8 3% 22 7% 122 41% 102 34% 44 15% 298 100%
10 3% 35 11% 152 50% 89 29% 22 7% 308 100%
14 4% 33 9% 113 31% 122 33% 86 23% 369 100%
17 5% 52 15% 133 39% 92 27% 45 13% 340 100%
37 11% 77 23% 143 43% 64 19% 13 4% 334 100%
39 13% 62 20% 122 40% 67 22% 18 6% 309 100%
20 6% 14 4% 58 16% 156 44% 107 30% 355 100%
Green waste collec tion
The Resource Recovery
Centre (RCC/local tip)
Domestic garbage collection
Providing adequate drainage
Support for community
environmental initiatives
Restoration of natural
bushland
Healthy, natural urban
streams and creeks but not
rivers
Encouraging recycling
Encouraging waste reduction
initiatives
Managing development and
growth
Enforcement of development
and building regulations
Town water quality (taste,
smell and colour)
Count Row %
Very
dissatis f ied
Count Row %
Diss ati sf ied
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Sati sf ied
Count Row %
Very sati sf ied
Count Row %
Total
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 57
Importance of and Satisfaction with Council Services Leadership and Economy
Table 6.4.1
Service/Facility - Importance 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Support for local business and
employment 4.70 4.42 4.37 4.26 4.32 4.50 4.40 4.45 4.42
Support for tourism 4.09 3.96 4.08 4.18 3.98 4.14 4.14 3.97 4.07
Opportunities to participate in Council
decision making 4.09 4.04 4.09 4.11 3.97 4.17 4.12 4.02 4.08
Council provision of information to
residents 4.48 4.33 4.43 4.34 4.32 4.45 4.42 4.35 4.39
Table 6.4.2
Service/Facility - Satisfaction 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Support for local business and
employment 3.23 3.01 3.11 3.33 3.12 3.18 3.13 3.19 3.16
Support for tourism 4.00 3.66 3.67 3.67 3.73 3.74 3.72 3.76 3.73
Opportunities to participate in Council
decision making 3.04 2.63 2.71 3.00 2.79 2.86 2.79 2.88 2.83
Council provision of information to
residents 3.23 3.11 3.27 3.40 3.16 3.32 3.22 3.30 3.25
= A significantly higher level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
= A significantly lower level of importance/satisfaction (by group)
Mean ratings: 1 = not at all important and very dissatisfied
5 = very important and very satisfied Table 6.4.3
Table 6.4.4
3 1% 11 3% 39 10% 107 27% 239 60% 400 100%
19 5% 15 4% 55 14% 139 35% 172 43% 400 100%
16 4% 12 3% 70 18% 130 33% 172 43% 400 100%
4 1% 7 2% 34 8% 140 35% 215 54% 400 100%
Support for local business
and employment
Support for tourism
Opportunities to participate
in Council decision making
Council provision of
information to residents
Count Row %
Not at al l
importan t
Count Row %
Not very
importan t
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Importan t
Count Row %
Very importan t
Count Row %
Total
24 8% 40 12% 151 47% 76 24% 31 10% 323 100%
8 3% 19 6% 78 26% 136 45% 60 20% 301 100%
39 14% 57 20% 119 42% 56 20% 15 5% 287 100%
21 6% 51 14% 139 39% 105 30% 38 11% 354 100%
Support for local business
and employment
Support for tourism
Opportunities to participate
in Council decision making
Council provision of
information to residents
Count Row %
Very
dissatis f ied
Count Row %
Diss at isf ied
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Sati sf ied
Count Row %
Very sati sf ied
Count Row %
Total
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 58
Overall Satisfaction with Council’s Performance
Q6a. Overall, for the last 12 months, how satisfied are you with the performance of Council, not just on one or two
issues, but across all responsibility areas?
Table 6.5.1
18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Satisfaction mean ratings 3.45 3.34 3.49 3.52 3.48 3.42 3.47 3.41 3.45
Mean ratings: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Table 6.5.2
Perception of Council’s image within the community
Q6c. Overall, how would you rate Council’s image within the community?
Table 6.6.1
18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Mean ratings 3.30 2.94 3.11 3.21 3.14 3.11 3.14 3.11 3.12
= A significantly higher level of satisfaction (by group)
= A significantly lower level of satisfaction (by group)
Mean ratings: 1 = very poor, 5 = very good
Table 6.6.2
14 4%
220 55%
106 26%
51 13%
9 2%
400 100%
Very satisf ied
Satisfied
Neither
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisf ied
Total
Count Col umn %
9 2%
162 40%
113 28%
103 26%
13 3%
400 100%
Very good
Good
Neither
Poor
Very poor
Total
Count Col umn %
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 59
Contact with Council
Q2. Have you contacted Council in the last 12 months?
Table 6.7.1
Q3a. Thinking of the last time you made contact with Council staff was it by:
Table 6.7.2
Q3b. What was the nature of your enquiry? Table 6.7.3
165 41%
235 59%
400 100%
Yes
No
Total
Count Col umn %
103 63%
42 26%
10 6%
10 6%
165 100%
Phone
In person
Total
Coun t Col umn %
49 30%
30 18%
26 16%
21 13%
12 7%
7 4%
20 12%
165 100%
Building and development approval
Waste and clean up services
Roads, footpaths and parks etc
Rates - land or water
Town planning and Zoning
Community services (youth, children, aged care)
Other
Total
Count Col umn %
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 60
Contact with Council
Q3c. How satisfied were you with the way your contact was handled?
Table 6.7.4
18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Satisfaction mean ratings 4.08 4.06 4.07 4.07 4.08 4.06 4.13 4.01 4.07
Mean ratings: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Table 6.7.5
Satisfaction with Council’s Communication
Q4a. How satisfied are you with the level of communication Council currently has with the community?
Table 6.8.1
18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Satisfaction mean ratings 3.33 3.36 3.61 3.64 3.46 3.51 3.47 3.51 3.49
Mean ratings: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Table 6.8.2
58 35%
75 46%
22 13%
5 3%
5 3%
165 100%
Very satisf ied
Satisfied
Neither
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisf ied
Total
Count Col umn %
24 6%
215 54%
105 26%
45 11%
11 3%
400 100%
Very satisf ied
Satisfied
Neither
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisf ied
Total
Count Col umn %
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 61
Agreement with Specific Statements
Q7a-e. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Table 6.9.1
Nb: Some respondents did not answer
345 86% 54 14% 399 100%
321 84% 59 16% 381 100%
374 95% 19 5% 393 100%
166 49% 176 51% 342 100%
324 90% 38 10% 361 100%
I feel a part of my local community
I feel there are adequate support networks available to me
if I need them
I feel there are benefits to living in a community with
people of diverse ages, backgrounds and cultures
I feel that there is an adequate number of public toilets in
the Wingecarribee Shire
I am satisfied with the current level of water pressure I get
when using town water
Count Row %
Agree
Count Row %
Disagree
Count Row %
Total
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 62
Community Activities
Q8a. Do you believe that living in the Shire you have the opportunity to participate in arts and related activities?
Table 6.10.1
Table 6.10.2
Q8b. Do you believe that living in the Shire you have the opportunity to participate in recreational and sporting activities?
Table 6.10.3
Table 6.10.4
210 91% 151 89% 361 90%
20 9% 19 11% 38 10%
230 100% 169 100% 400 100%
Yes
No
Total
Count Col umn %
Town
Count Col umn %
Vill age
Count Col umn %
Overall
67 85% 101 89% 101 92% 92 95% 155 88% 206 92%
12 15% 12 11% 9 8% 5 5% 21 12% 18 8%
79 100% 114 100% 110 100% 97 100% 176 100% 224 100%
Yes
No
Total
Count Col umn %
18 - 34
Count Col umn %
35 - 49
Count Col umn %
50 - 64
Count Col umn %
65+ years and
over
Count Col umn %
Mal e
Count Col umn %
Female
211 92% 159 94% 370 93%
19 8% 11 6% 30 7%
230 100% 169 100% 400 100%
Yes
No
Total
Count Col umn %
Town
Count Col umn %
Vill age
Count Col umn %
Overall
72 91% 106 93% 102 92% 90 93% 163 93% 206 92%
7 9% 8 7% 8 8% 7 7% 13 7% 17 8%
79 100% 114 100% 110 100% 97 100% 176 100% 224 100%
Yes
No
Total
Count Col umn %
18 - 34
Count Col umn %
35 - 49
Count Col umn %
50 - 64
Count Col umn %
65+ years and
over
Count Col umn %
Mal e
Count Col umn %
Female
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 63
Community Activities
Q8c. In the last 12 months have you participated in any volunteer activities?
Table 6.10.5
Table 6.10.6
128 56% 96 57% 224 56%
102 44% 73 43% 176 44%
230 100% 169 100% 400 100%
Yes
No
Total
Count Col umn %
Town
Count Col umn %
Vill age
Count Col umn %
Overall
34 42% 71 62% 62 56% 58 59% 98 56% 126 56%
46 58% 43 38% 48 44% 39 41% 78 44% 98 44%
79 100% 114 100% 110 100% 97 100% 176 100% 224 100%
Yes
No
Total
Count Col umn %
18 - 34
Count Col umn %
35 - 49
Count Col umn %
50 - 64
Count Col umn %
65+ years and
over
Count Col umn %
Mal e
Count Col umn %
Female
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Research
October 2010 64
Response Timeliness
Q9. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is very dissatisfied and 5 is very satisfied, how satisfied are you with the timeliness
of Council response to:
Table 6.11.1
Satisfaction 18 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 64 65+ Male Female Town Village Overall
Roads 2.59 2.49 2.57 2.63 2.53 2.59 2.61 2.50 2.56
Drainage 3.09 2.98 2.96 3.12 3.08 2.99 3.18 2.83 3.03
Water supply 3.88 3.82 4.12 4.01 3.93 3.98 4.01 3.87 3.96
Sewerage 3.84 3.80 3.87 4.05 3.86 3.91 4.03 3.63 3.89
= A significantly higher level of satisfaction (by group)
= A significantly lower level of satisfaction (by group)
Mean ratings: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Table 6.11.2
Nb: Some respondents did not answer
71 19% 102 27% 138 36% 62 16% 8 2% 380 100%
38 11% 43 12% 166 47% 87 25% 21 6% 355 100%
12 3% 9 3% 70 19% 163 45% 109 30% 363 100%
13 4% 15 4% 68 20% 138 42% 99 30% 332 100%
Roads
Drainage
Water supply
Sewerage
Count Row %
Very
dissatis f ied
Count Row %
Diss at isf ied
Count Row %
Neither
Count Row %
Sati sf ied
Count Row %
Very sati sf ied
Count Row %
Total
Appendix C
Questionnaire
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Survey
October 2010 1
WINGECARRIBEE SHIRE COUNCIL - COMMUNITY SURVEY TEMPLATE 2010
Good morning/afternoon/evening, my name is ____________________ from Micromex Research and we are
conducting a survey on behalf of Wingecarribee Council on a range of local issues. The survey will take about 10
minutes, would you be able to assist us please?
QA1. Before we start I would like to check whether you or an immediate family member works for Wingecarribee
Shire Council?
Yes O No O (If yes, terminate survey)
QA2. Which town or village do you live in/near?
Towns - 60%
Mittagong
Bowral
Moss Vale
Villages - 40%
Avoca Joadja
Balmoral Kangaloon
Berrima New Berrima
Bundanoon Penrose
Burrawang Robertson
Canyonleigh Sutton Forest
Colo Vale Wildes Meadow
Exeter Wingello
High Range Yerrinboo
Hill Top
Section A – Contact with Council
I’d like you now to please think specifically about your experiences with Council
Q2. Have you contacted Council in the last 12 months?
Yes O No O (If no, go to 4a)
Q3a. Thinking of the last time you made contact with Council staff was it by:
Phone O Mail O Email O In person O
Q3b. What was the nature of your enquiry? Prompt
Waste and clean up services O
Community services (youth, children, aged care) O
Roads, footpaths and parks etc O
Rates – land or water O
Building and development approval O
Town planning and Zoning O
Other (please specify) O ………………………………………………..
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Survey
October 2010 2
Q3c. How satisfied were you with the way your contact was handled? Prompt
Very satisfied Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
O O O O O
Q3d. (If dissatisfied or very dissatisfied), how could the way this contact was handled have been improved?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Q4a. How satisfied are you with the level of communication Council currently has with the community? Prompt
Very satisfied Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
O O O O O
Q4b. (If dissatisfied or very dissatisfied), how do you think Council could improve its communication?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Survey
October 2010 3
Section B – Importance of and satisfaction with Council services
Still thinking specifically about Wingecarribee Shire Council,
Q5. In this section I will read out different Council services or facilities. For each of these could you please indicate
that which best describes your opinion of the importance of the following services/facilities to you, and in the
second part, your level of satisfaction with the performance of that service/facility
The scale is from 1 to 5, where 1 = low importance and 5 = high importance and where 1 = low satisfaction
and 5 = high satisfaction.
Note: All attributes rated on importance, with attributes rated a 4 or 5 in importance they are then rated on Satisfaction.
Importance Satisfaction
Low High Low High
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 N/A
1. Revitalisation / beautification of town and
village centres as well as the surrounding
areas O O O O O O O O O O O
2. Protecting Heritage values & Buildings O O O O O O O O O O O
3. Provision & maintenance of local parks
and gardens O O O O O O O O O O O
4. Green waste collection O O O O O O O O O O O
5. The Resource Recovery Centre
(RCC/local tip) O O O O O O O O O O O
6. Dog control O O O O O O O O O O O
7. Domestic garbage collection O O O O O O O O O O O
8. The cleanliness and functionality of
public toilets O O O O O O O O O O O
9. Festivals and events O O O O O O O O O O O
10. Community safety/crime prevention O O O O O O O O O O O
11. Support for aged persons O O O O O O O O O O O
12. Support for people with a disability O O O O O O O O O O O
13. Support for youth O O O O O O O O O O O
14. Support for the aboriginal community O O O O O O O O O O O
15. Support for local business and employment O O O O O O O O O O O
16. Availability of car parking in the town and
village centres O O O O O O O O O O O
17. Cycle paths and walking tracks O O O O O O O O O O O
18. Local traffic management (i.e. roundabouts,
line marking, signage, traffic lights) O O O O O O O O O O O
19. Availability of and access to public transport
(i.e. bus shelters, footpaths, bus routes) O O O O O O O O O O O
20. Support for tourism O O O O O O O O O O O
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Survey
October 2010 4
Importance Satisfaction
Low High Low High
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 N/A
21. Condition of local roads O O O O O O O O O O O
22. Providing adequate drainage O O O O O O O O O O O
23. The provision and quality of footpaths O O O O O O O O O O O
24. Provision & maintenance of swimming pools O O O O O O O O O O O
25. Provision and operation of libraries O O O O O O O O O O O
26. Provision and maintenance of playgrounds O O O O O O O O O O O
27. Provision and maintenance of sporting
facilities O O O O O O O O O O O
28. Provision and maintenance of community
halls/facilities O O O O O O O O O O O
29. Support for community environmental
initiatives O O O O O O O O O O O
30. Restoration of natural bushland O O O O O O O O O O O
31. Healthy, natural urban streams and creeks
but not rivers O O O O O O O O O O O
32. Encouraging recycling O O O O O O O O O O O
33. Encouraging waste reduction initiatives O O O O O O O O O O O
34. Managing development and growth O O O O O O O O O O O
35. Enforcement of development and building
regulations O O O O O O O O O O O
36. Opportunities to participate in Council
decision making O O O O O O O O O O O
37. Council provision of information to residents O O O O O O O O O O O
38. Town water quality (taste, smell and colour) O O O O O O O O O O O
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Survey
October 2010 5
Section C – Overall satisfaction with Council and the local area
Q6a. Overall, for the last 12 months, how satisfied are you with the performance of Council, not just on one or two
issues, but across all responsibility areas? Prompt
Very satisfied Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
O O O O O
Q6b. Why do you say that?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Q6c. Overall, how would you rate Council’s image within the community? Prompt
Very good Good Neither Poor Very poor
O O O O O
Q6d. Thinking generally about living in the Wingecarribee area, what do you feel is the best thing about living here?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Section D1 – Priority Areas
Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Q7a. I feel a part of my local community
Agree O Disagree O Don’t know O
Q7b. I feel there are adequate support networks available to me if I need them
Agree O Disagree O Don’t know O
Q7c. I feel there are benefits to living in a community with people of diverse ages, backgrounds and cultures
Agree O Disagree O Don’t know O
Q7d. I feel that there is an adequate number of public toilets in the Wingecarribee Shire
Agree O Disagree O Don’t know O
Q7e. I am satisfied with the current level of water pressure I get when using town water
Agree O Disagree O Don’t know/on tank water O
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Survey
October 2010 6
Please answer yes or not for the following questions.
Q8a. Do you believe that living in the Shire you have the opportunity to participate in arts and related activities?
Yes O No O
Q8b. Do you believe that living in the Shire you have the opportunity to participate in recreational and sporting
activities?
Yes O No O
Q8c. In the last 12 months have you participated in any volunteer activities?
Yes O No O
Section D2 – Response Timeliness
Q9. On a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is very dissatisfied and 5 is very satisfied, how satisfied are you with the
timeliness of Council response to:
Very dissatisfied Very satisfied
1 2 3 4 5
Roads O O O O O
Drainage O O O O O
Water supply O O O O O
Sewerage O O O O O
Section E – Demographic & Profiling questions
Q10a. Please stop me when I read out your age group.
18 – 34 O
35 – 49 O
50 – 64 O
65+ years and over O
Q10b. Were you born In Australia or overseas?
Australia O
Overseas O
Q11. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? Prompt
Currently in full time paid employment O
Currently in part time paid employment (at least 10 hours a week) O
Studying at school, TAFE or university O
Retired from paid employment O
Currently looking for paid employment O
Household duties O
Other (please specify) O ………………………………………………..
Refused/Can't Say O
Q12. Which of the following best describes the house where you are currently living?
I/We own/are currently buying this property O
I/We currently rent this property O
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community Priorities Survey
October 2010 7
Q13. Which of the following best describes your status?
Living at home with parents O
Single with no children O
Married/de facto with no children O
Married/de facto with children under 12 O
Married/de facto with children over 12 O
Married/defacto with children both under and over 12 O
Single parent with children under 12 O
Single parent with children over 12 O
Single parent with children both under and over 12 O
Q14. How long have you lived in the local area? Prompt
Up to 2 years 2 – 5 years 6 – 10 years 11 – 20 years More than 20 years
O O O O O
In the future after we analyse the results from this research we may be conducting resident focus groups to further
investigate residents’ opinions.
Q15a. Would you be interested in participating in these focus groups?
Yes O No O (If no go to end)
Q15b. (If yes), what are your contact details?
Name ………………………………………………. Telephone …………………………………………
Email ……………………………………………….
Q15c. Would you prefer an afternoon or evening?
Afternoon O
Evening O
Thank you. We will be randomly selecting participants to ensure we get a good cross-section of the community. And
will get in touch with you if we do conduct the next stage of research.
Thank you very much for your time, enjoy the rest of your evening.
Q16. Gender (determine by voice):
Male O Female O
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE