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Geelong scores above state average on community strength survey
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
2:33 PM
Media Releases
A state wide survey released today showed that the Greater Geelong region scored higher than the Victorian average on 16 of 19 key measures of community strength.
The Department of Planning and Community Development’s Indicators of Community Strength survey asked Victorian residents to rate their local government area on criteria such as amenity, the ability to get help when needed and community participation.
The Greater Geelong area scored higher, or on a par, with the Victorian average on 16 of the 19 indicators.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell said the survey results endorsed Geelong’s position as a lifestyle city of choice.
“Much of the survey questions focus on liveability and a sense of community and it is extremely pleasing to see that Greater Geelong scores well in these areas,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Geelong is recognised for providing quality amenities, good career prospects and attractive affordable housing which is reinforced by the fact that residential growth remains very strong in our region,” he said.
The Mayor said the DPCD survey would assist the Council in its forward planning.
“Surveys such as the Indicators of Community Strength provide a valuable snapshot of what residents think of their neighbourhoods and the broader region, and whilst not all the factors that contribute to the score are related specifically to Council services, the results are useful for forward planning,” said Cr Mitchell.
The survey took place in 2008. DPCD advises that results from previous surveys in 2004 and 2006 cannot be compared as the survey method has changed.
Indicators of Community Strength Survey – results for Greater Geelong local government area.
| Indicator |
Greater
Geelong % |
Vic Avg % |
| Amenity |
|
|
| Residents think their area has very good or good: |
| Easy access to recreational and leisure facilities |
82.7 |
82 |
| Good facilities and services like shops, childcare, schools and libraries |
85.7 |
85 |
| Opportunities to volunteer in local groups |
73.4 |
65 |
| A wide range of community and support groups |
64.8 |
60 |
| An active community, people do things and get involved in local issues / activities |
64.9 |
59 |
| Is a pleasant environment, nice streets, well planned, open spaces |
81.1 |
81 |
| Ability to get help when needed |
|
|
| Can get help from friends, family and neighbours when needed |
90.7 |
91 |
| Can raise $2,000 in two days in an emergency |
87.8 |
85 |
| Community participation |
|
|
| Attendance at a local community event in the last six months |
64 |
53 |
| Participation in organised sport |
37 |
41 |
| Members of organised groups such as sports, church, community groups or professional associations |
65.2 |
61 |
| Members of organised groups that have taken local action |
47.1 |
41 |
| Volunteers (yes definitely and sometimes) |
38.3 |
33 |
| Parental participation in schools |
43.9 |
49 |
| On decision making board or committee |
21.8 |
19 |
| Select outcomes |
|
|
| Safe on street after dark |
65.1 |
59 |
| Multiculturalism makes life in the area better |
71.4 |
76 |
| Opportunities to have a real say on issues that are important |
45.7 |
42 |
| Feels valued by society |
56.3 |
52 |
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