Blue Mountains City Council Community Satisfaction Research · Within the report, and blue and red font colours are used to identify statistically significant differences between

Blue Mountains City Council

Community Satisfaction Research

Prepared by: Micromex Research

Date: April 2020


Community Research

April 2020 Page | 2

Table of Contents Executive Summary ...............................................................................................................................3

Background and Methodology ................................................................................................ 4

Sample Profile ............................................................................................................................ 8

Summary of Results .................................................................................................................. 10

Key Findings ............................................................................................................................. 14

Overview (Overall Satisfaction) ...................................................................................................... 15

Overview (Value for Money) .......................................................................................................... 16

Overview (Council’s Leadership and Response) .......................................................................... 17

Overview (Issues of greatest concern) .......................................................................................... 18

Comparison to the Micromex LGA Benchmark ........................................................................... 22

Identifying Priorities via Specialised Analysis .................................................................................. 26

Overall Satisfaction .................................................................................................................. 34

Overall Satisfaction with Council’s Performance .............................................................................. 35

Reasons for Level of Overall Satisfaction ........................................................................................... 36

Value for Money ................................................................................................................................... 38

Staff & Councillor Performance .............................................................................................. 41

Community Perceptions.......................................................................................................... 46

Making the Blue Mountains a Better Place ........................................................................... 50

Issues of Greatest Concern – Local Neighbourhood ........................................................................ 51

Issues of Greatest Concern – Blue Mountains .................................................................................... 52

Looking After the Environment ............................................................................................................ 53

Looking After People ........................................................................................................................... 54

Making the Towns and Villages Great Places to Live ....................................................................... 55

Moving Around the Blue Mountains ................................................................................................... 56

Economic Development ..................................................................................................................... 57

Importance of, and Satisfaction with, Council Services & Facilities ................................... 58

Appendix A: Additional Analyses .......................................................................................... 58

Appendix B: Demographics ................................................................................................... 58

Appendix C: Questionnaire .................................................................................................... 58


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Executive Summary

91%

Key Drivers of Overall Satisfaction with Council

of residents are at least somewhat satisfied with the

Council’s leadership and response when natural

disasters impact the Blue Mountains

93%

of residents think the services

provided by Council

represent either ‘good’ or

‘very good’ value for money

49%

Issues of Greatest Concern Across the Blue Mountains

of residents are at least

somewhat satisfied with the

performance of Council in

providing services to the

community

Results have significantly

increased since 2018 and

are above the overall LGA

Benchmark

Consultation

with the

community

Council

Provision of

information

Opportunity to

participate in

Council decision

making

Bushfire/natural disaster

protection and prevention

Maintaining the natural

environment

Overdevelopment/appropriately

managing development

64%

of residents strongly

agree/agree with the

statement ‘I feel that the

quality of life and

wellbeing in the Blue

Mountains is improving

Background and

Methodology


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Background and Methodology Blue Mountains City Council sought to examine community attitudes and perceptions towards current and

future services and facilities provided by Council. Key objectives of the research included:

Assessing and establishing the community’s priorities and satisfaction in relation to Council activities,

services, and facilities

Identifying the community’s overall level of satisfaction with Council’s performance

Identifying the community’s level of agreement with prompted statements

Understanding community satisfaction with service delivery and staff/Councillor performance

Identifying top priority areas for Council to focus on

To facilitate this, Micromex Research was contracted to develop a survey template that enabled Council

to effectively analyse attitudes and trends within the community.

Questionnaire

Micromex Research, together with Blue Mountains City Council, updated the 2018 questionnaire.

A copy of the questionnaire is provided in Appendix C.

Data collection

The survey was conducted during the period 11th – 25th March 2020 from 4:30pm to 8:30pm Monday to

Friday, and from 10am to 4pm Saturday.

Please note: Interviews were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a lot of the surveys were

completed after social distancing and other related restrictions were in place, therefore this was top of

mind for a lot of residents, however, the report highlights increases in many importance scores across

services/facilities suggesting that residents are even more reliant on their local Council at the moment

Survey area

Blue Mountains City Council Local Government Area.

Sample selection and error

A total of 1,006 resident interviews were completed.

737 of the 1,006 respondents were chosen by means of a computer based random selection process using

the electronic White Pages and SamplePages. The remaining 269 respondents were ‘number harvested’

via face-to-face intercept at several locations around the Blue Mountains LGA, including the Katoomba

Marketplace Shopping Centre, Lawson Town Centre, Springwood Train Station/Town Centre, Blaxland Train

Station, Leura Shopping Centre, Glenbrook Rotary Markets and Blackheath Growers’ Markets.

A sample size of 1,006 residents provides a maximum sampling error of plus or minus 3.1% at 95%

confidence. This means that if the survey was replicated with a new universe of N=1,006 residents, 19 times

out of 20 we would expect to see the same results, i.e. +/- 3.1%.

For the survey under discussion the greatest margin of error is 3.1%. This means, for example, that an answer

such as ‘yes’ (50%) to a question could vary from 47% to 53%.

The sample was weighted by age and gender to reflect the 2016 ABS Census data for the Blue Mountains

City Council Area.


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Background and Methodology

Sample Error – Planning Areas

Prequalification

Participants in this survey were pre-qualified as being over the age of 18, not working for, nor being an

elected representative of Blue Mountains City Council and have lived in the Blue Mountains Local

Government Area for more than 6 months.

Data analysis

The data within this report was analysed using Q Professional.

Within the report, ▲▼ and blue and red font colours are used to identify statistically significant differences

between groups, i.e., gender, age, ratepayer status, and residential location.

Significance difference testing is a statistical test performed to evaluate the difference between two

measurements. To identify the statistically significant differences between the groups of means, ‘One-Way

Anova tests’ and ‘Independent Samples T-tests’ were used. ‘Z Tests’ were also used to determine

statistically significant differences between column percentages.

Ratings questions

The Unipolar 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 us to identify different levels of importance and satisfaction across respondents.

Top 2 (T2) Box: refers to the aggregate percentage (%) score of the top two scores for importance. (i.e.

Important and Very Important). We only report T2 Box Importance in order to provide differentiation and

allow us to demonstrate the hierarchy of community priorities.

Top 3 (T3) Box: refers to the aggregate percentage (%) score of the top three scores for satisfaction (i.e.

Somewhat Satisfied, Satisfied, and Very Satisfied). We refer to T3 Box Satisfaction in order to express

moderate to high levels of satisfaction in a non-discretionary category.

Percentages

All percentages are calculated to the nearest whole number and therefore the total may not exactly

equal 100%.

Planning Area Population Survey respondents

(unweighted) Sample error

Area 1 6,035 N=102 +/- 9.6%

Area 2 20,159 N=257 +/- 6.1%

Area 3 11,536 N=151 +/- 7.9%

Area 4 21,949 N=265 +/- 6.0%

Area 5 19,521 N=231 +/- 6.4%


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Background and Methodology

Interviewing

Interviewing was conducted in accordance with the AMSRS (Australian Market and Social Research

Society) Code of Professional Behaviour.

Word Frequency Tagging

Verbatim responses for open ended questions were collated and entered into analytical software. This

analysis ‘counts’ the number of times a particular word or phrase appears and, based on the frequency

of that word or phrase, a font size is generated. The larger the font, the more frequently the word or

sentiment is mentioned.

Response

Micromex LGA Benchmark

Micromex has developed Community Satisfaction Benchmarks using normative data from over 60 unique

councils, more than 120 surveys and over 68,000 interviews since 2012. Please note: The Micromex

Benchmark satisfaction norms are based on surveys where only those who rated a service/facility as

important- very important are asked to rate their satisfaction. Blue Mountains residents were all asked to

rate satisfaction and therefore the applicable tables in this report should be considered as a point of

interest only.

Planning Areas

The 27 suburbs were broken down into 5 ‘Planning Areas’ as shown below.

Response sequence Electronic

White Pages

Number

Harvesting Sample Pages Effective total

Completed interviews 711 269 26 1,006

Refusals 1,265 20 34 1,319

Valid contacts 1,976 289 60 2,325

Completion rate 36% 93% 43% 43%

Planning Area 1

Blackheath

Mount Victoria

Bell

Megalong Valley

Mount Irvine

Mount Tomah

Mount Wilson

Planning Area 2

Wentworth Falls

Leura

Katoomba

Medlow Bath

Planning Area 3

Hazelbrook

Lawson

Woodford

Bullaburra

Linden

Planning Area 4

Springwood

Winmalee

Faulconbridge

Valley Heights

Yellow Rock

Sun Valley

Planning Area 5

Blaxland

Glenbrook

Warrimoo

Mount Riverview

Lapstone

Sample Profile


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Sample Profile

A sample size of 1,006 residents provides a maximum sampling error of plus or minus 3.1% at 95%

confidence. The sample has been weighted by age and gender to reflect the 2016 ABS community

profile of Blue Mountains City Council. The above sample profile shows both the data weighted to the

2016 ABS demographics and the actual number of survey respondents.

*Note: 2 respondents refused to answer ‘ratepayer status’.

Gender

Male 47% Female 53%

9%5%

12%8%

25%19%

29%24%25%

44%

18-24 25-34 35-49 50-64 65+

Age

Ratepayer

85%

Ratepayer status

Non-ratepayer

15%

Lease

N=1,006

Telephone

Interviews with

Blue Mountains

City Council

Residents

23%

26%

15%

26%

10%

23%

25%

16%

26%

9%

Area 5

Area 4

Area 3

Area 2

Area 1

Weighted data Survey respondents

Planning Area

*Prefer not to say = <1%

Male 43% Female 57%

Weighted data

Survey respondents

Weighted data

Non- ratepayer

11%

Ratepayer

89%

Survey respondents

Weighted data Survey respondents


Community Research

April 2020 Page | 10

Summary of Results


Community Research


Summary of Results

Top Issues and Priorities for Making the Blue Mountains a Better Place

Issues of Greatest Concern (Immediate

Local Neighbourhood)


protection and prevention


environment

Overdevelopment/appropriately

managing development

Road maintenance & upgrades

Provision & maintenance of

footpaths, cycleways and

walking tracks

Maintenance of weeds, trees and

Bushcare

Issues of Greatest Concern (Blue

Mountains Overall)

Looking After the Environment

Bush regeneration and

conservation

Fire risk – allowing

backburning/hazard reduction

Rubbish – better collection

services/more recycling

Overdevelopment impacting the

environment

Looking After People

More affordable & improved

aged care/disability services and

facilities

Improving/upgrading the

hospital/health care services and

facilities

Employment/business

support/tourism

Making the Towns & Villages Great

Places to Live

Appearance/maintenance/

upgrades of LGA

Roads/traffic

management/parking

A connected and inclusive

community/range of events and

activities

Moving Around the Blue Mountains

More frequent/improved public

transport services

Improve the local road network

Better

footpaths/walkways/cycleways

Economic Development

Support for local businesses

Encouraging tourism/promoting the area

More employment opportunities


Community Research


Summary

A leading Council

Satisfaction has increased in many areas in 2020, including overall satisfaction, satisfaction with the

performance of staff and Councillors, and across a number of services/facilities. Council’s leadership is

further mentioned across many areas of the report including:

93% of residents were at least somewhat satisfied with the Council’s leadership and response

when natural disasters such as bushfires impact the Blue Mountains, and 78% of respondents were

either satisfied or very satisfied.

The Key Direction ‘Lead’ was the biggest contributor of overall satisfaction, with the three

services/facilities contributing 29% towards overall satisfaction alone. The three ‘Lead’ measures

were the top 3 strongest drivers out of all 40 services/facilities.

Two of the top ten measures with the largest performance gaps (the gap between importance

and satisfaction, calculated by subtracting the top 3 satisfaction score from the top 2 importance

score) were also a part of the ‘Lead’ Key Direction including ‘consultation with the community’

and ‘opportunities to participate in Council decision making’.

When asked about reasons for being satisfied/not satisfied with Council’s performance, a

frequent mention of communication impacting the level of satisfaction was observed, and 8% of

residents stated they were either satisfied or very satisfied because of ‘good communication and

response to requests/they listen and look after the community’.

The increased importance scores also demonstrate that the community seeks leadership and engagement

from Council and it is imperative, especially in times of uncertainty such as the recent bushfires and the

current COVID-19 pandemic, that Council continues to actively consult their community about planning

for the future of their local area.

A caring community

To improve satisfaction and liveability in the area, Council could increase their focus on ‘Care’ aspects

when dealing with their community.

Four of the top ten most important measures are a part of the Key Direction ‘Care’, and four of the

top ten services with the largest performance gaps were also a part of this theme.

Two of the top eleven drivers of overall satisfaction relate to caring for the community (parks and

playgrounds; wheelie bin garbage and recycling collection).

References to improved services and facilities were frequently mentioned throughout the open

ended questions, and when asked about the top priorities for action in terms of looking after

people, ‘more affordable and improved aged care/disability services and facilities’, and

‘improving/upgrading the hospital/health care services and facilities’ were top of mind for

residents.

Key areas for engagement


Community Research


Summary

Connectivity

Connectivity and movement appear to be an area of concern for Blue Mountains residents.

Road maintenance, as well as ‘provision and maintenance of footpaths, cycleways and walking

tracks’ were top of mind for residents when asked about their current issues of greatest concern in

their local areas.

Two of the top ten measures with the largest performance gaps relate to moving around the

area, with ‘cycleways’ and ‘footpaths’ appearing in the bottom 5 rated services/facilities in terms

of satisfaction.

‘Sealed roads’ appeared in the top four drivers towards overall satisfaction and the Key Direction

‘Move’ contributed to almost 20% of overall satisfaction alone.

When asked about the top priorities in relation to moving around the Blue Mountains, public

transport including train and bus services were the most common responses. Better footpaths,

walkways and cycleways was also considered a top priority for 14% of residents, and 15%

suggested improvements to the local road network.

An Environmentally Friendly LGA

It is apparent that residents in the Blue Mountains are proud of their natural environment, with mentions of

this frequently occurring throughout the report.

Issues of greatest concern across the Blue Mountains included maintaining the natural

environment (13%), and environmental concerns for immediate local neighbourhoods were also

apparent, with environmental preservation mentioned as a top priority.

‘Clean, safe and healthy living environments’ was the highest ranked service/facility in terms of

importance overall. Other measures relating to cleanliness such as ‘wheelie bin garbage and

recycling collection’, ‘clean creeks and waterways’, and ‘litter control’ were also ranked in the

top ten in terms of importance.

‘Wheelie bin garbage and recycling collection’, ‘protection of natural bushland’, and ‘clean,

safe and healthy living environments’ were three of the top eleven strongest drivers of overall

satisfaction.


Community Research


Key Findings


Community Research


4%

10%

33%

44%

9%

2%

7%

31%

48%

12%

0% 20% 40% 60%

Not at all satisfied

Not very satisfied

Somewhat

satisfied

Satisfied

Very satisfied

Blue Mountatins City Council (N=1,002) Micromex LGA Benchmark - Overall (N=68,046)

Key Findings

Overview (Overall Satisfaction)

Summary

91% of residents were at least somewhat satisfied with the performance of Council in providing services to

the community, and 60% were either satisfied or very satisfied. The mean rating of 3.61 has significantly

increased since 2018, and results are significantly higher than the Micromex LGA Benchmark (overall), a

very positive result for Council.

Q3a. How would you rate your satisfaction with the overall performance of your Council in providing services to the

community?

Time Series Data

↑↓ = A significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (compared to the Benchmark)

Scale: 1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied

▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (by group)

3.103.24

3.183.10

3.233.16

3.363.23 3.21

3.43 3.42

3.603.52

3.44

3.61

2.90

3.10

3.30

3.50

3.70

2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Overall

2020

Micromex

LGA

Benchmark

Planning Area

Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5

Mean ratings 3.61↑ 3.45 3.51 3.50▼ 3.69 3.58 3.75▲

Base 1,002 68,046 92 266 163 255 226


Community Research


Key Findings

Overview (Value for Money)

Summary

Results have remained consistent with 2018, with 49% of residents suggesting the services provided by

Council represent either good or very good value for money.

Q3c. Do you think the services provided by Council generally represent good value for money?

Scale: 1 = very poor value, 5 = very good value

▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower rating (by group)

3.113.00

3.22

3.34

3.03

3.26 3.27

3.47

3.34 3.37 3.39

2.90

3.10

3.30

3.50

3.70

2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Overall

2020 Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Ratepayer

Non-

ratepayer

Mean ratings 3.39 3.34 3.43 3.57▲ 3.21▼ 3.33 3.49▲ 3.33 3.73▲

Base 982 473 509 199 252 284 246 841 139


Mean ratings 3.47 3.33 3.49 3.28 3.47

Base 89 257 160 253 222

7%

11%

33%

36%

13%

7%

10%

34%

35%

14%

0% 25% 50%

Very poor value

Poor value

Neither good nor

poor value

Good value

Very good value

2020 (N=982) 2018 (N=503)


Community Research


Key Findings

Overview (Council’s Leadership and Response)

Summary

Satisfaction with Council’s leadership and response is high, with 93% of residents being at least somewhat

satisfied, and 78% being either satisfied or very satisfied, highlighting that Council’s leadership is especially

important to the community in times of uncertainty.

Q3e. How satisfied are you with the Council’s leadership and response when natural disasters such as bushfires

impact the Blue Mountains?



Overall


Non-

ratepayer

Mean ratings 4.14 4.03 4.25▲ 4.14 4.17 4.09 4.19 4.14 4.19

Base 991 469 522 207 253 284 247 845 144


Mean ratings 3.94 4.06 4.21 4.12 4.32▲

Base 89 262 163 256 221

Base: N=991

2%

5%

15%

34%

44%

0% 25% 50%


Not very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Satisfied

Very satisfied


Community Research


Key Findings

Overview (Issues of greatest concern)

Summary

As expected after the 2019 bushfires, 18% of residents stated ‘bushfire/natural disaster protection and

prevention’ as the current issue of greatest concern across the Blue Mountains area. ‘Maintaining the

natural environment/preservation/weed and tree control’, as well as ‘overdevelopment/appropriately

managing development’ were also issues of concern.

Q6b. Now thinking about the Blue Mountains overall, what is the issue currently of greatest concern to you?

7%

6%

7%

8%

10%

13%

18%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Don't know/nothing

Effect of the airport - flight paths/noise

pollution

Lack of employment opportunities/supporting

local businesses/economic growth in the area

Traffic congestion/road maintenance/safety

on roads

Overdevelopment/appropriately managing

development


environment/preservation/weed and tree

control

Bushfire/natural disaster protection and

prevention

Please see Appendix A for list of responses Base: N=1,006


Community Research


Key Findings

A core element of this community survey was the rating of 40 facilities/services in terms of Importance and

Satisfaction. The following analysis identifies the key importance and satisfaction trends when compared

to the 2018 research.

Key Importance Trends

Compared to the previous research conducted in 2018, there was a statistically significant increase in

residents’ level of importance for 1 service/facility provided by Council, being:

2020 2018

Clean, safe and healthy living environments 4.87 4.77

There was also a statistically significant decline in residents’ level of importance placed on the following:

2020 2018

Weed control 4.24 4.46

Carparks 4.23 4.40

Scale: 1 = not at all important, 5 = very important

Key Satisfaction Trends

Over the same period there was a statistically significant increase in residents’ levels of satisfaction across

20 of the comparable 37 services and facilities provided by Council, these were:


There were no statistically significant declines in residents’ levels of satisfaction with the comparable

services and facilities.

2020 2018

Library services 4.09 3.95

Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo Point 4.06 3.71

Community centres and halls 3.86 3.64

Swimming pools and leisure centres 3.80 3.49

Protection of natural bushland 3.71 3.54

Litter control 3.70 3.47

The atmosphere, look and feel of our towns and villages 3.69 3.44

Ovals and sporting grounds 3.69 3.57

Street cleaning 3.64 3.46

Clean creeks and waterways 3.62 3.47

Protection of heritage values in towns and villages 3.57 3.41

Services and facilities for older people 3.43 3.31

Carparks 3.35 3.17

Parking for shoppers 3.30 3.09

Managing residential development 3.27 3.12

Weed control 3.19 2.91

Public toilets in town centres 3.17 2.85

Services and facilities for people with a disability 3.14 2.94

Footpaths 3.12 2.98

Cycleways 2.78 2.59


Community Research


Key Findings Importance

All services/facilities received importance ratings of 58% or above, meaning that the community deems all

services/facilities delivered by Council as important. However, the following services/facilities received the

highest importance ratings:

Top 5 for Importance Mean

ratings T2 Box

Clean, safe and healthy living environments 4.87 98%

Wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection 4.79 97%

Clean creeks and waterways 4.75 96%

Consultation with the community 4.70 95%

Traffic safety for pedestrians and vehicles 4.69 95%

The following services/facilities received the lowest importance ratings:

Bottom 5 for Importance Mean

ratings T2 Box

Caravan parks at Katoomba and Blackheath 3.61 58%

Cycleways 3.72 61%

Cemeteries and ashes placement sites 3.73 61%

Bus shelters 3.90 67%

Cultural & arts facilities 4.11 77%


Satisfaction

The following services/facilities received the highest satisfaction ratings:

Top 5 for Satisfaction Mean

ratings T3 Box

Wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection 4.17 92%

Library services 4.09 93%

Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo Point 4.06 95%

Clean, safe and healthy living environments 3.91 95%

Community centres and halls 3.86 94%

The following services/facilities received the lowest satisfaction ratings:

Bottom 5 for Satisfaction Mean

ratings T3 Box

Cycleways 2.78 61%

Access to local employment opportunities 2.93 70%

Services and facilities for young people 3.00 72%

Services that support the local Aboriginal community 3.11 76%

Footpaths 3.12 72%



Community Research


Key Findings The following table shows the hierarchy of the 40 services/facilities ranked by the top 2 box importance

ratings, as well as residents’ corresponding top 3 box satisfaction ratings. The service/facility ranked most

important by residents is ‘clean, safe and healthy living environments’, with a top 2 box importance score

of 98%. For the most part, the majority of services/facilities provided by Council are considered highly

important, with only 4 measures falling below a 70% T2B rating. This is why further analysis is needed to

determine the services/facilities that actually drive overall satisfaction with Council.

Clean, safe and healthy living environments 98% 95%

Wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection 97% 92%

Clean creeks and waterways 96% 90%

Traffic safety for pedestrians and vehicles 95% 86%

Consultation with the community 95% 82%

Litter control 94% 89% The atmosphere, look and feel of our towns

and villages 93% 90%

Council provision of information 93% 87%

Parks and playgrounds 93% 82%

Services and facilities for people with a

disability 92% 75%

Pedestrian access around shopping centres

and community facilities 91% 92%

Council lookouts and walking trails 91% 91%

Protection of natural bushland 90% 92%

Services and facilities for older people 90% 88%

Public toilets in town centres 90% 74%

Footpaths 90% 72%

Management of stormwater and drainage 89% 76%

Sealed roads 88% 80%

Services and facilities for young people 88% 72%

Access to local employment opportunities 88% 70%

Protection of heritage values in towns and

villages 87% 86%

Services and facilities for children and families 87% 86%

Managing residential development 86% 81%

Parking for shoppers 86% 78%

Opportunity to participate in Council decision-

making 86% 75%

Swimming pools and leisure centres 85% 94%

Ovals and sporting grounds 82% 90%

Services that support the local Aboriginal

community 82% 76%

Carparks 81% 82%

Commuter parking 81% 76%

Weed control 80% 77%

Library services 79% 93%

Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and

Echo Point 78% 95%

Street cleaning 78% 87%

Community centres and halls 77% 94%

Cultural & arts facilities 77% 93%

Bus shelters 67% 83%

Cemeteries and ashes placement sites 61% 93%

Cycleways 61% 61%

Caravan parks at Katoomba and Blackheath 58% 88%

Importance T2B Service/Facility (Ranked by importance)

Satisfaction T3B


Community Research


Comparison to the Micromex LGA Benchmark –

Largest Importance Gaps

The below chart displays the largest variances between Blue Mountains top 2 box importance scores and

the Micromex LGA Benchmark (overall). 4 services/facilities demonstrated a variance of ≥ 16% above the

benchmark.

As a point of interest, compared to our benchmarks we have identified unique aspects of the Blue

Mountains compared to other Councils, these include:

Blue Mountains residents demonstrated higher levels of importance for ‘an active and involved

community’ related elements, for example ‘cultural and arts facilities’, ‘Council

lookouts/walking trails’, ‘swimming pools and leisure centres’, ‘community centres and halls’,

‘ovals and sportsgrounds’, and ‘parks and playgrounds’ were all rated higher in terms of

importance than our benchmark norms. Level of importance for social services such as those

for young people, the Aboriginal community, older people, people with a disability and services for

children and families were also higher than our norms.

Higher Community Priorities

(compared to Benchmark norms)

77%

88%91%

85%

55%

70%74%

69%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Cultural & arts facilities Services and facilities

for young people

Council lookouts and

walking trails

Swimming pools and

leisure centres

Blue Mountains City Council Overall Benchmark

Unique Differences


Community Research


Importance Compared to the Micromex Benchmark

The table below shows the variance between Blue Mountains City Council’s top 2 box importance scores

and the Micromex LGA overall Benchmark. For 33 of the comparable services/facilities, residents’ top 2

box scores are higher than, or equal to the Benchmark score, and 14 services/facilities experienced a

positive variance of equal to or more than 10%. For those that are lower than Benchmark norms, 1 service,

‘cemeteries and ashes placement sites’, experienced a variance of ≥10%.

▲/▼ = positive/negative difference equal to/greater than 10% from LGA Benchmark

Note: Benchmark differences are based on assumed variants of +/- 10%, with variants beyond +/- 10% more likely

to be significant

*Please note: The above measures have been compared to an overall benchmark score. See Appendix A for full list

and comparisons to both metro and regional benchmarks.

Service/Facility

Blue Mountains

City Council

T2B

Importance

Scores

Micromex LGA

Benchmark –

Overall*

T2B Importance

Scores

Variance

Cultural & arts facilities 77% 55% 22%▲

Services and facilities for young people 88% 70% 18%▲

Council lookouts and walking trails 91% 74% 17%▲

Swimming pools and leisure centres 85% 69% 16%▲

Consultation with the community 95% 81% 14%▲

Protection of heritage values in towns and villages 87% 73% 14%▲

Services that support the local Aboriginal community 82% 68% 14%▲

Community centres and halls 77% 63% 14%▲

The atmosphere, look and feel of our towns and villages 93% 80% 13%▲

Services and facilities for older people 90% 77% 13%▲

Opportunity to participate in Council decision-making 86% 73% 13%▲

Services and facilities for people with a disability 92% 80% 12%▲

Council provision of information 93% 82% 11%▲

Public toilets in town centres 90% 80% 10%▲

Access to local employment opportunities 88% 85% 3%

Bus shelters 67% 64% 3%

Cycleways 61% 58% 3%

Weed control 80% 78% 2%

Caravan parks at Katoomba and Blackheath 58% 57% 1%

Carparks 81% 82% -1%

Commuter parking 81% 82% -1%

Sealed roads 88% 91% -3%

Street cleaning 78% 82% -4%

Cemeteries and ashes placement sites 61% 74% -13%▼


Community Research


Comparison to the Micromex LGA Benchmark – Largest

Satisfaction Gaps

The below chart displays the largest gaps in terms of satisfaction when comparing the results of Blue

Mountains residents to the Micromex (overall) Benchmark. 4 measures displayed a variance of more than

10% above the benchmark.

Higher Levels of Satisfaction

(compared to Benchmark norms)

82%80%

78%

95%

66% 67% 66%

84%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Carparks Sealed roads Parking for shoppers Visitor Information

Centres at Glenbrook

and Echo PointBlue Mountains City Council Overall Benchmark


Community Research


Satisfaction Compared to Micromex Benchmark

The table below shows the variance between Blue Mountains City Council’s top 3 box satisfaction scores

and the Micromex LGA Benchmark. For 27 of the comparable services/facilities, residents’ top 3 box scores

are higher than, or equal to the Benchmark score, and 6 services/facilities demonstrated a variance of

equal to or greater than 10% above the benchmark. For those that are lower than Benchmark norms, 2

services, ‘access to local employment opportunities’ and ‘cycleways’, experienced a variance of ≥10%.

Please note: The Micromex benchmark satisfaction norms are based on surveys where only who indicated

a service/facility was important or very important importance are asked to rate their satisfaction. Blue

Mountains residents were all asked to rate satisfaction and therefore the following table should be as a

point of interest only.

▲/▼ = positive/negative difference equal to/greater than 10% from LGA Benchmark

Note: Benchmark differences are based on assumed variants of +/- 10%, with variants beyond +/- 10% more likely

to be significant

*Please note: The above measures have been compared to an Overall Benchmark score. See Appendix A for

comparisons to both Metro and Regional Benchmarks, and a full list of comparisons to the Overall

Benchmark.

Service/Facility

Blue Mountains

City Council

T3B

Satisfaction

Scores

Micromex LGA

Benchmark –

Overall*

T3B Satisfaction

Scores

Variance

Carparks 82% 66% 16%▲

Sealed roads 80% 67% 13%▲

Parking for shoppers 78% 66% 12%▲

Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo Point 95% 84% 11%▲

Commuter parking 76% 66% 10%▲


Services that support the local Aboriginal community 76% 81% -5%

Management of stormwater and drainage 76% 81% -5%

Parks and playgrounds 82% 88% -6%

Services and facilities for young people 72% 79% -7%

Services and facilities for people with a disability 75% 83% -8%

Access to local employment opportunities 70% 80% -10%▼

Cycleways 61% 72% -11%▼


Community Research


Key Findings

Identifying Priorities via Specialised Analysis

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 on the data in order to identify which

facilities and services are the actual drivers of overall satisfaction with Council.

By examining these approaches to analysis, we have been able to:

Identify and understand the hierarchy of community priorities

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 top 3

satisfaction score from the top 2 importance score. In order to measure performance gaps, 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 Blue Mountains City Council and the expectation of the community for that

service/facility.

When analysing the performance gaps, it is expected that there will be some gaps in terms of resident

satisfaction. Those services/facilities that have achieved a performance gap of greater than 20% may be

indicative of areas requiring future optimisation.

Performance Gap Analysis

Quadrant Analysis

Shapley Regression Analysis

Determine the services/facilities that drive

overall satisfaction with Council


Community Research


Key Findings

When we examine the largest performance gaps, we can identify that all of the services or facilities have

been rated as high in importance. Resident satisfaction for all of these areas is between 70% and 86%.

Service/Facility Importance

T2 Box

Satisfaction

T3 Box

Performance

Gap

(Importance-

Satisfaction)

Footpaths 90% 72% 18%


Services and facilities for people with a disability 92% 75% 17%

Public toilets in town centres 90% 74% 16%

Services and facilities for young people 88% 72% 16%

Consultation with the community 95% 82% 13%

Management of stormwater and drainage 89% 76% 13%

Parks and playgrounds 93% 82% 11%

Opportunity to participate in Council decision-making 86% 75% 11%

Traffic safety for pedestrians and vehicles 95% 86% 9%

The key outcomes of this analysis would suggest that, while there are opportunities to improve satisfaction

across a range of services/facilities, ‘footpaths’ and ‘access to local employment opportunities’ are the

areas of least relative satisfaction.

4 of the top 10 measures with the largest performance gaps are a part of the Key Direction ‘Care’.

Note: Performance gap is the first step in the process, we now need to identify comparative ratings across

all 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.

Please see Appendix A for full performance gap list


Community Research


Key Findings Quadrant Analysis

Step 2. Quadrant Analysis

Quadrant analysis is often helpful in planning future directions based on stated outcomes. It combines the

stated importance of the community and assesses satisfaction with delivery 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 top 2 box importance scores and top 3 satisfaction scores for

stated importance and rated satisfaction to identify where the facility or service should be plotted. On

average, Blue Mountains City Council residents rated services/facilities more important compared to our

Benchmarks, and their satisfaction was slightly higher.

Blue Mountains City Council Micromex Overall Benchmark

Average Importance 85% 77%

Average Satisfaction 84% 81%

The quadrant analysis of the 40 services/facilities is provided on the following page, along with an

explanation of the 4 quadrants: Maintain, Improve, Niche and Community.


Community Research


Quadrant Analysis – Importance T2B Vs Satisfaction T3B

Explaining the 4 quadrants

Attributes in the top right quadrant, MAINTAIN, such as ‘clean, safe and healthy living environments’, 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 ‘consultation with the community’ 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 ‘cycleways’, are of a relatively lower priority (and

the word ‘relatively’ should be stressed – they are still important). These areas tend to be important to a

particular segment of the community.

Finally, attributes in the bottom right quadrant, COMMUNITY, such as ‘caravan parks’, are core strengths,

but in relative terms they are deemed less overtly important than other directly obvious areas. However,

the occupants of this quadrant tend to be the sort of services and facilities that deliver to community

liveability, i.e. make it a good place to live.

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.


Community Research


Step 3. The Shapley Value Regression

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 ‘sealed roads’, it will often be found in the

IMPROVE quadrant. This is because, perceptually, the condition of local roads can always be better.

Furthermore, the outputs of stated importance and satisfaction analysis 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 Blue Mountains City Council can actively drive overall community

satisfaction, we conducted further analysis

Explanation

Regression analysis is a statistical tool for investigating relationships between dependent variables and

explanatory variables. Using a Shapley regression, a category model was developed. The outcomes

demonstrated that increasing resident satisfaction by actioning the priorities they stated as being important

would not necessarily positively impact on overall satisfaction.

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’.

Identify top services/facilities that will drive overall satisfaction with Council

Map stated satisfaction and derived importance to identify community priority areas

Determine 'optimisers' that will lift overall satisfaction with Council


Community Research


Key Findings Key Drivers of Satisfaction with Blue Mountains City Council

The results in the chart below provide Blue Mountains City Council with a complete picture of the intrinsic

community priorities and motivations, and identify what attributes are the key drivers of community

satisfaction.

These top 11 services/facilities (so 28% of the 40 services/facilities) account for over 55% of the variation in

overall satisfaction. Therefore, whilst all 40 services/facilities are important, only a number of them are

potentially significant drivers of satisfaction (at this stage, the other 29 services/facilities have less impact

on satisfaction – although if resident satisfaction with them was to suddenly change they may have more

immediate impact on satisfaction).

These Top 11 Indicators Contribute to over 55% of Overall Satisfaction with Council

The contributors to satisfaction are not to be misinterpreted as an indication of

current dissatisfaction

2.6%

2.6%

2.8%

3.1%

3.1%

4.4%

4.6%

5.4%

7.2%

10.8%

11.0%

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0%

Clean, safe and healthy living environments

Managing residential development

Access to local employment opportunities

Parks and playgrounds

Protection of natural bushland

Wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection

The atmosphere, look and feel of our towns and

villages

Sealed roads


making

Council provision of information

Consultation with the community

Please see Appendix A for full list of drivers


Community Research


Key Findings Clarifying Priorities

The chart below looks at the relationship between stated satisfaction (top 3 box) and derived importance

(Shapley result) to identify the level of contribution of each measure. Any services/facilities below the blue

line (shown below) could potentially be benchmarked to target in future research to elevate satisfaction

levels in these areas. The services/facilities furthest to the right, have the greatest contribution to overall

satisfaction. If satisfaction in these areas is lifted, overall satisfaction with Council’s performance will

increase.

Mapping Stated Satisfaction and Derived Importance Identifies the Community Priority

Areas

Consultation with the

community

Council provision of

information

Opportunity to

participate in Council

decision-making

Sealed roads

The atmosphere,

look and feel of our

towns and villages

Wheelie bin

garbage &

recycling

collection

Protection of

natural bushland


Access to local

employment

opportunities

Managing residential

development

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% 14.0% 16.0%

Maintain

Optimise

Sta

ted

sa

tisf

ac

tio

n

Derived importance

Clean, safe

and healthy

living

environments


Community Research


Key Findings Advanced Shapley Outcomes

The chart below illustrates the positive/negative contribution the key drivers provide towards overall

satisfaction. Some drivers can contribute both negatively and positively depending on the overall opinion

of the residents.

The scores on the negative indicate the contribution the driver makes to impeding transition towards

satisfaction. If Council can address these areas, a lift in future overall satisfaction results will be seen, as

Council will positively transition residents who are currently ‘not at all satisfied’ towards being ‘satisfied’ with

Council’s overall performance.

The scores on the positive indicate the contribution the driver makes towards optimising satisfaction. By

addressing these areas, future overall satisfaction results will be lifted, by transitioning residents who are

currently already ‘somewhat satisfied’, towards being more satisfied with Council’s overall performance.

Key Contributors to Barriers/Optimisers

Different levers address the different levels of satisfaction across the community

-4.9%

-4.6%

-4.1%

-2.7%

-2.9%

-1.5%

-1.2%

-1.5%

-2.4%

-1.7%

-0.2%

6.1%

6.3%

3.1%

2.7%

1.7%

2.9%

1.9%

1.5%

0.4%

0.9%

2.4%

-8.0% -6.0% -4.0% -2.0% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0%




making

Sealed roads


villages







Optimisers

(50%)

Barriers

(50%)

Overall Satisfaction


Community Research


Overall Satisfaction with Council’s Performance

Summary

91% of Blue Mountains residents are at least somewhat satisfied with the performance of Council in

providing services to the community, a significant increase from 2018 results. Females, the 65+ age group

and those living in Planning Area 5 (Lapstone to Warrimoo) were significantly more satisfied with Council’s

performance. Those in Planning Area 2 (Wentworth Falls to Medlow Bath) demonstrated significantly lower

levels of overall satisfaction.

Q3a. Given the answers you have just provided, how would you rate your satisfaction with the overall performance

of your Council in providing services to the community?

▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (by group/year)

Overall

2020

Overall

2018 Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+

Mean ratings 3.61 3.44▼ 3.54 3.67▲ 3.55 3.59 3.55 3.73▲

Base 1,002 505 477 525 207 255 289 251

Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Ratepayer Non-

ratepayer

Mean ratings 3.51 3.50▼ 3.69 3.58 3.75▲ 3.60 3.66

Base 92 266 163 255 226 853 147

4%

9%

36%

40%

11%

2%▼

7%

31%

48%▲

12%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%


Not very satisfied

Somewhat satisified

Satisified

Very satisified

2020 (N=1,002) 2018 (N=505)


Community Research


Reasons for Level of Overall Satisfaction

Summary

The main reason for residents being either satisfied or very satisfied with Council’s performance in providing

services to the community was that they are ‘happy/Council is doing a good job/they do their best’.

Of those that were not at all/not very satisfied with Council, ‘poor quality and maintenance of local

infrastructure/services and facilities’, ‘poor/lack of communication and community consultation’ as well

as ‘poor decision making and planning/financial management’ were the main reasons preventing

residents from being satisfied with the performance of Council.

Q3a. How would you rate your satisfaction with the overall performance of your Council in providing services to the

community?

Q3b. What is your main reason for feeling that way?

Very satisfied/Satisfied (60%) N=1,002

Happy/Council is doing a good job/they do their best 20%

Always room for improvement/could do better in some areas e.g. better communication,

stopping overdevelopment 18%

Good communication and response to requests/they listen and look after the community 8%

Good provision and maintenance of services/facilities in the area 6%

Council demonstrates great leadership during events such as the bushfires and COVID-19 2%

Very happy with the Mayor 2%

Council rates are too high 1%

Happy with Council's service/always friendly and helpful 1%

Positive changes and improvements are being made in the area 1%

Some areas in the Blue Mountains are better looked after than others <1%

Don't know/nothing 1%

*Continues over page


Community Research


Reasons for Level of Overall Satisfaction - Continued Q3a. How would you rate your satisfaction with the overall performance of your Council in providing services to the

community?


Somewhat satisfied (31%) N=1,002

There's room for improvement in many areas 8%

Need more and improved services and facilities 7%

Need more communication/transparency/consultation with the community/better response

to requests 5%

Better maintenance of roads and footpaths is required 3%

Poor decision making and planning/financial management 2%

Better environmental management/heritage preservation is required 1%

Certain population groups are left out of Council's services e.g. young people 1%

Don't believe we get value for our rates 1%

Poor performance of Council staff/internal politics 1%

Adequate services provided/doing a good job <1%

Certain parts of the Blue Mountains are better looked after than others <1%

I don't know what they provide/not heavily involved with Council <1%

Lack of disability access and indigenous services <1%

Lack of support for local employment/economic growth <1%

Not enough available parking and public transport <1%

The management of asbestos removal is poorly managed by Council <1%

Don't know/nothing <1%

Not very satisfied/Not at all satisfied (9%)

Poor quality and maintenance of local infrastructure/services/facilities 2%

Poor/lack of communication and community consultation 2%

Poor decision making and planning/financial management 2%

Certain parts of the Blue Mountains are neglected 1%

Cost of rates is too high 1%

Negative experience with Council/they do a poor job 1%

Division of staff/political agendas <1%

Lack of backburning in the area <1%

Lack of support for youth in the area <1%

Need more public spaces in the area <1%

The area is not safe <1%


Community Research


Value for Money

Summary

Results have remained consistent with 2018, with 49% of residents suggesting the services provided by

Council represent either good or very good value for money. Residents aged 18-34, and 65+, as well as

non-ratepayers were significantly more likely to suggest the services represent good value for money.


Scale: 1 = very poor value, 5 = very good value ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower rating (by group)

Overall


Non-

ratepayer

Mean ratings 3.39 3.34 3.43 3.57▲ 3.21▼ 3.33 3.49▲ 3.33 3.73▲

Base 982 473 509 199 252 284 246 841 139


Mean ratings 3.47 3.33 3.49 3.28 3.47

Base 89 257 160 253 222

7%

11%

33%

36%

13%

7%

10%

34%

35%

14%

0% 25% 50%

Very poor value

Poor value

Neither good nor

poor value

Good value

Very good value

2020 (N=982) 2018 (N=503)


Community Research


Value for Money

Summary

17% of residents suggested that the services provided by Council represent ‘very poor’ or ‘poor’ value for

money. As per 2018 results, the main reason for this was that ‘rates are expensive/no return on rates paid’.

17% of those who suggested the services were poor value/very poor value, also mentioned the need for

higher quality services, facilities and infrastructure as a reason for not giving a higher response.


Q3d. (If ‘very poor value’ or ‘poor value’ in Q3c) What is your main reason for feeling that way?

Very poor value/poor value (17%) N=167

Rates are expensive/no return on rates paid 55%

Need more/better quality services, facilities and infrastructure 17%

Council is wasting too much money/money does not go in to the community 10%

Poor management from Council/prioritising the wrong things 8%

Facilities and services are expensive 4%

Poor maintenance of roads and footpaths 3%

Councils communication around where money is being spent is unclear 2%

Heritage buildings are not looked after <1%

No support for pensioners <1%

Don't know/nothing 1%


Community Research


Council’s Leadership and Response to Natural

Disasters

Summary

Satisfaction with Council’s leadership and response is high, with 93% of residents being at least somewhat

satisfied. Females and those living in Planning Area 5 (Lapstone to Warrimoo) were significantly more

satisfied with Council’s performance in this area.

Q3e. How satisfied are you with the Council’s leadership and response when natural disasters such as bushfires

impact the Blue Mountains?



Overall


Non-

ratepayer

Mean ratings 4.14 4.03 4.25▲ 4.14 4.17 4.09 4.19 4.14 4.19

Base 991 469 522 207 253 284 247 845 144


Mean ratings 3.94 4.06 4.21 4.12 4.32▲

Base 89 262 163 256 221

Base: N=991

2%

5%

15%

34%

44%

0% 25% 50%


Not very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Satisfied

Very satisfied

Staff & Councillor

Performance


Community Research


Staff Performance

Summary

53% of respondents had made contact with Council staff in the past 12 months. Of those that had

contacted Council, 88% were at least somewhat satisfied with the performance of Council staff. The

average level of satisfaction has followed an upward trend since 2016.

Q4a. In the past 12 months, have you had any contact with Council staff?

Q4b. How satisfied are you with the overall performance of Council staff?

Those who have had contact with Council staff in the last 12 months

2020

N=1,006

2018

N=505

2016

N=1,001

2014

N=505

Yes 53%▼ 59% 61% 58%

No 46% 40% 38% 42%

Can’t

recall 1% 1% 1% 0%

5%

6%

18%

34%

37%

5%

7%

17%

32%

39%

0% 25% 50%


Not very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Satisfied

Very satisfied

2020 (N=531) 2018 (N=298)

Yes 53%No 46%

Can't recall 1%

3.53 3.61 3.67 3.64 3.70 3.74 3.70 3.81 3.93 3.87 3.894.03

3.773.91 3.93

3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Please see Appendix A for results by demographics Scale: 1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied

▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower percentage (compared to 2018)


Community Research


Staff Performance

Summary

Of all respondents, 90% were at least somewhat satisfied with the performance of Council Staff. Females,

and those in the 65+ age category demonstrated significantly higher levels of satisfaction with staff.


All respondents



Overall

2020

Overall


Non-

ratepayer

Mean ratings 3.88▲ 3.75 3.80 3.95▲ 3.87 3.86 3.75▼ 4.05▲ 3.88 3.87

Base 934 489 446 488 193 231 272 238 806 126


Mean ratings 3.90 3.89 3.79 3.89 3.91

Base 87 250 153 237 207

5%

7%

25%

35%

28%

4%

6%

21%

38%

31%

0% 25% 50%


Not very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Satisfied

Very satisfied

2020 (N=899) 2018 (N=489)


Community Research


Councillor Performance

Summary

20% of respondents stated they had dealings with their elected Councillors in the last 12 months. Of those

that had dealings with councillors, 86% were at least somewhat satisfied with their overall performance.

Males, ratepayers and those living in Planning Area 5 (Lapstone to Warrimoo) were significantly more likely

to have had dealings with elected Councillors in the last 12 months.

Q5a. Have you had any dealings with your elected Councillors over the last year?

Q5b. How satisfied are you with the overall performance of Councillors?

Those who have had dealings with Councillors in the last 12 months

2020

N=1,006

2018

N=505

2016

N=1,001

2014

N=505

Yes 20% 17% 16% 14%

No 80% 83% 83% 86%

Can’t

recall <1% <1% 1% 0%

2020

N=199

2018

N=87

2016

N=151

Mean ratings 3.81 3.51 3.69

13%

10%

14%

40%

23%

5%▼

9%

16%

40%

30%

0% 25% 50%


Not very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Satisfied

Very satisfied

2020 (N=199) 2018 (N=87)

Yes 20%

No 80%

Can't recall <1%

Please see Appendix A for results by demographics


▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower percentage (compared to 2018)


Community Research


10%

14%

36%

29%

11%

3%▼

9%▼

30%▼

41%▲

17%▲

0% 25% 50%


Not very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Satisfied

Very satisfied

2020 (N=899) 2018 (N=486)

Councillor Performance Summary

88% of all respondents were at least somewhat satisfied with the overall performance of Councillors. Overall

satisfaction has increased since 2018. Females, the 18-34 age group, non-ratepayers and those in Planning

Area 3 (Linden to Bullaburra) demonstrated significantly higher levels of satisfaction with the performance

of Councillors.


All respondents

Overall

2020

Overall


Non-

ratepayer

Mean ratings 3.59 3.16▼ 3.49 3.69▲ 3.74▲ 3.64 3.46▼ 3.58 3.55 3.83▲

Base 899 486 431 468 187 224 256 232 774 123


Mean ratings 3.59 3.56 3.75▲ 3.46▼ 3.66

Base 84 239 148 228 201

Scale: 1= not at all satisfied, 5= Very satisfied


2.94 3.01 3.08 3.212.88

3.34 3.09 3.23 3.45 3.41 3.163.59

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020


Community Research


Community

Perceptions


Community Research


6%

5%

3%

2%

7%

28%

12%

14%

3%

34%

14%

33%

21%

30%

63%

50%

75%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Disagree Strongly disagree Neither Agree Strongly agree

Community Perceptions

Summary

Similar to previous research, the statement with the highest level of agreement was ‘I feel that I am

generally safe in my neighbourhood, with 96% of residents in agreement. Commitment to the top 2 box for

the statement ‘I have someone in my area outside my immediate family to turn to in a time of crisis’ has

declined since 2018.

Q1. I am going to read out some statements and I want you to rate your level of agreement with each of the

following:

▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of agreement (compared to 2018)

Note: Labels <2% are not shown above.

T2B%

2020

(N=1,006)

T2B%

2018

((N=505)

96% 95%

83% 84%

77%▼ 86%

64% 63%

I feel that I am generally

safe in my neighbourhood

I feel that I belong to the

community I live in

I have someone in my area

outside my immediate family

to turn to in a time of crisis

I feel that the quality of life

and wellbeing in the Blue



Community Research



Results by Key Demographics

Summary

Those in Planning Area 1(Megalong Valley to Mount Irvine) were significantly more likely to agree with the

statements ‘I feel that I am generally safe in my neighbourhood’ and ‘I feel that I belong to the

community I live in’. Females demonstrated significantly higher levels of agreement for the statement ‘I

have someone in my area outside my immediate family to turn to in a time of crisis’.


following:

Scale: 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree

▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of agreement (by group)

Please see Appendix A for results by all demographics and trend analysis

Gender Planning Area

Male Female Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5

I feel that I am generally safe in my

neighbourhood 4.71 4.67 4.81▲ 4.66 4.67 4.66 4.73

I feel that I belong to the community I

live in 4.29 4.28 4.55▲ 4.27 4.23 4.28 4.24

I have someone in my area outside

my immediate family to turn to in a

time of crisis

4.12 4.31▲ 4.40 4.25 4.12 4.21 4.18

I feel that the quality of life and

wellbeing in the Blue Mountains is

improving

3.76 3.87 3.95 3.79 3.79 3.89 3.75

Base 477 529 92 266 165 256 228


Community Research


Agreement Statements – Comparison to the

Micromex LGA Benchmark Summary

3 of the 4 statements were comparable to the Micromex LGA Benchmark. 2 statements ‘I feel that I am

generally safe in my neighbourhood’ and ‘I feel that I belong to the community I live in’ experienced a

positive variance of more than 10% above the benchmark norms.


following:

Measure Blue

Mountains

Council T2B %

LGA

Benchmark –

Overall* T2B%

Variance

I feel that I am generally safe in my neighbourhood 96%▲ 74% 22%

I feel that I belong to the community I live in 83%▲ 69% 14%

I have someone in my area outside my immediate family

to turn to in a time of crisis 77% 82% -5%

I feel that the quality of life and wellbeing in the Blue

Mountains is improving 64% NA NA

▲▼ = positive/negative difference greater than 10% from LGA Benchmark

Note: Benchmark differences are based on assumed variants of +/- 10%, with variants beyond +/- 10% more likely to be

significant

*Please note: The above measures have been compared to an overall benchmark score. See Appendix A for comparisons to

both metro and regional benchmarks.


Community Research


Making the Blue

Mountains a Better

Place


Community Research


Issues of Greatest Concern – Local Neighbourhood

Summary

When asked about current issues of greatest concern for their local neighbourhood, ‘road maintenance

and upgrades/safety concerns’ as well as ‘provision and maintenance of footpaths’ were top of mind for

residents. Managing the natural environment, being prepared for bushfires and natural disasters and the

availability of parks and green spaces were also frequently mentioned.

Q6a. I now want to ask your views on making the Blue Mountains a better place into the future. Thinking about your

immediate local neighbourhood, what is the issue of greatest concern to you at the moment?

Please see Appendix A for list of responses and results by Planning Area

6%

7%

8%

8%

10%

14%

15%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Managing development/overdevelopment

Parking availability and enforcement

More/better maintained parks, playgrounds,

green spaces and sportsgrounds


management/prevention and recovery


bushcare/environmental preservation and

protecting national parks

Provision and maintenance of footpaths,

cycleways and walking tracks

Road maintenance and upgrades/safety

concerns e.g. pedestrian and driving safety

Base: N=1,006


Community Research


Issues of Greatest Concern – Blue Mountains

Summary

As expected after the 2019 bushfires, 18% of residents stated ‘bushfire/natural disaster protection and

prevention’ as the current issue of greatest concern across the Blue Mountains area. ‘Maintaining the

natural environment/preservation/weed and tree control’, as well as ‘overdevelopment/appropriately

managing development’ were also issues of concern.


7%

6%

7%

8%

10%

13%

18%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Don't know/nothing

Effect of the airport - flight paths/noise

pollution


local businesses/economic growth in the area

Traffic congestion/road maintenance/safety

on roads


development



control


prevention

Base: N=1,006



Community Research



Summary

In relation to looking after the environment, Blue Mountains residents identified bush regeneration and

conservation as the top priority. Hazard reduction and backburning were also top of mind, which is to be

expected after the recent bushfires in the area.

Q6c. Now thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for action

related to looking after the environment over the next 5-10 years?

9%

4%

4%

6%

7%

11%

11%

22%

23%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Don't know/nothing

No airport - adverse environmental

impact/limit planes

Climate change/global warming/carbon

footprint/sustainable living

Sustainable tourism - walking tracks, maintain

parks, playgrounds and cycleways

Stormwater/clean waterways/drainage

Overdevelopment impacting the environment

Rubbish - better collection/services, more

recycling, illegal dumping, pollution

Fire risk - allow back burning, hazard reduction,

emergency access

Bush regeneration, conservation and

tree/weed management

Base: N=1,001 Please see Appendix A for list of responses and results by Planning Area


Community Research


Looking After People

Summary

Blue Mountains Residents’ considered the top priority in terms of looking after people to be ‘more

affordable and improved aged care/disability services and facilities’ (22%). Health care services were also

frequently mentioned as were employment and business opportunities.

Q6d. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for action

for looking after people over the next 5-10 years?

10%

7%

7%

7%

8%

10%

11%

22%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Don't know/nothing

More/improved public transport

More/improved community and social

services

More/upgraded community facilities

e.g. buildings, sportsgrounds, shops

Increasing the sense of community in

the area/more recreation and leisure

opportunities

Employment/business support/tourism

Improving/upgrading the

hospital/health care services and

facilities

More affordable and improved aged

care/disability services and facilities

Base: N=997



Community Research


Making the Towns and Villages Great Places to

Live

Summary

13% of residents believe that the appearance and maintenance of the LGA is the top priority for making

their towns and villages great places to live. Issues relating to roads and traffic management were also top

of mind for residents.

Q6e. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for action

for making our towns and villages great places to live over the next 5-10 years?

Base: N=1,005 Please see Appendix A for list of responses and results by Planning Area

9%

7%

7%

7%

8%

10%

10%

13%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Don't know/nothing

Additional/maintained

parks/playgrounds/greenspaces

No high rise/over development/over

population

Planning for future development to

reflect community needs

Employment/business opportunities

A connected and inclusive

community/range of events and

activities

Roads/traffic management/parking

Appearance/maintenance/upgrades

of LGA


Community Research



Summary

When asked about the top priority for action in relation to moving around the Blue Mountains, 53% of

residents suggested public transport (either general public transport or specifically bus/train services) as

the top priority for the area. Improving the local road network was also frequently mentioned, with 15%

suggesting this as a top priority.

Q6f. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for action

related to how we move around within the Blue Mountains over the next 5-10 years?

7%

3%

5%

5%

14%

15%

53%

0% 20% 40% 60%

Don't know/nothing

Accessibility in the area e.g. disabled

access/access for the elderly

Availability of carparks and commuter parking

Traffic management

Better footpaths/walkways/cycleways/pedestrian

areas

Improve the local road network e.g. upgrades

and maintenance

More frequent/improved public transport services

e.g. trains and buses

Base: N=1,006



Community Research


Economic Development

Summary

In terms of economic development, the top suggestion for priorities in over the next 5-10 years was ‘support

for local business’, with 23% of residents suggesting this. Encouraging tourism and promoting the area was

also a common response (14%).

Q6g. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for action

related to economic development over the next 5-10 years?

21%

4%

5%

10%

14%

14%

23%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Don't know/nothing

Better planning for housing

development/maintaining a variety of housing

sizes/affordable housing and rates

More/improved shopping precincts and food

options

Economic growth in the area/variety of

industries/encouraging businesses to the area

More employment opportunities

Encouraging tourism/promotion of the area

Support for local business

Base: N=1,006



Community Research


Importance of, and

Satisfaction with, Council

Services & Facilities


Community Research


Key Directions

A core element of this community survey was the rating of 40 facilities/services in terms of Importance and

Satisfaction. Each of the 40 facilities/services are located within Key Directions as detailed below:

Protect


Council lookouts and walking trails

Weed control

Clean creeks and waterways


Move

Sealed roads

Carparks

Commuter parking

Bus shelters

Pedestrian access around shopping centres and

community facilities

Footpaths

Cycleways

Traffic safety for pedestrians and vehicles

Parking for shoppers

Management of stormwater and drainage

Thrive


Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo

Point

Caravan parks at Katoomba and Blackheath


villages

Live


Protection of heritage values in towns and villages

Care

Library services

Community centres and halls

Services and facilities for children and families

Services and facilities for young people

Services and facilities for older people

Services that support the local Aboriginal community

Services and facilities for people with a disability

Ovals and sporting grounds


Swimming pools and leisure centres

Cultural and arts facilities


Public toilets in town centres

Litter control

Street cleaning

Cemeteries and ashes placement sites

Lead




making


Community Research


Key Directions

An Explanation

The following pages detail the Shapley findings for each Key Direction, make comparisons to the

Micromex LGA Benchmark and identify the stated importance and satisfaction ratings by key

demographics.

Importance

For the stated importance ratings, residents were asked to rate how important each of the criteria was to

them, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being ‘not at all important’ and 5 being ‘very important’.

Satisfaction

For the satisfaction ratings, all residents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with each of the

criteria on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being ‘not at all satisfied’ and 5 being ‘very satisfied’. There was an

option for residents to answer ‘don’t know’ to satisfaction, as they may not have personally used a

particular service or facility.

Mean rating explanation

1.99 or less ‘Very low’ level of importance/satisfaction

2.0 – 2.49 ‘Low’ level of importance/satisfaction

2.5 – 2.99 ‘Moderately low’ level of importance/satisfaction

3.0 – 3.59 ‘Moderate’ level of importance/satisfaction

3.6 – 3.89 ‘Moderately high’ level of importance/satisfaction

3.9 – 4.19 ‘High’ level of importance/satisfaction

4.2 – 4.49 ‘Very high’ level of importance/satisfaction

4.5+ ‘Extremely high’ level of importance/satisfaction


Community Research


Key Directions’ Contribution to Overall Satisfaction

By combining the outcomes of the regression data, we can identify the derived importance of the

different Nett Key Directions.

Key Direction 1: ‘Lead’ (29%) is the key contributor toward overall satisfaction with Council’s

performance, and, each of the services/facilities grouped under this area averages 9.7%.

2.2%

2.6%

2.2%

1.9%

1.6%

9.7%

4.4%

10.2%

10.9%

19.3%

26.1%

29.0%

0% 10% 20% 30%

Nett: Key Direction 4:

Live (2)


Thrive (4)


Protect (5)


Move (10)


Care (16)

Nett: Key direction 1:

Lead (3)

Nett contribution Average service/facility

Note: Numbers in brackets represent the number of services/facilities in each Key Direction


Community Research


Key Direction 1: Lead

Shapley Regression

Contributes to Almost 30% of Overall Satisfaction with Council

29%

11.0%

10.8%

7.2%

0% 10% 20% 30%

Nett: Lead




making


Community Research



Hierarchy of Services/Facilities – Importance

Within the ‘Lead’ Key Direction, in terms of importance, ‘consultation with the community’ is rated the most

important, whilst the ‘Opportunity to participate in Council decision making’ is the service of least relative

importance.



Opportunity to participate in Council

decision-making 86% 73%

Importance T2B Service/Facility (Ranked high – low)

LGA Benchmark T2B


Community Research



Importance Mean Scores by Key Demographics

Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+


community 4.70 4.65 4.75 4.61 4.71 4.71 4.76

Council provision of information 4.65 4.61 4.69 4.55 4.69 4.63 4.73

Opportunity to participate in

Council decision-making 4.42 4.35 4.49 4.49 4.40 4.35 4.47

Ratepayer Non-

ratepayer Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5


4.72 4.62 4.71 4.73 4.75 4.70 4.65


information 4.67 4.57 4.76 4.69 4.69 4.63 4.56

Opportunity to


decision-making

4.44 4.35 4.69 4.41 4.39 4.41 4.37


Significantly higher/lower level of importance (by group)

Detailed Overall Response for Importance

Not at all

important

Not very

important

Somewhat

important Important

Very

important Base


community <1% 1% 4% 18% 77% 1,006

Council provision of information <1% 1% 6% 20% 73% 1,006


Council decision-making 1% 2% 11% 27% 59% 1,006


Community Research



Hierarchy of Services/Facilities – Satisfaction

In terms of satisfaction, residents are most satisfied with ‘Council provision of information’ and least satisfied

with ‘opportunity to participate in Council decision making’ within the ‘Lead’ Key Direction.




decision-making 75% 68%

Satisfaction T3B Service/Facility (Ranked high – low)

LGA Benchmark T3B


Community Research



Satisfaction Mean Scores by Key Demographics



community 3.36 3.24 3.47 3.43 3.34 3.29 3.41


information 3.51 3.39 3.61 3.51 3.59 3.42 3.52


Council decision-making 3.17 3.04 3.28 3.20 3.13 3.12 3.23

Ratepayer Non-



community 3.33 3.55 3.25 3.31 3.37 3.36 3.46


information 3.47 3.74 3.38 3.42 3.56 3.53 3.60

Opportunity to


decision-making

3.13 3.34 3.12 3.04 3.32 3.17 3.21


Significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (by group)

Detailed Overall Response for Satisfaction

Not at all

satisfied

Not very

satisfied

Somewhat

satisfied Satisfied

Very

satisfied Base


community 7% 11% 36% 31% 15% 995

Council provision of information 5% 9% 37% 30% 20% 995


Council decision-making 8% 16% 38% 26% 11% 961


Community Research


Key Direction 2: Protect

Shapley Regression

Contributes to Over 10% of Overall Satisfaction with Council

10.9%

3.1%

2.6%

2.3%

1.5%

1.3%

0% 5% 10% 15%

Nett: Protect


Clean, safe and healthy living

environments

Weed control




Community Research




Within the ‘Protect’ Key Direction, in terms of importance, ‘clean, safe and healthy living environments’ is

rated the most important, whilst ‘weed control’ is the service of least relative importance.


environments 98% NA






LGA Benchmark T2B


Community Research



Trend Analysis of Importance Mean Scores

2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Protection of

natural

bushland

4.73 4.53 4.66 4.62 4.64 4.67 4.60 4.29 4.29 4.26 4.35 4.39 4.42 4.53 4.58

Weed control 4.42 4.17 4.42 4.36 4.26 4.36 4.30 4.27 4.28 4.03 4.20 4.08 4.32 4.46 4.24

Clean creeks

and

waterways

4.85 4.74 4.81 4.73 4.72 4.77 4.80 4.58 4.56 4.59 4.70 4.65 4.67 4.75 4.75

Council

lookouts and

walking trails

4.09 4.15 4.07 4.15 4.20 4.02 4.00 4.29 4.25 4.34 4.32 4.34 4.37 4.55 4.60

Clean, safe

and healthy

living

environments

4.83 4.78 4.80 4.70 4.77 4.71 4.77 4.87


Community Research





Protection of natural bushland 4.58 4.44 4.71 4.56 4.68 4.56 4.52

Weed control 4.24 4.13 4.33 3.92 4.25 4.35 4.35

Clean creeks and waterways 4.75 4.70 4.80 4.70 4.79 4.78 4.73

Council lookouts and walking

trails 4.60 4.51 4.69 4.54 4.68 4.58 4.60


environments 4.87 4.83 4.90 4.93 4.84 4.81 4.90




Ratepayer Non-



Weed control 4.29 3.91 4.46 4.29 4.24 4.16 4.18



trails 4.60 4.60 4.70 4.68 4.62 4.57 4.49


environments 4.85 4.95 4.96 4.89 4.88 4.82 4.85

Not at all

important

Not very

important

Somewhat

important Important

Very

important Base

Protection of natural bushland 1% 2% 7% 18% 72% 1,006

Weed control 2% 4% 14% 28% 52% 1,006

Clean creeks and waterways <1% 1% 3% 15% 81% 1,005


trails 1% 1% 7% 21% 70% 1,006


environments <1% <1% 2% 10% 88% 1,006


Community Research




In terms of satisfaction, residents are most satisfied with ‘clean, safe and healthy living environments’ and

least satisfied with ‘weed control’ within the ‘Protect’ Key Direction.


environments 95% NA






LGA Benchmark T3B


Community Research



Trend Analysis of Satisfaction Mean Scores

2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Protection of

natural

bushland

3.47 3.37 3.50 3.17 3.32 3.42 3.60 3.49 3.37 3.50 3.57 3.51 3.53 3.54 3.71

Weed control 2.63 2.80 2.78 2.69 2.83 2.89 2.90 2.93 2.89 2.95 3.06 2.97 2.99 2.91 3.19

Clean creeks

and

waterways

2.81 3.06 3.09 2.89 2.99 3.10 3.20 3.40 3.38 3.39 3.34 3.48 3.44 3.47 3.62

Council

lookouts and

walking trails

3.75 3.74 3.64 3.67 3.57 3.54 3.60 3.69 3.76 3.85 3.66 3.70 3.83 3.73 3.81

Clean, safe

and healthy

living

environments

3.82 3.83 3.79 3.71 3.78 3.86 3.83 3.91


Community Research






Weed control 3.19 3.13 3.25 3.36 3.23 2.98 3.26



trails 3.81 3.74 3.87 3.95 3.84 3.75 3.71


environments 3.91 3.88 3.93 3.99 3.93 3.86 3.87

Ratepayer Non-


Protection of natural

bushland 3.64 4.06 3.63 3.77 3.72 3.63 3.75

Weed control 3.15 3.46 3.25 3.21 3.13 3.08 3.34

Clean creeks and

waterways 3.61 3.64 3.73 3.58 3.57 3.67 3.59

Council lookouts and

walking trails 3.78 3.96 3.85 3.81 3.87 3.80 3.75

Clean, safe and healthy

living environments 3.89 3.99 3.89 3.88 3.95 3.94 3.87




Not at all

satisfied

Not very

satisfied

Somewhat

satisfied Satisfied

Very

satisfied Base

Protection of natural bushland 3% 5% 33% 36% 23% 997

Weed control 7% 15% 39% 27% 11% 991

Clean creeks and waterways 4% 7% 34% 36% 20% 981


trails 2% 7% 24% 41% 26% 992


environments 1% 4% 23% 48% 24% 992


Community Research


Key Direction 3: Care

Shapley Regression


26.1%

4.4%

3.1%

2.3%

2.1%

2.0%

1.8%

1.6%

1.4%

1.4%

1.4%

1.3%

1.1%

0.8%

0.6%

0.5%

0.4%

0% 10% 20% 30%

Nett: Care

Wheelie bin garbage & recycling

collection


Cultural & arts facilities




Street cleaning

Library services


Services and facilities for children and

families

Litter control


disability





community


Community Research




Within the ‘Care’ Key Direction, in terms of importance, ‘wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection’ is

rated the most important, whilst ‘cemeteries and ashes placement sites’ is the facility of least relative

importance.


collection 97% 93%

Litter control 94% 90%



disability 92% 80%





families 87% 78%




community 82% 68%







LGA Benchmark T2B


Community Research




* Note: ‘Wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection’ was previously split into ‘wheelie bin garbage collection’

and ‘wheelie bin recycling service’ and therefore the above trend analysis should be viewed as an interest point

only.

2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Library

services 4.13 4.15 4.17 4.23 4.17 4.09 4.20 4.21 4.10 4.11 4.14 4.04 3.98 4.24 4.24

Community

centres and

community

halls

3.64 3.91 3.59 3.92 3.96 3.82 3.90 4.10 4.08 4.12 4.11 4.04 3.98 4.12 4.16

Services and

facilities for

children

and families

4.22 4.06 4.35 4.11 4.07 4.30 4.30 4.29 4.32 4.29 4.36 4.11 4.04 4.45 4.43

Services and

facilities for

young

people

4.38 4.10 4.37 4.22 4.06 4.27 4.30 4.38 4.34 4.37 4.39 4.17 4.10 4.50 4.44

Services and

facilities for older

people

4.42 4.19 4.41 4.31 4.23 4.36 4.40 4.39 4.52 4.49 4.52 4.33 4.33 4.61 4.52

Services and

facilities for

people with

a disability

4.46 4.24 4.43 4.26 4.17 4.38 4.40 4.48 4.50 4.59 4.58 4.38 4.40 4.68 4.65

Services that

support the

local

Aboriginal

community

4.04 3.93 4.09 4.27 4.33

Ovals and

sporting

grounds

3.22 3.89 3.30 4.06 4.12 3.53 3.70 4.27 4.28 4.34 4.21 4.11 4.08 4.27 4.25

Parks and

playgrounds 4.13 4.31 4.12 4.26 4.31 4.02 4.10 4.48 4.37 4.48 4.44 4.38* 4.35 4.54 4.56

Swimming

pools and

leisure

centres

3.79 3.90 3.93 4.05 3.92 3.68 3.70 4.23 4.07 4.14 4.04 3.97 4.12 4.43 4.37

Cultural & arts

facilities 3.51 3.60 3.98 3.88 3.99 3.93 3.91 3.98 4.22 4.11

Wheelie bin

garbage &

recycling

collection

4.69 4.71 4.77 4.82 4.75 4.80 4.80 4.78 4.80 4.62 4.75 4.78 4.72 4.73 4.79

Public toilets

in town

centres

4.43 4.32 4.33 4.40 4.37 4.49 4.40 4.36 4.32 4.35 4.47 4.41 4.43 4.46 4.53

Litter control 4.80 4.55 4.69 4.59 4.52 4.58 4.60 4.52 4.43 4.54 4.51 4.54 4.54 4.62 4.62

Street

cleaning 4.64 4.08 4.26 4.13 4.01 4.14 4.20 4.10 3.98 4.11 4.23 4.01 4.04 4.13 4.20

Cemeteries

and ashes

placement

sites

3.70 3.68 3.85 3.87 3.66 3.77 3.65 3.73


Community Research





Wheelie bin garbage &

recycling collection 4.79 4.76 4.81 4.77 4.72 4.79 4.88

Public toilets in town centres 4.53 4.40 4.65 4.53 4.46 4.49 4.66

Litter control 4.62 4.54 4.69 4.66 4.58 4.58 4.67

Street cleaning 4.20 4.14 4.26 4.24 4.04 4.12 4.43

Cemeteries and ashes

placement sites 3.73 3.61 3.84 3.74 3.39 3.68 4.12

Library services 4.24 4.01 4.45 4.13 4.14 4.19 4.50

Community centres and halls 4.16 3.97 4.34 4.04 4.04 4.14 4.42

Cultural and arts facilities 4.11 3.87 4.33 3.96 4.13 4.04 4.29

Services and facilities for

children and families 4.43 4.37 4.48 4.50 4.52 4.28 4.45

Services and facilities for young

people 4.44 4.37 4.51 4.45 4.47 4.37 4.49

Services and facilities for older

people 4.52 4.42 4.62 4.50 4.37 4.50 4.73

Services and facilities for people

with a disability 4.65 4.56 4.73 4.70 4.56 4.60 4.76

Services that support the Local

Aboriginal community 4.33 4.10 4.54 4.44 4.40 4.16 4.38

Ovals and sporting grounds 4.25 4.22 4.28 4.09 4.38 4.19 4.33

Parks and playgrounds 4.56 4.48 4.63 4.43 4.73 4.46 4.62

Swimming pools and leisure

centres 4.37 4.22 4.51 4.16 4.42 4.42 4.44

Ratepayer Non-





Litter control 4.60 4.70 4.73 4.63 4.62 4.59 4.59

Street cleaning 4.18 4.34 4.43 4.22 4.24 4.19 4.07


placement sites 3.71 3.84 3.78 3.71 3.86 3.78 3.57







young people 4.45 4.38 4.38 4.54 4.48 4.41 4.37


people 4.54 4.43 4.68 4.57 4.65 4.51 4.33


people with a disability 4.64 4.70 4.60 4.67 4.74 4.66 4.56

Services that support the

Local Aboriginal community 4.29 4.57 4.53 4.39 4.40 4.23 4.25




centres 4.41 4.15 4.42 4.41 4.36 4.38 4.32




Community Research




Not at all

important

Not very

important

Somewhat

important Important

Very

important Base


recycling collection <1% 1% 2% 15% 82% 1,006

Public toilets in town centres 1% 1% 8% 23% 67% 1,005

Litter control <1% 1% 6% 25% 69% 1,006

Street cleaning 1% 3% 19% 31% 47% 1,005


placement sites 6% 9% 24% 27% 34% 1,005

Library services 3% 5% 13% 24% 55% 1,006

Community centres and halls 3% 3% 17% 30% 47% 1,005

Cultural and arts facilities 4% 5% 15% 31% 46% 1,006


children and families 3% 2% 8% 21% 66% 1,006


people 2% 2% 8% 26% 62% 1,006


people 2% 2% 6% 23% 67% 1,006


people with a disability 1% 1% 6% 18% 74% 1,005


Aboriginal community 3% 4% 10% 22% 60% 1,005

Ovals and sporting grounds 2% 4% 12% 31% 51% 1,006

Parks and playgrounds <1% 1% 6% 28% 65% 1,006


centres 1% 3% 10% 28% 57% 1,006


Community Research




In terms of satisfaction, residents are most satisfied with ‘community centres and halls’ and least satisfied

with ‘services and facilities for young people’ within the ‘Care’ Key Direction.







collection 92% 91%


Litter control 89% 80%




families 86% 87%


Services that support the local

Aboriginal community 76% 81%

Services and facilities for people with

a disability 75% 83%




LGA Benchmark T3B


Community Research




2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Library services 3.59 3.76 3.77 3.74 3.69 3.66 3.70 3.85 3.83 3.76 3.85 4.08 3.96 3.95 4.09

Community

centres and

community halls

3.37 3.41 3.39 3.40 3.40 3.25 3.40 3.38 3.37 3.47 3.35 3.47 3.70 3.64 3.86

Services and

facilities for

children and

families

3.10 3.20 3.20 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.30 3.29 3.30 3.40 3.28 3.49 3.44 3.40 3.82

Services and

facilities for

young people

2.40 2.80 2.70 2.80 2.70 2.70 2.90 2.78 2.69 2.82 2.77 2.80 2.94 2.96 3.50

Services and

facilities for older people

3.20 3.30 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.10 3.30 3.26 3.22 3.31 3.20 3.33* 3.36 3.31 3.00

Services and

facilities for

people with a

disability

2.90 3.20 3.10 3.10 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.99 3.07 3.03 3.00 3.06 3.17 2.94 3.43

Services that

support the

local Aboriginal

community

3.06 3.19 3.28 3.07 3.14

Ovals and

sporting

grounds

3.24 3.49 3.23 3.36 3.33 3.25 3.50 3.63 3.62 3.65 3.49 3.60 3.67 3.57 3.11

Parks and

playgrounds 3.38 3.53 3.34 3.45 3.32 3.28 3.50 3.51 3.46 3.60 3.43 3.47 3.57 3.39 3.69

Swimming pools

and leisure

centres

3.37 3.27 2.89 3.44 3.66 3.64 3.70 3.82 3.71 3.76 3.70 3.77 3.78 3.49 3.44

Cultural & Arts

facilities 3.08 3.10 3.25 3.31 3.39 3.56 3.63 3.80 3.87 3.80

Wheelie bin

garbage &

recycling

collection

3.03 4.37 4.27 4.37 4.34 4.32 4.50 4.43 4.40 4.26 4.27 4.48 4.17 4.08 4.17

Public toilets in

town centres 2.62 2.79 2.83 2.69 2.76 2.80 2.90 2.76 2.83 2.85 2.80 2.94 3.03 2.85 3.17

Litter control 4.19 3.24 3.39 3.32 3.38 3.26 3.40 3.41 3.39 3.55 3.32 3.37 3.45 3.47 3.70

Street cleaning 3.51 3.26 3.36 3.33 3.38 3.23 3.30 3.38 3.39 3.50 3.44 3.37 3.43 3.46 3.64

Cemeteries and

ashes

placement sites

3.60 3.60 3.62 3.62 3.66 3.71 3.61 3.70


Community Research








Litter control 3.70 3.67 3.73 3.70 3.71 3.67 3.71

Street cleaning 3.64 3.63 3.65 3.73 3.73 3.59 3.53


placement sites 3.70 3.68 3.73 3.89 3.74 3.58 3.64







people 3.00 3.08 2.93 3.15 2.86 3.01 3.00


people 3.43 3.45 3.41 3.51 3.39 3.30 3.55




Aboriginal community 3.11 3.14 3.09 3.08 3.15 3.08 3.14




centres 3.80 3.76 3.84 3.92 3.77 3.77 3.77

Ratepayer Non-




Public toilets in town centres 3.18 3.10 3.47 3.03 3.38 2.98 3.25 Litter control 3.70 3.72 3.66 3.62 3.63 3.74 3.82

Street cleaning 3.62 3.79 3.58 3.73 3.58 3.67 3.58


placement sites 3.66 3.92 3.57 3.83 3.70 3.68 3.64


Community centres and

halls 3.86 3.85 3.93 3.81 3.95 3.94 3.74





young people 2.97 3.16 2.83 2.88 3.18 2.98 3.11


older people 3.40 3.61 3.34 3.34 3.51 3.44 3.50



Services that support the

Local Aboriginal

community

3.12 3.09 2.87 3.05 3.30 3.19 3.05




centres 3.77 3.97 3.67 3.70 3.94 3.82 3.86




Community Research




Not at all

satisfied

Not very

satisfied

Somewhat

satisfied Satisfied

Very

satisfied Base


recycling collection 2% 7% 13% 29% 50% 1,005

Public toilets in town centres 10% 15% 35% 26% 13% 993

Litter control 3% 7% 29% 37% 23% 1,002

Street cleaning 5% 8% 28% 36% 23% 994


placement sites 3% 5% 35% 35% 23% 903

Library services 2% 5% 17% 34% 42% 979

Community centres and halls 2% 4% 28% 40% 26% 979

Cultural and arts facilities 3% 4% 27% 40% 26% 982


children and families 4% 10% 33% 39% 14% 941


people 8% 21% 43% 20% 9% 907


people 4% 8% 43% 32% 13% 932


people with a disability 6% 18% 40% 27% 8% 882


Aboriginal community 7% 16% 44% 24% 8% 830

Ovals and sporting grounds 3% 6% 30% 40% 20% 968

Parks and playgrounds 7% 12% 28% 37% 17% 990


centres 2% 5% 29% 40% 25% 985


Community Research


Key Direction 4: Live

Shapley Regression


4.4%

2.6%

1.8%

0% 5% 10%

Nett: Live


Protection of heritage values in towns

and villages


Community Research




Within the ‘Live’ Key Direction, in terms of importance, ‘protection of heritage values in towns and villages’

is rated slightly higher in importance.

Protection of heritage values in towns and

villages 87% 73%



LGA Benchmark T2B


Community Research







development 4.42 4.38 4.46 4.06 4.42 4.51 4.62

Protection of heritage values in

towns and villages 4.43 4.34 4.51 4.38 4.38 4.37 4.61

Ratepayer Non-



development 4.47 4.18 4.52 4.34 4.47 4.45 4.41

Protection of heritage

values in towns and

villages

4.44 4.41 4.63 4.52 4.46 4.35 4.31




2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Managing

residential

development

4.45 4.40 4.49 4.44 4.33 4.32 4.30 4.41 4.31 4.32 3.93 4.01 4.32 4.47 4.42

Protection of

heritage

values in our

towns and

villages

4.33 4.11 4.33 4.32 4.24 4.26 4.20 4.22 4.27 4.35 4.24 4.38* 4.41 4.49 4.43

Not at all

important

Not very

important

Somewhat

important Important

Very

important Base


development 1% 2% 11% 26% 60% 1,006

Protection of heritage values in

towns and villages 1% 2% 10% 25% 62% 1,006


Community Research




Within the ‘Live’ Key Direction, residents expressed slightly lower levels of satisfaction with ‘managing

residential development’.


and villages 86% 84%



LGA Benchmark T3B


Community Research




2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Managing

residential

development

2.74 2.72 2.70 2.59 2.70 2.81 3.00 3.11 3.05 3.18 2.96 3.09 3.08 3.12 3.27

Protection of

heritage

values in our

towns and

villages

3.36 3.32 3.25 3.22 3.20 3.27 3.40 3.43 3.47 3.53 3.33 3.54 3.45 3.41 3.57




development 3.27 3.25 3.29 3.39 3.29 3.14 3.31

Protection of heritage values

and buildings 3.57 3.49 3.63 3.89 3.58 3.40 3.47

Ratepayer Non-



development 3.23 3.50 3.26 3.12 3.32 3.34 3.35

Protection of heritage

values and buildings 3.54 3.73 3.32 3.53 3.62 3.59 3.66




Not at all

satisfied

Not very

satisfied

Somewhat

satisfied Satisfied

Very

satisfied Base


development 6% 13% 38% 32% 11% 994

Protection of heritage values

and buildings 5% 9% 30% 38% 18% 998


Community Research


Key Direction 5: Move

Shapley Regression


19.3%

5.4%

2.5%

2.4%

2.3%

2.1%

1.8%

1.1%

0.7%

0.5%

0.5%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Nett: Move

Sealed roads

Management of stormwater and

drainage


Footpaths

Traffic safety for pedestrians and

vehicles

Carparks

Commuter parking

Pedestrian access around shopping

centres and community facilities

Cycleways

Bus shelters


Community Research




Within the ‘Move’ Key Direction, in terms of importance, ‘traffic safety for pedestrians and vehicles’ is rated

the most important, whilst ‘cycleways’ is the facility of least relative importance.

Traffic safety for pedestrians and vehicles 95% 92%


centres and community facilities 91% NA

Footpaths 90% 84%


drainage 89% 80%



Carparks 81% 82%



Cycleways 61% 58%


LGA Benchmark T2B


Community Research




2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Sealed roads 4.53 4.47 4.53 4.52 4.44 4.55 4.60 4.47 4.46 4.55 4.44 4.40 4.31 4.48 4.45

Carparks 4.28 4.28 4.23 4.18 4.19 4.12 4.40 4.23

Commuter

parking 4.03 3.87 4.08 4.01 3.83 4.06 4.10 4.17 4.16 4.16 4.21 4.15 4.08 4.29 4.29

Bus shelters 3.68 3.45 3.63 3.63 3.61 3.78 3.70 3.86 3.71 3.85 3.90 3.61 3.62 3.78 3.90

Pedestrian

access

around

shopping

centres and

community

facilities

4.50 4.41 4.47 4.48 4.44 4.49 4.50 4.47 4.41 4.51 4.45 4.38 4.43 4.46 4.55

Footpaths 4.44 4.35 4.53 4.47 4.43 4.49 4.50 4.42 4.42 4.43 4.41 4.43 4.38 4.43 4.49

Cycleways 3.74 3.57 3.63 3.44 3.43 3.48 3.61 3.72

Traffic safety for

pedestrians

and vehicles

4.77 4.68 4.71 4.67 4.70 4.65 4.74 4.69

Management of

stormwater

and drainage

4.46 4.33 4.32 4.45 4.31 4.40 4.49 4.53

Parking for

shoppers 4.50 4.41 4.55 4.44 4.34 4.49 4.60 4.43 4.42 4.37 4.36 4.45 4.34 4.47 4.40


Community Research





Management of stormwater

and drainage 4.53 4.46 4.59 4.39 4.47 4.61 4.61

Parking for shoppers 4.40 4.33 4.46 4.36 4.21 4.39 4.64

Sealed roads 4.45 4.40 4.50 4.45 4.34 4.41 4.62

Carparks 4.23 4.16 4.30 4.21 3.98 4.19 4.55

Commuter parking 4.29 4.21 4.36 4.18 4.11 4.36 4.48

Bus shelters 3.90 3.74 4.04 3.95 3.75 3.77 4.15

Pedestrian access around

shopping centres and


4.55 4.45 4.64 4.46 4.53 4.53 4.66

Footpaths 4.49 4.37 4.60 4.49 4.46 4.43 4.58

Cycleways 3.72 3.63 3.81 3.52 3.80 3.70 3.84

Traffic safety for pedestrians

and vehicles 4.69 4.62 4.75 4.62 4.72 4.62 4.79

Ratepayer Non-


Management of

stormwater and

drainage

4.53 4.50 4.49 4.64 4.60 4.44 4.46


Sealed roads 4.47 4.35 4.30 4.44 4.54 4.44 4.47

Carparks 4.24 4.17 4.35 4.14 4.25 4.27 4.23


Bus shelters 3.90 3.86 3.92 3.95 3.91 3.86 3.85




4.54 4.59 4.57 4.49 4.58 4.59 4.53

Footpaths 4.48 4.51 4.51 4.57 4.42 4.49 4.43

Cycleways 3.73 3.65 3.80 3.67 3.70 3.84 3.62

Traffic safety for

pedestrians and

vehicles

4.69 4.68 4.75 4.68 4.73 4.70 4.63




Community Research




Not at all

important

Not very

important

Somewhat

important Important

Very

important Base


and drainage 1% 1% 9% 23% 66% 1,006

Parking for shoppers 1% 2% 11% 27% 59% 1,006

Sealed roads 1% 2% 9% 28% 60% 1,006

Carparks 1% 3% 15% 33% 48% 1,006

Commuter parking 5% 3% 11% 21% 60% 1,005

Bus shelters 5% 6% 21% 27% 40% 1,005




<1% 1% 7% 27% 64% 1,006

Footpaths 1% 2% 8% 27% 63% 1,006

Cycleways 7% 9% 22% 27% 34% 1,005


and vehicles <1% <1% 5% 19% 76% 1,006


Community Research




In terms of satisfaction, residents are most satisfied with ‘pedestrian access around shopping centres and

community facilities and least satisfied with ‘cycleways’ within the ‘Move’ Key Direction.


centres and community facilities 92% NA


vehicles 86% 84%


Carparks 82% 66%




drainage 76% 81%


Footpaths 72% 71%

Cycleways 61% 72%


LGA Benchmark T3B


Community Research




2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Sealed roads 2.79 2.83 2.90 2.80 2.88 2.87 2.90 3.18 3.14 3.12 3.16 3.21 3.27 3.46 3.36

Carparks 3.26 3.25 3.23 3.25 3.43 3.24 3.17 3.35

Commuter

parking 3.43 3.35 3.47 3.22 3.26 3.23 3.20 3.21 3.30 3.34 3.23 3.37 3.24 3.14 3.23

Bus shelters 3.11 3.07 3.15 3.16 3.16 3.02 3.20 3.26 3.27 3.31 3.19 3.30 3.31 3.32 3.33

Pedestrian

access

around

shopping

centres and

community

facilities

3.62 3.53 3.59 3.52 3.47 3.49 3.60 3.68 3.59 3.63 3.52 3.67 3.60 3.65 3.70

Footpaths 3.60 3.43 3.54 3.42 3.35 3.45 3.50 3.05 3.07 3.06 3.04 3.04 3.04 2.98 3.12

Cycleways 2.74 2.77 2.65 2.61 2.70 2.85 2.59 2.78

Traffic safety for

pedestrians

and vehicles

3.36 3.51 3.22 3.34 3.29 3.44 3.39 3.47

Parking for

shoppers 3.08 3.02 3.23 3.04 3.20 3.10 3.10 3.22 3.09 3.18 3.15 3.33 3.24 3.09 3.30

Management of

stormwater

and drainage

3.04 3.22 3.17 3.31 3.28 3.23 3.28 3.19


Community Research






3.19 3.17 3.22 3.39 3.17 3.00 3.27


Sealed roads 3.36 3.34 3.38 3.29 3.40 3.27 3.48

Carparks 3.35 3.36 3.34 3.37 3.45 3.36 3.22


Bus shelters 3.33 3.27 3.37 3.38 3.22 3.31 3.40




3.70 3.70 3.71 3.78 3.65 3.69 3.72

Footpaths 3.12 3.19 3.07 3.29 3.06 3.12 3.07

Cycleways 2.78 2.74 2.81 3.02 2.58 2.75 2.80


and vehicles 3.47 3.48 3.46 3.58 3.39 3.46 3.45

Ratepayer Non-



and drainage 3.13 3.55 3.31 3.17 3.14 3.11 3.31


Sealed roads 3.35 3.37 3.28 3.34 3.37 3.28 3.49

Carparks 3.32 3.52 3.05 3.43 3.44 3.28 3.39


Bus shelters 3.32 3.37 3.40 3.28 3.35 3.31 3.35




3.69 3.78 3.54 3.66 3.69 3.81 3.72

Footpaths 3.07 3.47 3.17 3.14 3.02 3.07 3.23

Cycleways 2.72 3.07 2.75 2.85 2.84 2.67 2.78


3.44 3.59 3.39 3.43 3.59 3.39 3.53




Community Research




Not at all

satisfied

Not very

satisfied

Somewhat

satisfied Satisfied

Very

satisfied Base


and drainage 9% 15% 35% 29% 12% 987

Parking for shoppers 6% 15% 33% 32% 13% 999

Sealed roads 4% 16% 34% 32% 14% 1,001

Carparks 4% 15% 37% 33% 12% 1,000

Commuter parking 6% 17% 36% 29% 11% 986

Bus shelters 5% 12% 41% 29% 13% 955




2% 6% 32% 39% 21% 1,000

Footpaths 11% 17% 32% 28% 12% 1,005

Cycleways 15% 24% 38% 16% 7% 968


and vehicles 4% 10% 35% 37% 14% 998


Community Research


Key Direction 6: Thrive

Shapley Regression


10.2%

4.6%

2.8%

2.5%

0.3%

0% 5% 10% 15%

Nett: Thrive

The atmosphere, look and feel of our

towns and villages


Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook

and Echo Point

Caravan parks at Katoomba and

Blackheath


Community Research




Within the ‘Thrive’ Key Direction, in terms of importance, ‘the atmosphere, look and feel of our towns and

villages’ is rated the most important, whilst ‘caravan parks at Katoomba and Blackheath’ is the facility of

least relative importance.


towns and villages 93% 80%

Access to local employment

opportunities 88% 85%

Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook

and Echo Point 78% 74%


Blackheath 58% 57%


LGA Benchmark T2B


Community Research




2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Access to

local

employment

opportunities

4.57 4.32 4.52 4.36 4.28 4.51 4.60 4.59 4.56 4.62 4.38 4.42 4.15 4.52 4.50

Visitor

Information

Centres at

Glenbrook

and Echo

Point

4.19 4.07 4.19 4.00 4.06 4.06 4.12 4.19

Caravan parks

at

Katoomba

and

Blackheath

3.24 3.45 3.61

The

atmosphere,

look and

feel of our

towns and

villages

4.40 4.19 4.38 4.33 4.39 4.52 4.40 4.44 4.33 4.48 4.32 4.51 4.57 4.62 4.56


Community Research





The atmosphere, look and feel

of our towns and villages 4.56 4.50 4.62 4.46 4.54 4.54 4.70


opportunities 4.50 4.46 4.54 4.65 4.56 4.46 4.37

Visitor Information Centres at

Glenbrook and Echo Point 4.19 4.09 4.27 4.04 3.96 4.22 4.51

Caravan parks at Katoomba

and Blackheath 3.61 3.44 3.75 3.58 3.36 3.57 3.91

Ratepayer Non-


The atmosphere, look

and feel of our towns

and villages

4.57 4.49 4.68 4.59 4.63 4.54 4.46

Access to local

employment

opportunities

4.48 4.64 4.53 4.57 4.54 4.53 4.36

Visitor Information


and Echo Point

4.21 4.08 4.16 4.18 4.23 4.28 4.09

Caravan parks at

Katoomba and

Blackheath

3.61 3.55 4.10 3.52 3.68 3.63 3.43




Not at all

important

Not very

important

Somewhat

important Important

Very

important Base


of our towns and villages <1% 1% 6% 29% 64% 1,005


opportunities 3% 2% 7% 18% 70% 1,005


Glenbrook and Echo Point 3% 5% 14% 26% 52% 1,005


and Blackheath 9% 11% 22% 26% 32% 1,006


Community Research




In terms of satisfaction, residents are most satisfied with ‘Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo

Point’ and least satisfied with ‘Access to local employment opportunities’ within the ‘Thrive’ Key Direction.


Glenbrook and Echo Point 95% 84%


towns and villages 90% 82%


Blackheath 88% 90%


opportunities 70% 80%


LGA Benchmark T3B


Community Research




2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

Access to

local

employment

opportunities

2.54 2.66 2.69 2.74 2.75 2.81 2.90 2.85 2.83 2.91 2.72 3.01 2.90 2.97 2.93

Visitor

Information

Centres at

Glenbrook

and Echo

Point

3.66 3.62 3.83 3.75 3.82 4.00 3.71 4.06

Caravan parks

at

Katoomba

and

Blackheath

3.53 3.35 3.45

The

atmosphere,

look and

feel of our

towns and

villages

3.28 3.21 3.25 3.23 3.21 3.26 3.50 3.41 3.41 3.43 3.42 3.35* 3.53 3.44 3.69


Community Research






of our towns and villages 3.69 3.67 3.72 3.82 3.63 3.60 3.76


opportunities 2.93 2.91 2.95 2.91 2.87 2.93 3.03


Glenbrook and Echo Point 4.06 4.00 4.11 4.03 4.09 4.04 4.06


and Blackheath 3.45 3.34 3.56 3.48 3.56 3.33 3.45

Ratepayer Non-


The atmosphere, look

and feel of our towns

and villages

3.67 3.86 3.47 3.63 3.64 3.78 3.80

Access to local

employment

opportunities

2.93 2.91 2.99 2.86 2.99 3.01 2.86

Visitor Information


and Echo Point

4.05 4.05 4.00 3.92 4.00 4.14 4.18

Caravan parks at

Katoomba and

Blackheath

3.43 3.54 3.71 3.38 3.50 3.44 3.38




Not at all

satisfied

Not very

satisfied

Somewhat

satisfied Satisfied

Very

satisfied Base


of our towns and villages 2% 7% 29% 40% 21% 1,004


opportunities 9% 22% 43% 21% 6% 906


Glenbrook and Echo Point 2% 3% 20% 37% 38% 955


and Blackheath 5% 7% 40% 34% 14% 797


Community Research


Comparison to Previous Research

Service/Facility Importance Satisfaction

2020 2018 2020 2018

Protection of natural bushland 4.58 4.53 3.71▲ 3.54

Weed control 4.24▼ 4.46 3.19▲ 2.91

Clean creeks and waterways 4.75 4.75 3.62▲ 3.47

Management of stormwater and drainage 4.53 4.49 3.19 3.28

Wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection 4.79 4.73 4.17 4.08

The atmosphere, look and feel of our towns and villages 4.56 4.62 3.69▲ 3.44

Managing residential development 4.42 4.47 3.27▲ 3.12

Protection of heritage values in towns and villages 4.43 4.49 3.57▲ 3.41

Public toilets in town centres 4.53 4.46 3.17▲ 2.85

Litter control 4.62 4.62 3.70▲ 3.47

Street cleaning 4.20 4.13 3.64▲ 3.46

Parking for shoppers 4.40 4.47 3.30▲ 3.09

Cemeteries and ashes placement sites 3.73 3.65 3.70 3.61

Sealed roads 4.45 4.48 3.36 3.46

Carparks 4.23▼ 4.40 3.35▲ 3.17

Commuter parking 4.29 4.29 3.23 3.14

Bus shelters 3.90 3.78 3.33 3.32

Pedestrian access around shopping centres and community

facilities 4.55 4.46 3.70 3.65

Footpaths 4.49 4.43 3.12▲ 2.98

Cycleways 3.72 3.61 2.78▲ 2.59

Traffic safety for pedestrians and vehicles 4.69 4.74 3.47 3.39

Library services 4.24 4.24 4.09▲ 3.95

Community centres and halls 4.16 4.12 3.86▲ 3.64

Cultural & arts facilities 4.11 4.22 3.82 3.87

Services and facilities for children and families 4.43 4.45 3.50 3.40

Services and facilities for young people 4.44 4.50 3.00 2.96

Services and facilities for older people 4.52 4.61 3.43▲ 3.31

Services and facilities for people with a disability 4.65 4.68 3.14▲ 2.94

Services that support the local Aboriginal community 4.33 4.27 3.11 3.07

Ovals and sporting grounds 4.25 4.27 3.69▲ 3.57

Parks and playgrounds 4.56 4.54 3.44 3.39

Council lookouts and walking trails 4.60 4.55 3.81 3.73

Swimming pools and leisure centres 4.37 4.43 3.80▲ 3.49

Clean, safe and healthy living environments 4.87▲ 4.77 3.91 3.83

Access to local employment opportunities 4.50 4.52 2.93 2.97

Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo Point 4.19 4.12 4.06▲ 3.71

Caravan parks at Katoomba and Blackheath 3.61 3.45 3.45 3.35

Consultation with the community 4.70 NA 3.36 NA

Council provision of information 4.65 NA 3.51 NA

Opportunity to participate in Council decision-making 4.42 NA 3.17 NA

Scale: 1 = not at all important/not at all satisfied, 5 = very important/very satisfied

▲▼= A significantly higher level of importance/satisfaction (by year)


Community Research


Appendix A:

Additional Analyses


Community Research


Importance compared to the Micromex Benchmark

▲▼ = positive/negative difference equal to/greater than 10% from LGA Benchmark Note: Benchmark differences are based on assumed variants of +/- 10%, with variants beyond +/- 10% more likely

to be significant

Service/Facility

Blue Mountains

City Council

T2B

Importance

Scores

Micromex LGA

Benchmark –

Overall

T2B Importance

Scores

Variance















Clean creeks and waterways 96% 87% 9%



Services and facilities for children and families 87% 78% 9%

Protection of natural bushland 90% 83% 7%

Library services 79% 72% 7%


Ovals and sporting grounds 82% 76% 6%

Wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection 97% 93% 4%

Litter control 94% 90% 4%

Managing residential development 86% 82% 4%

Parking for shoppers 86% 82% 4%

Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo Point 78% 74% 4%













Community Research


Satisfaction Compared to the Micromex Benchmark

▲▼ = positive/negative difference equal to/greater than 10% from LGA Benchmark Note: Benchmark differences are based on assumed variants of +/- 10%, with variants beyond +/- 10% more likely

to be significant

Service/Facility

Blue Mountains

City Council

T3B

Satisfaction Scores

Micromex LGA

Benchmark –

Overall

T3B Satisfaction Scores

Variance

Carparks 82% 66% 16%▲






Swimming pools and leisure centres 94% 85% 9%


Council provision of information 87% 78% 9%

The atmosphere, look and feel of our towns and villages 90% 82% 8%




Community centres and halls 94% 89% 5%


Council lookouts and walking trails 91% 86% 5%

Street cleaning 87% 82% 5%


Cultural & arts facilities 93% 89% 4%

Cemeteries and ashes placement sites 93% 90% 3%

Protection of heritage values in towns and villages 86% 84% 2%



Services and facilities for older people 88% 87% 1%




Library services 93% 94% -1%

Services and facilities for children and families 86% 87% -1%

Bus shelters 83% 84% -1%

Caravan parks at Katoomba and Blackheath 88% 90% -2%







Cycleways 61% 72% -11%▼


Community Research


Importance Compared to Micromex Benchmark -

Metro

Service/Facility

Blue Mountains

City Council

T2B

Importance

Scores

Micromex LGA

Benchmark –

Metro

T2B Importance

Scores

Variance









Services and facilities for children and families 87% 72% 15%▲



























Cemeteries and ashes placement sites 61% 70% -9%

▲▼ = positive/negative difference greater than 10% from LGA Benchmark Note: Benchmark differences are based on assumed variants of +/- 10%, with variants beyond +/- 10% more likely to be

significant


Community Research


Satisfaction Compared to the Micromex Benchmark

- Metro

Service/Facility

Blue Mountains

City Council

T3B

Satisfaction

Scores

Micromex LGA

Benchmark –

Metro

T3B Satisfaction

Scores

Variance

Carparks 82% 63% 19%▲




Managing residential development 81% 69% 12%▲








Sealed roads 80% 74% 6%












Ovals and sporting grounds 90% 91% -1%


Footpaths 72% 73% -1%

Wheelie bin garbage & recycling collection 92% 94% -2%

Services and facilities for children and families 86% 90% -4%




Services and facilities for people with a disability 75% 85% -10%▼

Services and facilities for young people 72% 83% -11%▼

Cycleways 61% 72% -11%▼



significant


Community Research


Importance Compared to the Micromex LGA

Benchmark - Regional

Service/Facility

Blue Mountains

City Council

T3B

Importance

Scores

Micromex LGA

Benchmark –

Regional

T3B Importance

Scores

Variance











Parks and playgrounds 93% 83% 10%▲

Protection of natural bushland 90% 80% 10%▲


















Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo Point 78% 76% 2%






Cycleways 61% 64% -3%




significant


Community Research


Satisfaction Compared to the Micromex LGA

Benchmark - Regional

Service/Facility

Blue Mountains

City Council

T3B

Satisfaction

Scores

Micromex LGA

Benchmark –

Regional

T3B Satisfaction

Scores

Variance



Carparks 82% 69% 13%▲










Commuter parking 76% 69% 7%
























Access to local employment opportunities 70% 75% -5%

Cycleways 61% 71% -10%▼


significant


Community Research


Performance Gap Analysis

Service/Facility Importance

T2 Box

Satisfaction T3

Box

Performance

gap

(Importance –

Satisfaction)



Services and facilities for people with a disability 92% 75% 17%


Services and facilities for young people 88% 72% 16%






Sealed roads 88% 80% 8%




Services that support the local Aboriginal community 82% 76% 6%




Commuter parking 81% 76% 5%

Clean, safe and healthy living environments 98% 95% 3%








Pedestrian access around shopping centres and community

facilities 91% 92% -1%


Protection of natural bushland 90% 92% -2%

Ovals and sporting grounds 82% 90% -8%

Swimming pools and leisure centres 85% 94% -9%



Cultural & arts facilities 77% 93% -16%


Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo Point 78% 95% -17%

Community centres and halls 77% 94% -17%


Cemeteries and ashes placement sites 61% 93% -32%

When analysing performance gap data, it is important to consider both stated satisfaction and the absolute size of the

performance gap.

Performance Gap Ranking


Community Research


Influence on Overall Satisfaction The chart below summarises the influence of the 40 facilities/services on overall satisfaction with Council’s

performance, based on the Shapley Regression:

11.0%

10.8%

7.2%

5.4%

4.6%

4.4%

3.1%

3.1%

2.8%

2.6%

2.6%

2.5%

2.5%

2.4%

2.3%

2.3%

2.3%

2.1%

2.1%

2.0%

1.8%

1.8%

1.8%

1.6%

1.5%

1.4%

1.4%

1.4%

1.3%

1.3%

1.1%

1.1%

0.8%

0.7%

0.6%

0.5%

0.5%

0.5%

0.4%

0.3%

0% 5% 10% 15%



Opportunity to participate in Council decision-making

Sealed roads

The atmosphere, look and feel of our towns and villages







Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook and Echo Point



Cultural & arts facilities

Weed control

Footpaths





Protection of heritage values in towns and villages

Carparks

Street cleaning


Library services


Services and facilities for children and families


Litter control

Commuter parking

Services and facilities for people with a disability


Pedestrian access



Cycleways

Bus shelters

Services that support the local Aboriginal community

Caravan parks at Katoomba and Blackheath


Community Research


Agreement Statements – Comparison to the

Micromex LGA Metro and Regional Benchmarks

Micromex LGA Metro Benchmark

Micromex LGA Regional Benchmark

Measure Blue

Mountains

Council T2B %

LGA

Benchmark –

Metro T2B%

Variance



I have someone in my area outside my immediate family to

turn to in a time of crisis 77% 82% -5%



Measure Blue

Mountains

Council T2B %

LGA

Benchmark –

Regional T2B%

Variance



I have someone in my area outside my immediate family to

turn to in a time of crisis 77% NA NA




significant


Community Research



Results by Demographics


following:

Trend Analysis

Scale: 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of agreement (by group)

Overall

2020 Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+

I feel that I am generally safe in my neighbourhood 4.69 4.71 4.67 4.67 4.64 4.72 4.73

I feel that I belong to the community I live in 4.28 4.29 4.28 4.07▼ 4.28 4.37▲ 4.36

I have someone in my area outside my immediate

family to turn to in a time of crisis 4.22 4.12▼ 4.31 4.23 4.27 4.12 4.26


Mountains is improving 3.82 3.76 3.87 4.04▲ 3.81 3.64▼ 3.86

Base 1,006 477 529 208 256 289 253

Ratepayer Non-


I feel that I am generally safe in my

neighbourhood 4.72▲ 4.49 4.81▲ 4.66 4.67 4.66 4.73

I feel that I belong to the community I live in 4.30 4.18 4.55▲ 4.27 4.23 4.28 4.24

I have someone in my area outside my

immediate family to turn to in a time of crisis 4.25 4.01 4.40 4.25 4.12 4.21 4.18

I feel that the quality of life and wellbeing in

the Blue Mountains is improving 3.82 3.82 3.95 3.79 3.79 3.89 3.75

Base 857 147 92 266 165 256 228

2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2020

I feel that I am generally safe in

my neighbourhood 4.30 4.40 4.47 4.61 4.63 4.69

I have someone in my area

outside my immediate family

to turn to in a time of crisis

4.20 4.30 4.35 4.39 4.43 4.25

I feel that I belong to the

community I live in 4.20 4.20 4.18 4.37 4.31 4.28

I feel that the quality of life and

wellbeing in the Blue


3.88 3.78 3.82


Community Research


Staff and Councillor Performance

Results by Demographics



Yes 62% 62%▲ 45% 49% 49%

No 38% 36%▼ 55%▲ 50% 51%

Can't recall 0% 1% 0% 1% 1%

Base 92 266 165 256 228

Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Ratepayer

Non-

ratepayer

Yes 53% 51% 55% 36%▼ 58% 57% 56% 55%▲ 40%

No 46% 49% 44% 63%▲ 40%▼ 42% 44% 44% 59%▲

Can't recall 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1%

Base 1,006 477 529 208 256 289 253 857 147


Yes 24% 20% 16% 16% 26%▲

No 76% 80% 83% 84% 74%

Can't recall 0% 0% 1% 1% 0%

Base 92 266 165 256 228

Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Ratepayer

Non-

ratepayer

Yes 20% 23%▲ 17% 11%▼ 22% 22% 24% 21%▲ 12%

No 80% 77% 82%▲ 88%▲ 78% 78% 76% 78%▼ 88%

Can't recall 0% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Base 1,006 477 529 208 256 289 253 857 147


▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of percentage (by group)


Community Research



Q6a. I now want to ask your views on making the Blue Mountains a better place into the future. Thinking about

your immediate local neighbourhood, what is the issue of greatest concern to you at the moment?

Priority Issue N=1,006 Priority Issue N=1,006

Road maintenance and upgrades/safety concerns

e.g. pedestrian and driving safety 15%

Completing proposed projects/better

planning in the area 1%

Provision and maintenance of footpaths, cycleways

and walking tracks 14%

Council's level of

communication/consultation/provision of

information to the community

1%


Bushcare/environmental preservation and

protecting national parks

10% Increasing cost of rates 1%

Bushfire/natural disaster management/prevention

and recovery 8% Management of tourism 1%

More/better maintained parks, playgrounds, green

spaces and sportsgrounds 8%

Need for more community

events/spaces/greater sense of community 1%

Parking availability and enforcement 7% No issues/happy with the area/keep it as is 1%

Managing development/overdevelopment 6% Noise violations 1%

Cleanliness/beautification/general maintenance of

the area 4% People taking more care/pride in the area 1%

More and improved public transport options 4% Population growth 1%

Facilities/services for youth and children including

after school care 4%

Quality of NBN and phone

reception/telecommunication services 1%

Supporting local businesses/employment

opportunities/economic growth in the area 4%

Services, facilities and support for vulnerable

groups such as the elderly and disabled 1%

Kerbing and guttering 4% Spread of COVID-19 and other viruses 1%

Traffic/congestion 4% Street lighting 1%

Stormwater management/drainage 3% Abandoned cars and buildings/maintenance

of Council properties/assets <1%

Availability/affordability of housing/zoning/size of

houses and land 3%

Availability of resources in schools and

libraries <1%

Lack of infrastructure, shops, services and facilities in

the area 3% Building costs/permissions <1%

Improve waste management/recycling/litter

control/pollution 2% Council's financial management <1%

Community safety/crime prevention 2% Homelessness in the area <1%

Concerns around the airport e.g. noise

violations/environmental impacts 2% Keeping our great Mayor <1%

Maintaining the heritage and character of the area 2% Less focus on maintaining heritage buildings <1%

Water management/protection of waterways 2% Maintaining local swimming pools <1%

Concerns around the new highway and trucks 2% Need more exercise areas for dogs <1%

Access to adequate health care/upgrading

hospitals 1% Not happy with Council <1%

Accessibility around the area e.g. disability

access/access for the elderly 1% Too many leisure centres <1%

Animal control 1% Don't know/nothing 4%

Cleanliness and availability of public toilets 1%


Community Research





Results by Planning Area


Road maintenance and upgrades/safety concerns e.g.

pedestrian and driving safety 16% 10% 19% 18% 13%

Provision and maintenance of footpaths, cycleways and walking

tracks 5% 16% 15% 18% 11%

Maintenance of weeds, trees and bush care/environmental

preservation and protecting national parks 13% 10% 11% 9% 8%

Bushfire/natural disaster management/prevention and recovery 10% 7% 6% 10% 7%

More/better maintained parks, playgrounds, green spaces and

sportsgrounds 5% 6% 4% 8% 13%

Parking availability and enforcement 13% 5% 9% 4% 7%

Managing development/overdevelopment 5% 7% 6% 4% 6%

Cleanliness/beautification/general maintenance of the area 4% 5% 5% 2% 5%

More and improved public transport options 4% 3% 5% 4% 4%

Facilities/services for youth and children including after school

care 4% 3% 2% 6% 3%

Supporting local businesses/employment opportunities/economic

growth in the area 3% 7% 3% 2% 3%

Kerbing and guttering 1% 3% 5% 5% 4%

Traffic/congestion 3% 3% 2% 8% 1%

Stormwater management/drainage 2% 2% 7% 3% 3%

Availability/affordability of housing/zoning/size of houses and land 5% 3% 3% 3% 4%

Lack of infrastructure, shops, services and facilities in the area 1% 4% 1% 2% 3%

Improve waste management/recycling/litter control/pollution 3% 2% 2% 2% 3%

Community safety/crime prevention 1% 3% 3% 1% 3%

Concerns around the airport e.g. noise violations/environmental

impacts 1% 0% 1% 2% 5%

Maintaining the heritage and character of the area 4% 2% 1% 1% 2%

Water management/protection of waterways 0% 2% 1% 1% 3%

Concerns around the new highway and trucks 10% 1% 1% 1% 0%

Quality of NBN and phone reception/telecommunication services 1% 0% 0% 4% 1%

Spread of COVID-19 and other viruses 2% 2% 0% 1% 1%

No issues/happy with the area/keep it as is 0% 2% 0% 0% 3%

Need for more community events/spaces/greater sense of

community 0% 1% 0% 1% 3%


Community Research





Results by Planning Area - Continued


Cleanliness and availability of public toilets 1% 2% 1% 0% 0%

Accessibility around the area e.g. disability access/access for the

elderly 1% 1% 2% 2% 1%

Services, facilities and support for vulnerable groups such as the

elderly and disabled 3% 2% 0% 1% 1%

Completing proposed projects/better planning in the area 7% 0% 1% 0% 1%

Population growth 1% 1% 0% 3% 0%

Management of tourism 1% 2% 0% 0% 1%

Council's level of communication/consultation/provision of

information to the community 0% 1% 2% 0% 1%

Noise violations 0% 0% 0% 1% 2%

Increasing cost of rates 0% 1% 0% 0% 2%

Animal control 0% 1% 1% 0% 0%

Street lighting 0% 1% 1% 0% 0%

Access to adequate health care/upgrading hospitals 0% 1% 0% 1% 1%

People taking more care/pride in the area 0% 1% 1% 0% 1%

Need more exercise areas for dogs 0% 0% 1% 0% 1%

Maintaining local swimming pools 2% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Building costs/permissions 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Abandoned cars and buildings/maintenance of Council

properties/assets 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Availability of resources in schools and libraries 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Less focus on maintaining heritage buildings 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Homelessness in the area 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Too many leisure centres 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Council's financial management 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Not happy with Council 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Keeping our great Mayor 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Don't know/nothing 3% 5% 6% 4% 4%


Community Research




Issue of Concern N=1,006 Issue of Concern N=1,006

Bushfire/natural disaster protection and prevention 18% Kerbing and guttering 1%


environment/preservation/weed and tree control

13% Need for more community

events/spaces/greater sense of community

1%


development

10% Need more exercise areas for dogs 1%

Traffic congestion/road maintenance/safety on

roads

8% No concerns/happy with things as they

are/great place to live

1%

Lack of employment opportunities/supporting local

businesses/economic growth in the area

7% Zoning/land use 1%

Effect of the airport - flight paths/noise pollution 6% Abandoned cars and buildings/maintenance

of Council properties/assets

<1%

Concerns around the new highway and trucks e.g.

not fitting with the atmosphere of the area

4% Accessibility around the area <1%

Lack of public transport 4% Availability of camping sites <1%

Protecting the character and heritage of the area 4% Availability of resources in schools and

libraries/more inclusion

<1%

Spread of COVID-19/economic impacts 4% Building costs/permissions <1%

Improved waste management/recycling/litter

control/pollution/condition of local tips

3% Cleanliness and availability of public toilets <1%

Management of tourism 3% Homelessness in the area <1%

Parking availability and enforcement 3% Improving telecommunications <1%


hospitals/mental health facilities

2% Increasing tourism <1%

Community safety/crime prevention/addressing

domestic violence

2% Indigenous recognition <1%


after school care

2% Keeping our great Mayor <1%

General maintenance/improving the appearance of

local areas

2% Lack of cultural/entertainment facilities <1%

Lack of infrastructure, shops, services and facilities in

the area

2% Lack of signage/promotion in the area <1%


sportsgrounds and leisure centres

2% Less focus on maintaining heritage buildings <1%

Population growth 2% Maintaining a good reputation for the area <1%

Provision and maintenance of footpaths, cycleways

and walking tracks

2% Maintaining current living standards <1%

Services, facilities and support for vulnerable groups

such as the elderly and disabled

2% Maintaining local swimming pools <1%

Water management/protection of waterways

including dams e.g. concerns around raising the

dam wall

2% Need more growers’ markets <1%

Animal control 1% No issues/happy with the area/keep it as is <1%

Availability/affordability of housing 1% Noise violations <1%

Completing proposed projects/better planning in the

area

1% Stormwater management/drainage <1%

Concerns with Council - poor performance, lack of

support, decision making etc

1% Street lighting/powerlines <1%

Council's financial management/funding 1% Too many leisure centres <1%

Council's level of



1% Urbanisation of the area <1%

Increasing cost of rates 1% Don't know/nothing 7%


Community Research







prevention 19% 17% 18% 20% 17%



control

14% 14% 10% 12% 16%


development 5% 9% 9% 10% 12%

Traffic congestion/road maintenance/safety on

roads 15% 8% 8% 9% 6%


local businesses/economic growth in the area 5% 10% 8% 4% 5%

Effect of the airport - flight paths/noise pollution 1% 2% 1% 7% 13%

Lack of public transport 6% 5% 5% 5% 2%

Protecting the character and heritage of the

area 6% 5% 3% 3% 4%

Spread of COVID-19/economic impacts 4% 3% 5% 4% 3%

Concerns around the new highway and trucks

e.g. not fitting with the atmosphere of the area 15% 3% 4% 2% 2%

Management of tourism 1% 4% 2% 3% 2%

Improved waste management/recycling/litter

control/pollution/condition of local tips 1% 1% 4% 4% 3%

Parking availability and enforcement 3% 3% 3% 1% 3%

Provision and maintenance of footpaths,

cycleways and walking tracks 2% 3% 2% 3% 2%

Lack of infrastructure, shops, services and facilities

in the area 0% 5% 0% 2% 2%


sportsgrounds and leisure centres 0% 2% 2% 3% 1%


after school care 1% 2% 3% 3% 1%

Population growth 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%

Services, facilities and support for vulnerable

groups such as the elderly and disabled 0% 2% 2% 2% 2%

Water management/protection of waterways

including dams e.g. concerns around raising the

dam wall

1% 2% 1% 1% 2%


Community Research




Results by Planning Area - Continued


General maintenance/improving the

appearance of local areas 0% 3% 2% 1% 1%

Community safety/crime prevention/addressing

domestic violence 3% 1% 2% 0% 2%


hospitals/mental health facilities 2% 2% 2% 1% 2%

Council's level of



2% 2% 0% 2% 0%

Need for more community

events/spaces/greater sense of community 3% 1% 0% 1% 2%

Availability/affordability of housing 3% 0% 2% 2% 0%


No concerns/happy with things as they are/great

place to live 0% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Council's financial management/funding 3% 0% 1% 0% 1%

Concerns with Council - poor performance, lack

of support, decision making etc 1% 0% 0% 2% 0%


Completing proposed projects/better planning in

the area 1% 1% 0% 0% 1%

Zoning/land use 0% 0% 1% 1% 1%

Animal control 0% 1% 1% 0% 1%

Need more exercise areas for dogs 0% 1% 1% 1% 0%

Indigenous recognition 0% 1% 0% 0% 1%

Building costs/permissions 0% 0% 1% 0% 1%

Availability of resources in schools and

libraries/more inclusion 0% 0% 1% 0% 1%

Homelessness in the area 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Cleanliness and availability of public toilets 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Maintaining local swimming pools 1% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Street lighting/powerlines 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Lack of signage/promotion in the area 2% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Improving telecommunications 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Lack of cultural/entertainment facilities 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Availability of camping sites 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Stormwater management/drainage 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Maintaining current living standards 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Need more growers’ markets 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

No issues/happy with the area/keep it as is 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Noise violations 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Keeping our great Mayor 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Urbanisation of the area 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Abandoned cars and buildings/maintenance of

Council properties/assets

0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Too many leisure centres 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Accessibility around the area 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Less focus on maintaining heritage buildings 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Maintaining a good reputation for the area 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Increasing tourism 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%



Community Research





Top priority N=1,006 Top priority N=1,006

Bush regeneration, conservation and tree/weed

management 23%

Pest control/feral animals/tighter restrictions

for domestic animals 1%

Fire risk - allow back burning, hazard reduction,

emergency access 22% Air pollution/quality <1%

Rubbish - better collection/services, more recycling,

illegal dumping, pollution 11%

Amalgamation of the Blue Mountains and

Penrith <1%

Overdevelopment impacting the environment 11% Assuring that RFS/SES are equipped <1%

Stormwater/clean waterways/drainage 7% Businesses shouldn't have highest

priority/keep big businesses out <1%

Sustainable tourism - walking tracks, maintain parks,

playgrounds and cycleways 6% Community gardens <1%

Climate change/global warming/carbon

footprint/sustainable living 4% Control use of round-up/fertiliser <1%

No airport - adverse environmental impact/limit

planes 4% Improved accessibility in the area <1%

Environmental education/sustainability practices 3% Improved control of COVID 19 <1%

General cleanliness/appearance of the area 3% Increase the size of the highway <1%

Improved management of National Parks 3% Increased community mobilisation <1%

Over population/loss of village feel/maintaining the

heritage of the area 3% Increasing cost of rates <1%

Roads - congestion, limit heavy vehicles,

placement of new roads 3% Increased funding/resources <1%

Solar energy/limit plastic usage/renewable energy 3% More local business opportunities <1%

Council is doing a good job/happy with the way

things are/leave the environment as it is 2% Planning for the future <1%

Improved Council management, consultation,

engagement 2% Stop the raising of the dam wall <1%

Consult the Indigenous community 1% Reduce coal mining in the area <1%

Encouraging the use of public transport 1% Supporting local business <1%

General maintenance on infrastructure/public

facilities 1% Volunteers for bush care <1%

Housing availability/affordability 1% Don't know/nothing 9%

Maintain water quality/supply 1%


Community Research







Bush regeneration, conservation and tree/weed management 27% 23% 21% 25% 20%

Fire risk - allow back burning, hazard reduction, emergency access 24% 20% 21% 23% 21%

Rubbish - better collection/services, more recycling, illegal

dumping, pollution 9% 12% 15% 9% 11%

Overdevelopment impacting the environment 14% 9% 7% 12% 13%

Stormwater/clean waterways/drainage 6% 8% 5% 7% 6%

Sustainable tourism - walking tracks, maintain parks, playgrounds

and cycleways 6% 9% 5% 4% 4%

Climate change/global warming/carbon footprint/sustainable

living 4% 4% 6% 2% 6%

No airport - adverse environmental impact/limit planes 1% 2% 4% 4% 7%

General cleanliness/appearance of the area 2% 3% 6% 3% 2%

Over population/loss of village feel/maintaining the heritage of the

area 6% 2% 4% 2% 4%

Solar energy/limit plastic usage/renewable energy 1% 4% 3% 3% 3%

Roads - congestion, limit heavy vehicles, placement of new roads 8% 3% 1% 3% 2%

Environmental education/sustainability practices 4% 3% 1% 3% 2%

Improved management of National Parks 5% 4% 3% 1% 2%

Improved Council management, consultation, engagement 1% 4% 1% 2% 1%

Council is doing a good job/happy with the way things are/leave

the environment as it is 2% 1% 0% 2% 2%

Consult the Indigenous community/environmental conservation

specialists 1% 2% 2% 0% 2%

Encouraging the use of public transport 1% 2% 0% 2% 1%

Maintain water quality/supply 1% 2% 1% 0% 0%

Pest control/feral animals/tighter restrictions for domestic animals 0% 1% 0% 2% 1%

General maintenance on infrastructure/public facilities 1% 1% 0% 1% 1%

Housing availability/affordability 1% 1% 1% 1% 0%

Stop the raising of the damn wall 0% 1% 0% 0% 1%

Air pollution/quality 0% 0% 1% 0% 1%

Increased funding/resources 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Planning for the future 1% 1% 1% 0% 0%

Reduce coal mining in the area 1% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Improved accessibility in the area 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

More local business opportunities 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Community gardens 0% 0% 1% 0% 1%

Control use of round-up/fertiliser 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Businesses shouldn't have highest priority/keep big businesses out 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Volunteers for Bushcare 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Assuring that RFS/SES are equipped 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Supporting local business 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Increased community mobilisation 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Amalgamation of the Blue Mountains and Penrith 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Increase the size of the highway 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Improved control of COVID 19 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%




Community Research


Looking After People Q6d. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for

action for looking after people over the next 5-10 years


More affordable and improved aged

care/disability services and facilities 22% Cleaner surrounds/limit pollution 1%

Improving/upgrading the hospital/health care

services and facilities 10% Financial support 1%

Employment/business support/tourism 10% Happy with current approach/Council are

doing a good job 1%

Increasing the sense of community in the

area/more recreation and leisure opportunities 8% Improved accessibility throughout the area 1%

More/improved community and social services 7% Increase safety/police presence 1%

More/upgraded community facilities e.g. buildings,

sportsgrounds, shops 7% Internet/mobile services 1%

More/improved public transport 7% Limit population growth/preserve village

character 1%

Services/facilities for youth and children 5% Road safety/traffic management 1%

Improve communication/consultation with

community/provision of information 4% Schools/education/childcare 1%

Housing availability and affordability 4% Control on bulk buying at supermarkets <1%

Planning for natural disasters/bushfire prevention 4% Cultural awareness <1%

More parks/playgrounds and family friendly areas 3% Ensuring a good quality of life for residents <1%

Maintaining roads/more parking 3% Extended trading hours for restaurants/cafes <1%

Environment/sustainability/addressing climate

change 2% Improved waterways/supply <1%

Better development/planning for development 2% No airport/flight paths away from houses <1%

Improved/additional footpaths/cycleways 2% Relax social distancing restrictions <1%

Appearance/maintenance of Town Centre 1% More recycling opportunities/control illegal

dumping <1%

Better town planning/staff/expenditure from

Council 1% Don't know/nothing 10%


Community Research


Looking After People Q6d. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for

action for looking after people over the next 5-10 years



Affordable and improved aged care/disability services and facilities 21% 18% 20% 26% 23%

Improving/upgrading the hospital/health care services and facilities 10% 18% 5% 11% 5%

Employment/business support/tourism 11% 17% 10% 5% 9%

Increasing the sense of community in the area/more recreation and

leisure opportunities 7% 7% 5% 9% 9%

More/upgraded community facilities e.g. buildings, sportsgrounds,

shops 9% 8% 9% 7% 5%

More/improved community and social services 7% 5% 10% 7% 7%

More/improved public transport 8% 5% 9% 7% 7%

Services/facilities for youth and children 2% 7% 4% 5% 3%

Consultation with the community/provision of information 6% 4% 7% 3% 3%

Planning for natural disasters/bushfire prevention 5% 2% 3% 5% 4%

Roads/parking 2% 4% 2% 5% 3%

Housing availability and affordability/cost of rates 2% 4% 5% 2% 2%

More parks and family friendly areas 5% 2% 4% 2% 3%

Environment/sustainability/addressing climate change 5% 3% 2% 1% 3%

Better development/planning for development 0% 2% 1% 2% 3%

Improved/additional footpaths/cycleways 0% 2% 3% 2% 1%

Road safety/traffic management 3% 0% 1% 3% 1%

Improved accessibility throughout the area 1% 1% 1% 2% 1%

Happy with current approach/Council are doing a good job 0% 1% 1% 1% 2%

Schools/education/childcare 0% 1% 0% 2% 1%

Appearance/maintenance of Town Centre 1% 0% 2% 2% 1%

Keeping the rates affordable 0% 1% 0% 1% 2%

Limit population growth/preserve village character 2% 0% 0% 1% 1%

Increase safety/police presence 1% 0% 3% 1% 0%

Better town planning/staff/expenditure from Council 1% 2% 1% 0% 0%

Internet/mobile services 1% 0% 0% 2% 0%

Cleaner surrounds/limit pollution 0% 1% 0% 0% 1%

Financial support 0% 1% 1% 0% 0%

No airport/flight paths away from houses 0% 0% 0% 0% 2%

Waste facilities 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Cultural awareness 0% 0% 1% 0% 1%

Improved waterways/supply 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Relax social distancing restrictions 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Extended trading hours for restaurants/cafes 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Ensuring a good quality of life for residents 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Control on bulk buying at supermarkets 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%



Community Research


Making the Towns and Villages Great Places to Live




Appearance/maintenance/upgrades of LGA 13% More restaurants/cafes/nightlife 1%

Roads/traffic management/parking 10% Stormwater/drainage/water supply 1%

A connected and inclusive community/range of

events and activities 10% Kerbing and guttering <1%

Employment/business opportunities 8% Better lighting <1%

Planning for future development to reflect

community needs 7% Concern for the economy <1%

No high rise/over development/over population 7% Control panic related to COVID 19 <1%

Additional/maintained

parks/playgrounds/greenspaces 7% Encourage new people to the area <1%

Maintaining the heritage/character of the area 6% Hospitals/healthcare facilities <1%

Accessibility in the area e.g. disability access,

access to services 5% Housing density/better range of housing <1%

Protecting the environment/climate

change/sustainability 5% Improve internet/phone service <1%

More/improved community and public facilities 4% Improved education facilities <1%

Community services e.g. youth, elderly, family 4% Less car dependence <1%

More/upgraded shopping centres 4% Limit chemical usage <1%

Footpaths/cycleways/pedestrian crossings 3% Make the Blue Mountains more independent <1%

Maintain area as it is 3% Managing tourism <1%

More/improved communication/community

engagement/provision of information 3% Move power cables underground <1%

Public transport 3% No airport/restrict flight paths <1%

Safety/increased police presence 3% No fast food <1%

Encouraging tourism/promotion of the area 2% One late night for sports centres <1%

Affordability of rates/cost of living 2% Recognise the uniqueness of each village <1%

Improved Council

budgeting/investment/management 2% Reduce homelessness <1%

Natural disaster planning/prevention 1% Don't know/nothing 9%

Improved waste collection/services 1%


Community Research


Making the Towns and Villages Great Places to Live





Appearance/maintenance/upgrades of LGA 9% 12% 19% 12% 14%

Roads/traffic management/parking 19% 9% 10% 12% 8%

A connected and inclusive community/range of events and activities 14% 11% 3% 9% 12%

Employment/business opportunities 4% 10% 6% 9% 8%

Planning for future development to reflect community needs 3% 8% 8% 6% 10%

No high rise/over development/over population 9% 7% 6% 7% 8%

Additional/maintained parks/playgrounds/greenspaces 6% 5% 7% 8% 9%

Maintaining the heritage/character of the area 6% 10% 4% 4% 4%

Accessibility in the area e.g. disability access, access to services 11% 2% 5% 6% 5%

Protecting the environment/climate change/sustainability 7% 4% 8% 4% 3%

More/improved community and public facilities 4% 4% 2% 6% 4%

Community services e.g. youth, elderly, family 0% 6% 6% 2% 4%

More/upgraded shopping centres 0% 2% 5% 5% 3%

Footpaths/cycleways/pedestrian crossings 2% 3% 5% 3% 4%

Maintain area as it is 6% 1% 3% 5% 2%

Public transport 4% 3% 2% 4% 2%

Safety/increased police presence 4% 3% 5% 3% 1%

More/improved communication/community engagement/provision

of information 4% 4% 1% 1% 4%

Encouraging tourism/promotion of the area 6% 2% 1% 2% 1%

Improved Council budgeting/investment/management 1% 4% 1% 1% 1%

Affordability of rates/cost of living 0% 3% 0% 2% 1%

Natural disaster planning/prevention 0% 1% 2% 1% 2%

More restaurants/cafes/nightlife 0% 0% 2% 0% 2%

Improved waste collection/services 0% 1% 2% 0% 1%

Stormwater/drainage/water supply 0% 1% 0% 1% 1%


Less car dependence 1% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Housing density/better range of housing 0% 0% 1% 1% 0%

Managing tourism 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

No airport/restrict flight paths 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Hospitals/healthcare facilities 1% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Improved education facilities 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Control panic related to COVID 19 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Concern for the economy 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Encourage new people to the area 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Improve internet/phone service 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Better lighting 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Reduce homelessness 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

One late night for sports centres 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

No fast food 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Move power cables underground 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Limit chemical usage 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Make the Blue Mountains more independent 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Recognise the uniqueness of each village 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%



Community Research



Q6f. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for

action related to how we move around within the Blue Mountains over the next 5-10 years?


More frequent/improved public transport services

e.g. trains and buses 53%

Stopping overdevelopment/protecting the

heritage of the area 1%

Improve the local road network 15% Attracting more tourists to the area <1%

Better footpaths/walkways/cycleways/pedestrian

areas 14% Availability of ubers/taxis/ridesharing <1%

Availability of carparks and commuter parking 5% Better drainage/flood management <1%

Traffic management 5% Building a tramline/light rail service <1%

Accessibility in the area e.g. disabled

access/access for the elderly 3% Dam wall <1%

Alternate routes e.g. tunnels, bridges, bypasses,

emergency exits 2% Escalators in shopping centres <1%

Community transport e.g. courtesy buses 2% Fixing traffic lights <1%

Environment sustainability/encouraging public

transport/protecting the natural environment 2% Focusing on youth <1%

Fewer trucks on the roads 2% Improved health services <1%

Improved highway 2% Keeping up with technology <1%

Safety/speed limits 2% Managing population growth <1%

Encouraging the use of electrical vehicles 1% More kerbing and guttering <1%

Improved infrastructure and general appearance in

the area 1% Parking for and management of tourist buses <1%

Improved signage in the area e.g. pedestrian signs,

signs for tourists 1% Poor performance from Council <1%

No issues/happy with things as they are/leave as is 1% Don't know/nothing 7%

Not building highways 1%


Community Research



Q6f. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for

action related to how we move around within the Blue Mountains over the next 5-10 years?



More frequent/improved public transport services e.g. trains and

buses 56% 51% 64% 49% 51%

Improve the local road network e.g. upgrades and maintenance 13% 12% 13% 24% 9%

Better footpaths/walkways/cycleways/pedestrian areas 15% 19% 10% 12% 15%

Traffic management 3% 4% 3% 8% 6%

Carparks and commuter parking 1% 4% 5% 6% 6%

Accessibility in the area e.g. disabled access/access for the elderly 0% 4% 5% 4% 2%

Environment sustainability/encouraging public transport/protecting

the natural environment 4% 3% 1% 3% 2%

Safety/speed limits 3% 4% 2% 1% 2%

Fewer trucks on the roads 1% 3% 2% 2% 1%

Alternate routes e.g. tunnels, bridges, bypasses, emergency exits 3% 2% 1% 1% 4%

Improved highway 3% 2% 2% 1% 2%

Community transport e.g. courtesy buses 3% 2% 2% 1% 1%

No issues/happy with things as they are/leave as is 1% 1% 1% 1% 2%

Improved infrastructure and general appearance in the area 0% 2% 0% 0% 2%

Not building highways 3% 0% 1% 1% 1%

Stopping overdevelopment/protecting the heritage of the area 1% 0% 0% 1% 1%

Improved signage in the area e.g. pedestrian signs, signs for tourists 0% 1% 0% 0% 1%

Encouraging the use of electrical vehicles 0% 0% 0% 1% 1%

Parking for and management of tourist buses 0% 1% 1% 0% 0%

More kerbing and guttering 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Fixing traffic lights 0% 1% 0% 0% 1%

Availability of ubers/taxis/ridesharing 1% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Building a tramline/light rail service 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Keeping up with technology 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Managing population growth 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Focusing on youth 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Attracting more tourists to the area 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Better drainage/flood management 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Damn wall 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Escalators in shopping centres 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Poor performance from Council 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Improved health services 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%



Community Research


Economic Development Q6g. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for

action related to economic development over the next 5-10 years?


Support for local business 23%

Better understand the socio economics in the

community/changing demographics of

the area

<1%

Encouraging tourism/promotion of the area 14% Capping commercialism <1%

More employment opportunities 14% Construction of the airport <1%

Economic growth in the area/variety of

industries/encouraging businesses to the area 10%

Council to work with the community

more/better communication <1%

More/improved shopping precincts and food

options 5%

Encourage state departments to

decentralise <1%

Better planning for housing

development/maintaining a variety of housing

sizes/affordable housing and rates

4% Improving the way Council is run/be more

proactive <1%

Avoiding overdevelopment 3% Keeping the area safe <1%

Better roads, parking and infrastructure 3% Maintaining a manageable population <1%

Environmental preservation/promoting

environmental sustainability 3% Maintaining water development and creeks <1%

Better financial management/allocation of

funding/better long-term planning 2% Minimise economic development <1%

Improving public transport options and traffic

management 2% More accessibility in the area <1%

More cultural activities/entertainment facilities/supporting the arts

2% NBN/mobile phone

service/telecommunications <1%

More development in the area/building approvals 2% Not putting businesses or industries in the Blue

Mountains <1%

Protecting the natural heritage of the area 2% Political bias in the area <1%

Protecting and recovering from the impacts of

COVID-19 and bushfires 1% Promoting eco-tourism <1%

Provision and maintenance of services, facilities

and buildings 1% Promoting the Indigenous <1%

Improved education and training 1% Reducing the cost of public markets <1%

Continue to develop the economy as it is/Council

keep doing what they are doing 1% Resilience in labour market <1%

Look after the community/encourage people to

stay in the area 1% Tax deduction assistance <1%

Keeping open spaces/outdoor recreation

areas/family friendly areas available 1% Don't know/nothing 21%

Improved health care/aged care services and

facilities 1%


Community Research


Economic Development Q6g. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority for

action related to economic development over the next 5-10 years?



Support for local business 20% 28% 21% 23% 19%

Encouraging tourism/promotion of the area 18% 19% 15% 10% 11%

More employment opportunities 9% 14% 12% 13% 17%

Economic growth in the area/variety of industries/encouraging

businesses to the area 6% 11% 11% 12% 10%

More/improved shopping precincts and food options 1% 3% 5% 7% 6%

Better planning for housing development/maintaining a variety of

housing sizes/affordable housing and rates 4% 3% 3% 5% 4%

Avoiding overdevelopment 1% 3% 6% 3% 4%

Better roads, parking and infrastructure 4% 3% 1% 4% 2%

Environmental preservation/promoting environmental sustainability 5% 3% 3% 1% 3%

Improving public transport options and traffic management 3% 2% 2% 2% 2%

Better financial management/allocation of funding/better long-term

planning 6% 1% 2% 2% 1%

More cultural activities/entertainment facilities/supporting the arts 3% 4% 0% 0% 2%

More development in the area/building approvals 2% 3% 0% 2% 1%

Protecting the natural heritage of the area 2% 2% 3% 0% 2%

Protecting and recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 and

bushfires 0% 2% 1% 1% 1%

Provision and maintenance of services, facilities and buildings 2% 1% 2% 0% 1%

Improved education and training 3% 1% 1% 0% 1%

Continue to develop the economy as it is/Council keep doing what

they are doing 1% 0% 2% 0% 2%

Look after the community/encourage people to stay in the area 2% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Keeping open spaces/outdoor recreation areas/family friendly areas

available 0% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Improved health care/aged care services and facilities 2% 1% 0% 0% 1%

Improving the way Council is run/be more proactive 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Minimise economic development 0% 2% 0% 0% 0%

Council to work with the community more/better communication 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

NBN/mobile phone service/telecommunications 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Maintaining a manageable population 1% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Promoting eco-tourism 1% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Better understand the socio economics in the community/changing

demographics of the area 0% 1% 0% 0% 0%

More accessibility in the area 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Construction of the airport 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Tax deduction assistance 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%

Reducing the cost of public markets 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Maintaining water development and creeks 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Encourage state departments to decentralise 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Political bias in the area 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Not putting businesses or industries in the Blue Mountains 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Promoting the Indigenous 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Capping commercialism 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Keeping the area safe 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Resilience in labour market 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%



Community Research


Appendix B:

Demographics


Community Research


Demographics QA1. Firstly, can you tell me what town or suburb you live in?

Area 1 N=1,006

Blackheath 8%

Mount Victoria 1%

Bell <1%

Megalong Valley <1%

Mount Irvine <1%

Mount Tomah <1%

Mount Wilson <1%

Area 2 %

Wentworth Falls 10%

Leura 8%

Katoomba 8%

Medlow Bath 1%

Area 3 %

Hazelbrook 6%

Lawson 5%

Woodford 3%

Bullaburra 2%

Linden 1%

Area 4 %

Springwood 9%

Winmalee 7%

Faulconbridge 6%

Valley Heights 2%

Yellow Rock 1%

Sun Valley <1%

Area 5 %

Blaxland 9%

Glenbrook 6%

Warrimoo 4%

Mount Riverview 2%

Lapstone 1%


Community Research


Appendix C:

Questionnaire


Community Survey P a g e | 136

April 2020


Community Survey

March 2020

Good morning/afternoon/evening, my name is ………………… and I'm calling on behalf of Blue Mountains

City Council from a company called Micromex. We are conducting a survey to get your views on services

provided by Council, and how we can make the Blue Mountains a better place.

For demographic purposes, we are firstly looking for those aged 18-34, as they are more difficult to get

hold of. Who would be the best person in your household to speak to?

If they say there are no 18-34:

We are also looking for any males over the age of 34

If they say there are no males:

Everyone in the community is encouraged to participate regardless of age or gender, would now be a

good time to share your opinions?

If no: Thank you for your time.

If yes: Before we start I would like to check, are you currently an employee or elected representative of

Blue Mountains City Council?

If yes: I'm sorry but you don't qualify for the interview. (Terminate)

If no: Can I confirm that you have lived in the Blue Mountains Local Government Area for more than 6

months, and that you are over the age of 18?

If no: I'm sorry but you don't qualify for the interview. (Terminate)

If yes: The survey will take about 20 minutes, is now a suitable time? (if not arrange a call back)

I need to advise you that my supervisor may monitor this call for quality control purposes and that

all of your details will be kept strictly confidential and will help the Council to better understand

and meet the needs of its residents.



April 2020

QA1. Firstly, can you tell me what town or suburb you live in?

Area 1 Area 4

O Bell O Faulconbridge

O Blackheath O Springwood

O Megalong Valley O Sun Valley

O Mount Irvine O Valley Heights

O Mount Tomah O Winmalee

O Mount Victoria O Yellow Rock

O Mount Wilson

Area 2 Area 5

O Katoomba O Blaxland

O Leura O Glenbrook

O Medlow Bath O Lapstone

O Wentworth Falls O Mount Riverview

O Warrimoo

Area 3

O Bullaburra

O Hazelbrook

O Lawson

O Linden

O Woodford

QA2. Please stop me when I read out the age group you are in. Prompt

O 18-24 years

O 25-34 years

O 35-49 years

O 50-64 years

O 65+ years

O Refused (Terminate)

Section 1 – Community perceptions

Q1. Firstly, I want to ask about your perceptions of your neighbourhood and the Blue Mountains as a

place to live. I am going to read out some statements and I want you to rate them on a scale of 1

to 5, where 1 means you strongly disagree with the statement and 5 means you strongly agree. Prompt

Strongly Strongly

disagree agree

1 2 3 4 5

I feel that I am generally safe in my neighbourhood O O O O O

I feel that I belong to the community I live in O O O O O

I have someone in my area outside my immediate family to turn to in a

time of crisis O O O O O

I feel that the quality of life and wellbeing in the Blue Mountains is

improving O O O O O



April 2020

Section 2 – Council services & facilities

In this section of the survey I will read out a list of services and facilities your council provides. For

each service or facility, I will ask how important it is to you on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means it is

not at all important and 5 means it is very important. I will then ask how satisfied you are with the

service that is delivered. This will also involve a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are not at all satisfied and 5 means you are very satisfied. Prompt

IMP/SAT ASKED FOR ALL

Q2a. The first few questions relate to services that look after the environment and manage waste and

water resources:

Not at all Very Not at all Very

important important satisfied satisfied

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DK

Protection of natural bushland O O O O O O O O O O O

Weed control O O O O O O O O O O O

Clean creeks and waterways O O O O O O O O O O O


drainage O O O O O O O O O O O


collection O O O O O O O O O O O

Q2b. We will now focus on Council services that relate to our towns and villages:



1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DK

The atmosphere, look and feel of

our towns and villages O O O O O O O O O O O

Managing residential development O O O O O O O O O O O


and villages O O O O O O O O O O O

Public toilets in town centres O O O O O O O O O O O

Litter control O O O O O O O O O O O

Street cleaning O O O O O O O O O O O

Parking for shoppers O O O O O O O O O O O

Cemeteries and ashes placement

sites O O O O O O O O O O O



April 2020

Q2c. We will now focus on services related to moving around in the Blue Mountains:



1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DK

Sealed roads O O O O O O O O O O O

Carparks O O O O O O O O O O O

Commuter parking O O O O O O O O O O O

Bus shelters O O O O O O O O O O O


centres and community facilities O O O O O O O O O O O

Footpaths O O O O O O O O O O O

Cycleways O O O O O O O O O O O


vehicles O O O O O O O O O O O

Q2d. We will now focus on Council services that look after people:



1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DK

Library services O O O O O O O O O O O

Community centres and halls O O O O O O O O O O O

Cultural & arts facilities O O O O O O O O O O O


families O O O O O O O O O O O


people O O O O O O O O O O O

Services and facilities for older people O O O O O O O O O O O

Services and facilities for people with

a disability O O O O O O O O O O O

Services that support the local

Aboriginal community O O O O O O O O O O O



April 2020

Q2e. We will now focus on sport and recreation services:



1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DK

Ovals and sporting grounds O O O O O O O O O O O

Parks and playgrounds O O O O O O O O O O O

Council lookouts and walking trails O O O O O O O O O O O

Swimming pools and leisure centres O O O O O O O O O O O

Q2f. The next question is about Environmental Health and Regulation service provision. Council staff

must ensure restaurants are clean and hygienic, pools have fences, animals are appropriately

managed, and buildings comply with fire safety, etc.



1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DK


environments O O O O O O O O O O O

Q2g. The next focus is on Council services that support the local economy:



1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DK


opportunities O O O O O O O O O O O


Glenbrook and Echo Point O O O O O O O O O O O


Blackheath O O O O O O O O O O O



April 2020

Q2h. We will now focus on Council Governance, Leadership & Communication:



1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 DK

Consultation with the community O O O O O O O O O O O

Council provision of information O O O O O O O O O O O


decision-making O O O O O O O O O O O

Section 3 – Overall Satisfaction

Q3a. Given the answers you have just provided, how would you rate your satisfaction with the overall

performance of your Council in providing services to the community? Again, we will use a scale of

1 to 5 where 1 is not at all satisfied and 5 is very satisfied.

O 1 – Not at all satisfied

O 2

O 3

O 4

O 5 – Very satisfied

O 6 – Can’t say


................................................................................................................................................................

Q3c. Do you think the services provided by Council generally represent good value for money, on a

scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means very poor value and 5 means very good value for money?

O 1 – Very poor value

O 2

O 3 (Go to Q3e)

O 4 (Go to Q3e)

O 5 – Very good value (Go to Q3e)

O 6 – Can’t say (Go to Q3e)

Q3d. What is your main reason for feeling that way?

................................................................................................................................................................

Q3e. How satisfied are you with the Council’s leadership and response when natural disasters such as

bushfires impact the Blue Mountains, on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means not at all satisfied and 5

means very satisfied?


O 2

O 3

O 4


O 6 – Can’t say



April 2020

Section 4 – Staff performance


O Yes

O No

O Can’t recall



O 2

O 3

O 4


O 6 – Can’t say

Section 5 – Councillor performance


O Yes

O No

O Can’t recall



O 2

O 3

O 4


O 6 – Can’t say

Section 6 – Making the Blue Mountains a better place

Q6a. I now want to ask your views on making the Blue Mountains a better place into the future. Thinking

about your immediate local neighbourhood, what is the issue of greatest concern to you at the

moment?

................................................................................................................................................................

Q6b. Now thinking about the Blue Mountains overall, what is the issue currently of greatest concern to

you?

................................................................................................................................................................

Q6c. Now thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority

for action related to looking after the environment over the next 5 to 10 years?

................................................................................................................................................................

Q6d. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top

priority for action for looking after people over the next 5 to 10 years?

................................................................................................................................................................



April 2020

Q6e. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top

priority for action for making our towns and villages great places to live over the next 5 to 10

years?

................................................................................................................................................................

Q6f. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top

priority for action related to how we move around within the Blue Mountains over the next 5 to 10

years?

................................................................................................................................................................

Q6g. When thinking about making the Blue Mountains a better place, what do you see as the top priority

for action related to economic development over the next 5 to 10 years?

................................................................................................................................................................

Section 7 - Respondent characteristics

Finally, I just have a few brief questions relating to household data to help classify your answers.

Q7a. Can you please confirm your gender? Do not prompt

O Male

O Female

O Other

Q7b. Do you or your family pay Council rates or does your landlord if you rent?

O Pay Council rates ourselves

O Landlord pays Council rates

Section 8 – Invitation to attend future consultation

Council is conducting further consultation with interested residents to confirm priorities and aspirations for

the future of the Blue Mountains, including desired levels of services to be provided by the Council given

available funding.

Q8a. Would you like to register your interest?

O Yes

O No (Go to Conclusion)

Q8b. Great, I just need to get your details so that Council can contact you.

[IF NECESSARY] Please be assured that none of your personal information will be linked to your

answers in this interview, nor will they be used for any purpose other than to contact you about

further opportunities to have your say on the future of the Blue Mountains.

First name: …………………………………………..

Surname: …………………………………………..

Phone: …………………………………………..

Email address: …………………………………………..



April 2020

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 used for research purposes only.

Again, my name is …. If you have any questions about this survey, or would like further information about

Blue Mountains City Council, you can call their office between 9am and 5pm weekdays on 4780 5000.

Thank you for your time.

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.

Documents

Blue Mountains City Council Community Satisfaction Research · Within the report, and blue and red font colours are used to identify statistically significant differences between