End of Term Report 2012

End of Term Report 2012

Attractive City ~ Stronger Community ~ Sustainable Environment ~ Strategic Leadership ~ Improving Council

2 End of Term Report 2012

Contents Contents .................................................... 2

Mayor and General Manager’s Message .............. 3

Canterbury City at a Glance............................ 4

Canterbury Council ...................................... 5

Overview ................................................... 6

What is the End of Term Report? ........................ 6 Summary of Findings ....................................... 6 How to read this report ................................... 7

Integrated Planning ...................................... 8

Strategic Direction ...................................... 10

Our community’s vision ................................. 10 Long Term Goals ......................................... 10 Commitment to sustainability .......................... 11

Status Summary ......................................... 12

1 Attractive City ....................................... 12 2 Stronger Community ................................ 13 3 Sustainable Environment ........................... 14 4 Strategic Leadership ................................ 15

Trend Indicators ........................................ 16

1 Attractive City ....................................... 17 Resident satisfaction with City appearance .................... 18 Dumped rubbish and abandoned vehicles ....................... 19 Street trees planted ................................................ 20 Instances of graffiti and their removal .......................... 21 Occupied dwelling types ........................................... 23 Housing tenure ...................................................... 24 Open space per person ............................................ 25 Jobs in retail and food industries ................................ 27 Local jobs per resident workforce ............................... 28 Resident satisfaction with local restaurants ................... 29 Resident views on what the City is known for ................. 30

2 Stronger Community ................................ 31 Percentage of people who like living in their local area ..... 32 Volunteering and unpaid care .................................... 33 Physical activity ..................................................... 35 Percentage of eligible immunisations completed ............. 36 Community perceptions of crime and safety ................... 37 Incidence of crime .................................................. 38 Road crashes and casualties ...................................... 39 Vocational or higher education qualifications ................. 41 People attending library learning programs .................... 42 Internet access ...................................................... 43 Availability and distribution of childcare ....................... 44

3 Sustainable Environment ........................... 45 Community perception of transport issues ..................... 46 Road pavement condition ......................................... 47 Footpath condition ................................................. 48 Mode of Transport to Work ........................................ 49 Council and community water consumption .................... 51 Council and community energy consumption .................. 52 Community waste generation and recycling .................... 53 Stream water quality ............................................... 55 Pollution days and complaints .................................... 56 Areas available to enhance biodiversity ........................ 57 Trees planted and trees removed ................................ 58 Volunteering in environmental activities ....................... 59

4 Strategic Leadership ................................ 60 Independent assessment of financial position ................. 61 Satisfaction with consultation and information ................ 63 Website visits ........................................................ 64 Customer enquiries ................................................. 65 Satisfaction with council performance .......................... 67 Governance Health Check Assessment .......................... 68 Access to information requests ................................... 69 Customer requests and complaints .............................. 70

Canterbury City ~ a great place to live and work

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Mayor and General Manager’s Message One of the most important jobs of our Council is to set the strategic direction that guides our work to improve life in our City. Council works hard to continually improve the range and quality of our services and an important part of doing this is listening to our residents. In 2010 we embarked on an extensive community engagement program asking what they think of the City of Canterbury – what they want it to be and how we can make it better. As part of this program we conducted a range of public forums to ask people their opinions, as well as a survey by telephone, online and face-to-face. The key benefit to understanding our community’s views is the ability to provide or advocate for services projects and programs that respond to community needs and aspirations. The product of this process was our Community Strategic Plan which outlined what we found from this engagement program about what our community wanted, and strategies to achieve them. A key part of the Community Strategic Plan was a set of Trend Indicators by which we planned to assess progress towards achieving the outcomes our community told us they wanted. Since that time council has worked on its own and in partnership with State Government agencies, community organisations and interested stakeholders to deliver services, programs and infrastructure to support these strategies. Significant progress has been made. This report, our first End of Term Report, outlines this progress by examining the set of Trend Indicators included in our 2011 Community Strategic Plan. Some highlights of the activities that have supported this progress have been the improvements to our community facilities.

In June 2009 we opened the new Punchbowl Multipurpose Community Centre. Late in 2010 we also completed refurbishments to Lakemba Library and Senior Citizens Centre. In March 2011, we opened a newly constructed community facility at Riverwood – the Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre, which is now operated by the YMCA to provide sport, recreation and community programs. This year we completed work on the refurbishment of the Belmore Sports Ground to allow the Canterbury Bulldogs Rugby League team to return to the ground as their base of operations and for training and exhibition games. In the future we will ensure that the provision of community facilities is considered when new centres are developed – such as is happening at a large new housing development at Riverwood North, and in future developments in Canterbury and Campsie. Other priority projects that have been completed in recent years include development of the Riverwood Wetlands, Town Centre Improvement projects across all eleven of our town centres, and preparation of a number of important plans and strategies, including a Strategic Recreation Plan, Ageing Strategy, Towards 2032 Economic Development Strategy and Anzac Mall Place Management Strategy, city-wide LEP, and Masterplans for Canterbury Road and Canterbury Town Centre. This End of Term Report is a snapshot of how this work has improved life and work in Canterbury City. It will set the scene for the review of our Community Strategic Plan later this year, and the work of the incoming council for the next four years.

Cr. Brian Robson

Mayor

Jim Montague PSM

General Manager



Canterbury City at a Glance Located in the magnificent city of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, only 17 kilometres south-west of the CBD, the City of Canterbury is known for its many diverse cultures, friendly people, exotic foods, great restaurants, and unique shopping experiences. There are scenic parks, historical sites, and an extensive range of sporting and recreational facilities - Belmore Oval, Canterbury Racecourse, and Canterbury Ice Rink just to name a few. The City has an area of 33 square kilometres and is largely residential, comprising 17 suburbs including open space corridors surrounding the Cooks River in the north-east, Wolli Creek in the south, and Salt Pan Creek in the west. Originally inhabited by Aboriginal communities from the Bediagal people of the Dharug nation, the area has welcomed waves of settlers from every corner of the globe. Currently our residents come from over 129 different countries. Over half were born overseas and 47% in non-English speaking countries.

Canterbury has a very high population density with almost 145,000 residents mostly living in single dwellings and two- or three-storey units. There are excellent public transport and road networks throughout the area. Major retail precincts include town centres in Belmore, Campsie, Earlwood, Lakemba and Punchbowl, and Roselands Shopping Centre. There are smaller centres in Belfield, Canterbury, Hurlstone Park, Narwee, and Wiley Park. Major industrial precincts include Canterbury, Kingsgrove North and Riverwood. Canterbury Hospital is also a focus for associated medical facilities and services. The City is geographically well placed, close to services, and major transport links including the M5 motorway, main roads, freight rail lines, Port Botany and Sydney airport. The Sydney CBD is just a short drive or train ride away.


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Canterbury Council The City of Canterbury Council is responsible to our community through the City Strategic Plan to achieve real improvements in the quality of life for people living and working in the City of Canterbury.

Services

With an annual expenditure over $100 million, council is responsible for a wide range of services and infrastructure including roads, community facilities, libraries, parks, garbage removal, urban planning, and development control. We provide services to children including Family Day Care, four Early Learning Centres and a modest support service. We have a central library in Campsie, and three branch libraries in Earlwood, Lakemba and Riverwood, with 140,000 items available for loan including 26,000 in other languages. We maintain 27 sports grounds, 95 play grounds, 217 passive open spaces, 114 drainage reserves and 4 bushland reserves. A highlight is the Riverwood Wetlands, an area which since 2004 has been totally transformed from an old and under-used paddock into a popular recreation site for people of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Works have included construction of wetlands, walkways and cycleways around an ornamental pond, landscaping and gardening, a new car park, additional automatic toilets and community gardens. We are proud of our waterways, and have a built a cycleway along the Cooks River for people to discover the natural beauty of our City. In addition to having a large range of recreation and leisure facilities, we cater for the diverse range of people and cultures which make up our community, which dedicated services for the aged, children and youth. We also offer a wide range of multicultural services and facilities for our culturally diverse community.

Our waste and recycling system includes collection of rubbish (red lid bin), recycling (yellow lid bin) and garden vegetation (green lid bin), and has been significant in reducing the amount of rubbish to landfill. In addition the amount of materials collected in our City for re-use has virtually doubled since 2002. Council, like many of its counterparts, is also investigating Alternative Waste Technologies for the future of waste collection in our City.

Major facilities

Our major facilities include: Aquatic and Fitness Centres at Roselands and

Tasker Park at Canterbury Wiley Park Amphitheatre Canterbury Golf course at Kingsgrove (9 hole) Velodrome at Undercliffe Belmore Youth Resource Centre Belmore Sports Ground Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre Early Learning Centres at Earlwood, Hurlstone

Park, Lakemba and Punchbowl Libraries at Campsie, Earlwood, Lakemba and

Riverwood. Punchbowl Multipurpose Centre Community Centres - Canterbury City Community

Centre, Earlwood Caring Community Centre, Riverwood Community Centre, six Senior Citizens Centres and The Carrington Centre.



Overview

What is the End of Term Report? The new requirements for Integrated Planning and Reporting in the Local Government Act 1993 include the need to provide a report from the outgoing council on the implementation and effectiveness of the Community Strategic Plan in achieving its objectives over the past four years. This End of Term Report does this by observing the performance of a series of Trend Indicators. These Trend Indicators were included the 2011 Community Strategic Plan (the Plan) and were developed to reflect the community outcomes included in this Plan. In the Plan these community outcomes were grouped by Themes and Long Term Goals, which reflected environmental, social, economic and civic leadership aspects of the needs and aspirations our community expressed when the Plan was developed. As a result the Trend Indicators are also grouped by Theme and Long Term Goal, and thus also reflect these aspects. Wherever possible, the emphasis of this report is on the movements in these indicators that enable an assessment of whether progress has been made towards the community outcomes. In some cases, however, there is insufficient data for a trend to be observed. Future editions of the report will seek to establish trends for these indicators. As some indicators are interconnected and need to be considered together, the report provides a summary trend for each Long Term Goal in each Theme. The report also outlines highlights of actions that have been undertaken in the past four years with the intention of achieving the community outcomes. The trend observed provides some indication of whether or not these actions have been successful. In this way the report helps Council and other agencies plan appropriately for the future of Canterbury City. There are currently 42 Trend Indicators. Feedback on this report will seek comment on how appropriate these existing Trend Indicators are in assessing progress towards the community outcomes. This will then be used to refine the Trend Indicators that are included in the next Community Strategic Plan.

Summary of Findings Of the 42 indicators, 11 are improving, 13 are just improving, 11 are stable, 3 are just deteriorating, and 2 are deteriorating. Trends could not be observed for two indicators, and these have not been given a status. This is a very good result overall with the bulk (83%) of the indicators being stable or showing some improvement, and only five indicators (12%) showing some deterioration. These results are described in more detail by each Theme below.

Attractive City

Attractive streetscapes are just improving, with instances of graffiti and their removal improving; resident satisfaction with City appearance, and dumped rubbish just improving, and street trees planted remaining stable. Balanced urban development is stable, with occupied dwelling types just improving; and housing tenure and open space stable. Prosperous local economy, however, is just deteriorating, with jobs in retail and food industries deteriorating, local jobs just deteriorating, and resident satisfaction with local restaurants stable. Resident views on what the city is known for was not rated.

Stronger Community

Embracing diversity is just improving, with the percentage of people who like living in their local area just improving. Volunteering and unpaid care was not rated. Health and safety is also just improving, with the incidence of crime improving (ie. reducing); perceptions of crime, and immunisation just improving; and road crashes and physical activity remaining stable. A highlight is that access to facilities and services is improving, with vocational or higher education qualifications, people attending library programs, and internet access all improving; and the availability and distribution of childcare remaining stable.


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Sustainable Environment

Unfortunately, like prosperous local economy, transport alternatives that work is also just deteriorating- the only other long term goal trending in this way. Whilst community perception of transport issues and footpath condition are just improving, road pavement condition is just deteriorating, and mode of transport to work is deteriorating. Responsible use of resources on the other hand is just improving, with energy consumption and waste generation and recycling both just improving. Council and community water consumption has, however, remained stable. The health of our natural environment is also just improving, with areas available to enhance biodiversity, and volunteering in environmental activities both improving; trees planted just improving; and stream water quality, and pollution days and complaints stable.

Strategic Leadership

Council’s finances remain healthy, with the independent assessment of our financial position remaining stable. It is pleasing to see that engagement with our community is improving, with customer enquiries and website visits improving, and satisfaction with consultation and information just improving. It is also very pleasing to see the strong result in effective governance, with our Governance Health Check assessment, and access to information improving; and satisfaction with council performance just improving. Customer requests and complaints, however, are just deteriorating.

How to read this report The next three sections of the report outline: 1. where the End of Term Report fits into our overall

Integrated Planning framework,

2. the Strategic Direction set by the Community Strategic Plan including the community’s Vision, long term goals, and commitment to sustainability, and

3. a Status Summary showing the status of the trend indicators by each long term goal.

Following this is detailed information on the Trend Indicators. For each there is an introduction to the indicator, a snapshot of the current trend, and a commentary on the trend and the basis for an assessment of the status of that indicator. Action highlights list key actions that have been undertaken over the past four years with the intention of achieving the community outcomes. There are five status levels: improving, just improving, stable, just deteriorating, and deteriorating. The following symbols are used to designate these levels:

Improving

Just improving

Stable

Just deteriorating

Deteriorating



Integrated Planning Our Integrated Planning Framework comprises a number of documents that reflect the Canterbury community’s priorities and guide long term action. These are:

The Community Strategic Plan identifies the long-term aspirations our communities have for life and work in Canterbury City. It describes the City’s future through five themes, each with Long Term Goals and Community Outcomes, which cover the broad range of topics that are important for our City and our communities. Alongside the Community Outcomes are Strategies – which Council, partner organisations and individuals can use to work towards achieving the Community Outcomes, and Trend Indicators – things that can be monitored to determine if progress toward the Community Outcomes is being made. The End of Term Report reports on the implementation and effectiveness of the Community Strategic Plan.

The Council Delivery Plan is the strategic document which guides the action of Council for the next four years. It outlines the Activities – services, initiatives and infrastructure programs – that Council intends to undertake, and the Resources (people and money) needed to do so. The Council Delivery Plan document is structured around Community Outcomes, showing those Activities that are part of Council Strategies working towards achieving a Community Outcome. The Council Function that is responsible for undertaking the Activity and Council Performance Indicators are also shown

The Resource Strategy outlines Council’s capacity to manage assets and deliver services over the next ten years. The Resource Strategy includes three key elements – an Asset Management Plan describing infrastructure policies and requirements, a Workforce Plan describing staff policies and requirements, and a Long Term Financial Plan, which sets policy directions for rates, borrowing, investments, service levels and additional infrastructure.

The Council Operating Plan supports the Council Delivery Plan by providing specific information on the Activities that Council will undertake and measures of performance. In particular the details of Council Strategies (and associated Strategy Indicators), Services (and associated Output Estimates and Service Standards), and Initiatives to be delivered by each Function, Infrastructure Projects to be delivered, and the assignment of responsibility for implementation and reporting for these items, are shown. The Operating Plan also includes the details of the next year’s budget.


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Strategic Direction

Our community’s vision Through our engagement program, our community told us what they want for the future of Canterbury City. This is shown in the word cloud below, with those topics that are more important in larger type. More information can be found in the Community Strategic Plan.

arts and cultural activities connected bike paths prosperous businesses

places for children to play cleaner greater community spirit

clean Cooks River less crowded balanced development support for disabled local education entertainment care for the environment more festivals

better footpaths community gardens fine as is greener better health services

affordable houses improving appearance recognise indigenous more local jobs

bigger library better lighting less multicultural facilities for older people more parksbetter parking public transport quiet and peaceful lower council rates clean restaurants more

cafés responsive council better roads safer services and facilities

shopping sporting facilities upgraded swimming pools public toilets

less traffic congestion activities for youth

Long Term Goals Our response has been to form a picture of the future for the City around five themes each with long term goals and Community Outcomes. Our Community Strategic Plan outlines these and the Strategies that Council, partner organisations and individuals can undertake to work towards them.

4 Strategic leadership4.1 Healthy finances

4.2 Engaged community4.3 Effective governance

4 Strategic leadership4.1 Healthy finances

4.2 Engaged community4.3 Effective governance

5 Improving council5.1 Efficient services

5.2 Responsible employer5.3 Well maintained equipment

5 Improving council5.1 Efficient services

5.2 Responsible employer5.3 Well maintained equipment

1 Attractive city1.1 Attractive streetscapes

1.2 Balanced urban development1.3 Prosperous local economy

1 Attractive city1.1 Attractive streetscapes

1.2 Balanced urban development1.3 Prosperous local economy

2 Stronger community2.1 Embracing diversity 2.2 Health and safety

2.3 Access to facilities and services

2 Stronger community2.1 Embracing diversity 2.2 Health and safety

2.3 Access to facilities and services

3 Sustainable environment3.1 Transport alternatives that work3.2 Responsible use of resources3.3 Healthy natural environment

3 Sustainable environment3.1 Transport alternatives that work3.2 Responsible use of resources3.3 Healthy natural environment


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Commitment to sustainabilityWe have adopted a policy that defines sustainability for our City, and provides guidance and direction in applying principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD). The Sustainability Policy supports our vision for Canterbury, and the long term goals in our City Strategic Plan An important part of ensuring sustainability outcomes has been to match the themes and associated long term goals in our Community Strategic Plan to the Sustainability Health Check outcome areas of Ecology, Society, Economy, Human Habitat and Governance. In doing this we can ensure that our Community Strategic Plan is a sustainability plan.

Sustainability Policy

The City of Canterbury is committed to balancing the ecological, societal, economic and human habitat needs of its region so that the needs of the present generation do not compromise the needs of future generations. Council will have regard to the following sustainability principles while carrying out its responsibilities: 1. the Precautionary Principle, 2. Intergenerational Equity, 3. Conservation of Biologically Diversity

and Ecological Integrity, 4. Improved Economic Valuation

including Environmental Factors and 5. Quadruple Bottom Line.

Theme Long Term Goal Sustainability Health Check Outcome Area – Goal

1. Attractive City 1.1 Attractive streetscapes Human Habitat – effective infrastructure and services

1.2 Balanced urban development Human Habitat – quality built places and spaces

1.3 Prosperous local economy Economy – healthy economic activity

Economy – meaningful employment

Economy – prosperous communities

2. Stronger community 2.1 Embracing diversity Society – respecting cultural heritage

Society – creative communities

2.2 Health and safety Human Habitat – safe and healthy communities

2.3 Access to facilities and services Human Habitat – effective infrastructure and services

Society – community health and well-being

3. Sustainable Environment

3.1 Transport alternatives that work Human Habitat – efficient transport and access

3.2 Responsible use of resources Economy – efficient resource use

3.3 Healthy natural environment Ecology – protecting biodiversity

Ecology – maintaining healthy waterways

Ecology – respecting the landscape

Ecology – protecting air quality

4. Strategic Leadership 4.1 Healthy finances Governance – adequate resources and support

Governance – effective stewardship

4.2 Engaged community Governance – good community participation

Society – good community relations

4.3 Effective governance Governance – compliance and accountability



Status Summary In each long term goal we have identified outcomes our community wants, and trend indicators that we will use to tell us if we are achieving these outcomes. The status of these indicators is summarised here.

1 Attractive City

Long Term Goal and Community Outcomes Trend Indicators Status

1.1 Attractive streetscapes

Just improving

1.1.1 Our City is clean and tidy, with less graffiti, and rubbish removed from streets quickly

1.1.2 Our City is green, with street gardens and trees planted and maintained

1.1.3 The appearance of streets, and shops in town centres, is improving

Resident satisfaction with City appearance

Dumped rubbish and abandoned vehicles

Street trees planted

Instances of graffiti and their removal

Just improving

Just improving

Stable

Improving

1.2 Balanced urban development Stable

1.2.1 Development brings attractive and sustainable buildings and homes, and a balance of houses and units, residential and business areas, and historic and modern streetscapes

Occupied dwelling types

Housing tenure

Open space per person

Just improving

Stable

Stable

1.3 Prosperous local economy Just deteriorating

1.3.1 Town centres are vibrant, with a variety of shops and entertainment venues in main shopping centres, busy cafés and restaurants, outdoor dining areas, and an attractive village-feel to local shopping areas

1.3.2 Businesses in our City are prosperous and growing, and there are more local jobs, particularly in professional fields

1.3.3 The profile of our City is improved locally and beyond

Jobs in retail and food industries

Local jobs per resident workforce

Resident satisfaction with local restaurants

Resident views on what the City is known for

Deteriorating

Just deteriorating

Stable

Not rated


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2 Stronger Community

Long Term Goals and Community Outcomes Trend Indicators Trend Status

2.1 Embracing diversity Just improving

2.1.1 We are a friendly and harmonious community which values our many different cultures

2.1.2 We have opportunities and community spaces for expression and appreciation of local heritage, arts, music and culture

Percentage of people who like living in their local area

Volunteering and unpaid care

Just improving

Not rated

2.2 Health and safety Just improving

2.2.1 Healthy lifestyles are supported by parks and gardens with outdoor recreation facilities, playgrounds for children, well-maintained sports grounds and aquatic centres, and community gardens

2.2.2 We have access to adequate health services including doctors, a hospital, and community health and fitness programs

2.2.3 Our city is safe, with low crime, a strong police presence, and adequate street lighting

Physical activity

Percentage of eligible immunisations completed

Community perceptions of crime and safety

Incidence of crime

Road crashes and casualties

Stable

Just improving

Just improving

Improving

Stable

2.3 Access to facilities and services Improving

2.3.1 We have community facilities that are appropriate and well-used

2.3.2 Services and facilities are available in our City to meet the diversity of people’s needs, and that expand as our population grows

2.3.3 We have access to local education resources including early learning, schools, TAFE and other opportunities

Vocational or higher education qualifications

People attending library learning programs

Internet access

Availability and distribution of childcare

Improving

Improving

Improving

Stable



3 Sustainable Environment


3.1 Transport alternatives that work Just deteriorating

3.1.1 We have well-maintained roads that are safe and provide for smooth traffic flow and less congestion

3.1.2 Our City is pedestrian- and bike-friendly, with well-maintained footpaths and bike paths connected across the City through town centres, streets and parks

3.1.3 There are enough buses and trains, and they run on time

3.1.4 Parking for cars and bikes, and bus shelters or seats, are available near shops and public transport

Community perception of transport issues

Road pavement condition

Footpath condition

Mode of Transport to Work

Just improving

Just deteriorating

Just improving

Deteriorating

3.2 Responsible use of resources Just improving

3.2.1 Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from our activities are reduced

3.2.2 Water consumption from our activities is reduced

3.2.3 Waste from our homes and businesses is minimised through resource recovery

Council and community water consumption

Council and community energy consumption

Community waste generation and recycling

Stable

Just improving

Just improving

3.3 Healthy natural environment Just improving

3.3.1 Water quality and aquatic habitat in our City is improved – we have a clean Cooks River system

3.3.2 Biodiversity is enhanced and protected

3.3.3 Air quality is improved

3.3.4 Noise amenity is improved

3.3.5 People in our community are aware and actively support protection of our natural environment

Stream water quality

Pollution days and complaints

Areas available to enhance biodiversity

Trees planted and trees removed

Volunteering in environmental activities

Stable

Stable

Improving

Just improving

Improving


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4 Strategic Leadership


4.1 Healthy finances Stable

4.1.1 Our Council’s strong financial position is protected by long term planning and accurate reporting

4.1.2 Resources are available to deliver the services and infrastructure we need

Independent assessment of financial position

Stable

4.2 Engaged community Improving

4.2.1 We work with our Council to advocate with impact about key local issues

4.2.2 Our Council values and encourages active community participation

4.2.3 We can obtain the information and advice we need about issues that affect us

4.2.4 We can obtain the information we need about the services, facilities and programs our Council offers

Satisfaction with consultation and information

Website visits

Customer enquiries

Just improving

Improving

Improving

4.3 Effective governance Improving

4.3.1 Our Council’s leadership and operations are honest, transparent and accountable

4.3.2 Our Council creates infrastructure that meets our needs, works well and is built to last

4.3.3 Our Council’s plans and policy provide clear direction

4.3.4 Our Council manages its exposure to risk responsibly

4.3.5 Our Council complies with its legislative obligations

Satisfaction with council performance

Governance Health Check assessment

Access to information requests

Customer requests and complaints

Just improving

Improving

Improving

Just deteriorating



Trend Indicators


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1 Attractive City

Long Term Goal 1.1 Attractive streetscapes Just improving

Summary

Community Outcomes:

1.1.1 Our City is clean and tidy, with less graffiti, and rubbish removed from streets quickly 1.1.2 Our City is green, with street gardens and trees planted and maintained 1.1.3 The appearance of streets, and shops in town centres, is improving Trend Indicators:

Status:

Resident satisfaction with City appearance

Just improving

Dumped rubbish and abandoned vehicles

Just improving

Street trees planted

Stable

Instances of graffiti and their removal

Improving



Trend Indicator: Resident satisfaction with City appearance Status:

Just improving

In 2007 and 2010 council undertook a survey of community attitudes to services and facilities provided by council. A statistically valid, demographically representative sample of residents across the City were asked to rate the importance and satisfaction of the overall appearance of the City. They were also asked to rate the importance of a range of services and facilities, and their satisfaction with the current state of provision of these services.

Snapshot

Results from the survey for the overall appearance of the City, and for several services associated with City appearance – clean up of street litter and dumped rubbish, graffiti removal, and tree planting and preservation, are presented in the graphs below. The difference between the average importance and satisfaction rating is referred to as the ‘gap’. Council is aiming to ‘close the gap’ in reviewing the provision of services and facilities.

Overall appearance of the City

66%

68%

20%

20%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap

Clean up of street litter & dumped rubbish

65%

68%

28%

26%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap

Graffiti removal

62%

64%

23%

20%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap

Tree planting and preservation

69%

70%

18%

15%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap

Source: Survey of Community Attitudes of Services and Facilities in the City of Canterbury 2007 and 2010

Status

Although satisfaction with the overall appearance of the City increased from 2007 to 2010, so did importance, so the gap remained the same. In all the other areas, the gap has reduced slightly, indicating a slight improvement. More information on each of these areas is provided by a number of the following trend indicators.

Action Highlights

Town centre improvements in Campsie, Lakemba, Belfield, Punchbowl, Belmore and Earlwood Commencement of a five year program to refurbish concrete roads in the City Infrastructure Renewal Program funded by the Infrastructure Renewal Levy that commenced in 2004/05,

allowing extensive renewal of roads, footpaths, and town centres. Comprehensive program of street and town centre cleaning Prompt removal of dumped rubbish Street tree and street garden installation and maintenance


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Trend Indicator: Dumped rubbish and abandoned vehicles Status:

Just improving

One of the most important things that local residents and businesses want is for our city to be clean and tidy. Dumped rubbish is consistently identified as a main concern by our residents. Abandoned vehicles are also of concern, and arrangements are made to remove them as soon as they are reported or observed. Dumped rubbish consists of material unlawfully deposited on Council property, including footpaths, laneways, parks and bush land. It is an offence to place materials on council property without approval. Dumped rubbish can be eliminated through the correct use of our pre-booked household clean-up service. All residential properties with the LGA are entitled to two free collections per year. Alternatively, illegally dumped rubbish can be investigated by Council Rangers.

Snapshot

Dumped rubbish collected by council

1,91

1

1,94

6

1,88

4

1,59

8

1,68

5

1,64

2

1,74

9 1,99

6

1,57

7 1,73

8

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

To

nn

es p

er y

ear

Abandoned Vehicles

384

506

556540

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Nu

mb

er o

f ve

hic

les

rem

ove

d b

y co

un

cil

Source: Waste and Cleaning Team, Ranger and Parking Services Team

Status

The amount of dumped rubbish collected by Council continues to decrease over time. This is marked by a 19% reduction on the amount of materials collected between 2003 and 2010. This is in part due to changes to the collection system, promotion and ongoing investigation of dumped rubbish by Council Rangers. Dumped rubbish appears to spike in 2009. This can be attributed to a change in the collection system, whereby dumped rubbish was mixed with the pre-booked cleanup. The number of abandoned vehicles, however, does not appear to be decreasing.

Action highlights

Use of containers for all regular waste services (rubbish, recycling and garden vegetation) which are placed on Council property, and the introduction of the pre-booked clean-up, have been accompanied by a marked reduction in the amount of dumped rubbish collected by Council.

Increased surveillance of dumping in “hotspots” and promotion of the pre-booked clean-up has reduced the instances of dumped rubbish.

Reducing the amount of time dumped rubbish is visible on the street helps to avoid “copycat” behavior. A new comprehensive Illegal Dumping Strategy has been drafted.



Trend Indicator: Street trees planted Status:

Stable

Street trees are significant community assets that play an important role in contributing to the character of local neighborhoods and provide community and environmental benefits. Street trees are planted to replenish and enhance the local streetscapes: In response to resident requests To replace trees removed As part of the street tree planting program The percentage breakdown of the street tree species planted in Canterbury City from 2007-08 to 2011-12 is Watergum Tristaniopsis laurina 26%, Bottlebrush Callistemon viminalis 23%, Blueberry Ash Elaeocarpus reticulatus 13%, Brushbox Lophostemon confertus 10%, Turpentine Syncarpia glomulifera 9%, Tibouchina Tibouchina ‘Alstonville’ 7 %, Crepe Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica 5%, European Olive Olea europaea 2% and other species 5%.

Snapshot

Street Trees Planted

644

935

331365 357

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1,000

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Source: Parks and Property Team

Status

In 2007-08 and 2008-09 there was an extensive street tree planting program. In 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 the street tree planting program consisted of one street tree neighbourhood unit in each Council ward. It is considered that this indicator is now remaining stable.

Action Highlights

Adoption of contract growing approach to replacement of street tree stock to ensure they of a high standard that allows them to establish quickly and grow to maturity


21

Trend Indicator: Instances of graffiti and their removal Status:

Improving

Graffiti is a community concern that has adverse costs to the social, environmental, built physical and economic fabric of the local community. Graffiti distorts perceptions about the actual levels of crime and safety, thus has an overall impact on the wellbeing and social cohesion of the community. The City of Canterbury has a proactive approach to remove graffiti and documents the removal on the City’s graffiti register.

Snapshot

This indicator draws data from council operations on the instances of graffiti removed from Council and private property. The amount of graffiti removal now made possible by the partnership with the Bankstown Probation and Parole Services (BPPS) is also shown. This partnership, which started in June 2010, enables removal of graffiti on private property that is highly visible.

Instances of graffiti removal

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Num

ber

of in

stan

ces

of r

emov

al

Council property Private property Other stakeholders

Area of graffiti removal

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Squ

are

met

res

of g

raff

iti r

emov

ed

Council staff BPPS

Removal from: Instances of graffiti removal

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Council property 1,132 856 810 592

Private property 52 27 401 380

Other stakeholders 18 4 3 3

Total 1,202 887 1,214 975

Removal by Area of graffiti removed (square metres)

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Council staff 7,462 6,535 5,920 4,791

BPPS 0 55 11,759 12,339

Total 7,462 6,590 17,679 17,130

Source: Parks and Property Team

Status

The number of instances of graffiti removed from council property has decreased over time. The increase in instances of graffiti removed from private property in 2010-11 reflects the capacity to remove this arising from the BPPS partnership which started in 2010. Overall the instances of graffiti are decreasing, and those that do occur are removed quickly, contributing to an improvement in this outcome.

Action Highlights

Since October 2008 removed graffiti has been recorded on the City’s graffiti register. In June 2010 the Community Service Order Project started, which is a partnership between Council and the

BPPS to remove highly visible graffiti on private property. Council has distributed 107 free graffiti kits to local residents since 2010.



Long Term Goal 1.2 Balanced urban development

Stable

Summary

Community Outcomes:

1.2.1 Development brings attractive and sustainable buildings and homes, and a balance of houses and units, residential and business areas, and historic and modern streetscapes

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Occupied dwelling types

Just improving

Housing tenure

Stable

Open space per person

Stable


23

Trend Indicator: Occupied dwelling types Status:

Just improving

The types of dwellings that comprise the City are important in determining the role and function that the area plays in the housing market. A greater concentration of higher density dwellings is likely to attract more young adults and smaller households; while larger, detached or separate dwellings are more likely to have families and prospective families living in them, although this is not a mutually exclusive pattern. State and local urban planning policy in recent years has encouraged medium density development, but our community has made it clear that it does not want large scale high density development.

Snapshot

Data on occupied dwelling types from the Censuses in 2001 and 2006 is presented below. Data for the 2011 Census will be incorporated when it is available.

Occupied Dwelling Types

24,958

14,180

6,011

352 456

24,531

16,335

5,856

298 190

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

Separate house Medium density High density Other Not stated

Ho

use

ho

lds

in e

ach

typ

e

Canterbury 2001 Canterbury 2006

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2006 and 2001

Status

In 2006, there were 24,531 households who occupied a separate house in the area, while 16,335 occupied a medium density dwelling, and 5,856 occupied high density flats and apartments. Between 2001 and 2006, only the number of households occupying medium density dwellings increased (+2,155). Decreases in all the other dwelling types were observed, including high density. Overall the number of occupied dwellings increased by 1,082, or 2.4%. The shift from separate houses to medium density, and the constraint to high density development is considered to be appropriate and so this indicator is deemed to be improving slightly.

Action Highlights

Preparation of a new city-wide Local Environmental Plan and Consolidated Development Control Plan. Adoption of Master Plans, Local Environmental Plans and Development Control Plans for Canterbury Town

Centre, and Canterbury Road



Trend Indicator: Housing tenure Status:

Stable

Information on housing tenure provides some insight into the socio-economic status of an area as well as the role that the area plays in the housing market. A high concentration of private renters may indicate an area attractive to specific housing markets such as young singles and couples, while a concentration of home owners indicates a more settled area (i.e. less transitory) with mature families or older people whose families have grown and moved away.

Snapshot

Data on housing tenure for Canterbury City and the Sydney Statistical Division (SD) from the 2001 and 2006 Census is presented below.

Housing Tenure - 2001 Census

41%

15%

34%

39%

24%

29%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Owned Being purchased Renting

Per

cen

tag

e o

f h

ou

seh

old

s

Canterbury 2001 Sydney 2001

Housing Tenure - 2006 Census

31%

24%

35%

30% 31%30%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

Owned Being purchased Renting

Per

cen

tag

e o

f h

ou

seh

old

s

Canterbury 2006 Sydney 2006

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2001 and 2006

Status

Due to a change in the Census question on this topic from 2001 to 2006, direct comparison between Census years for owned and being purchased data is not advisable. Some trends in the comparison between Canterbury and the Sydney SD can, however, are observed. In 2001 there was a similar proportion of Canterbury households compared to the Sydney SD who owned their dwelling; a smaller proportion purchasing their dwelling; and a larger proportion who were renters. This pattern is repeated in the 2006 results, although there were more who were purchasing their dwelling in Canterbury at this point. This indicator is thus considered to be stable.

Action Highlights

Advocacy and investigation of affordable housing options Adoption of a new Town Centre Development Control Plan supporting medium density development in town

centres


25

Trend Indicator: Open space per person Status:

Stable

Open space is an important resource for recreation and leisure for people working and living in the City. Canterbury has a wide spectrum of recreation facilities and spaces throughout the City, including river and creek foreshores and paths, bushland, playing fields and parks. Regional open spaces in Canterbury include Wolli Creek Regional Park, Gough Whitlam Park, Wiley Park, Cooks River foreshore, and Salt Pan Creek Wetlands. District open spaces include John Mountford Reserve in Narwee, and Rudd Park in Belfield. Peel Park in Lakemba is an example of a local open space. outdoor informal recreation facilities, including picnic and barbecue areas, unleashed dog exercise areas, formal gardens (Gough Whitlam Park, Lofts Gardens), community garden at Riverwood, outdoor performance spaces (Wiley Park, Riverwood wetlands), and practice walls.

Snapshot

Canterbury currently has 345 hectares of public open space, which equates to 25 square metres of open space per person. Of this total area of open space, 24% has a regional catchment, 62% district, and 15% local. This figure is drawn from the Strategic Recreation Plan prepared in 2009. Canterbury also has sporting fields (48 in winter, 36 in summer), catering for athletics, Australian Rules, baseball, cricket, football, hockey, rugby league and union, softball and touch football; outdoor sports courts for netball, tennis, basketball and multi-purpose use, specialist sporting facilities such as Canterbury Golf Course, Canterbury Racecourse, Tempe Velodrome, Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink; aquatic centres (Canterbury, Roselands) and gyms / fitness centres; and natural areas focused on rivers and creeks, including bushland (Wolli Creek Valley, along Cup and Saucer Creek, and remnants in Campsie, Wiley Park, Gough Whitlam Park) and wetlands (Cooks River, Wolli Creek, Salt Pan Creek, Gough Whitlam Park).

Status

Deficiencies in the supply of recreation opportunities in Canterbury were identified in 2001. These deficiencies included open space in the central and northern sections of the City (Lakemba, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Campsie) corresponding to increased population densities in those suburbs; evidence of cultural diversity of the City reflected in facilities and activities in its open space areas; recreation opportunities for older children and youth; children’s play equipment that offers a range of experiences; sporting opportunities for girls and women; and access for people with disabilities in most parks and along street pathways. The Strategic Recreation Plan reported that these issues still held in 2009. This indicator is thus considered stable.

Action Highlights

To attempt to address these deficiencies, in recent years, Council has: Undertaken substantial improvements at Salt Pan Creek, Gough Whitlam Park and Belmore Sports Ground. Prepared a new plan of management for Ewen Park undertaken improvements to playgrounds across the City, and to a large number of sporting fields including

Wiley Park, Picken Oval, Rudd Park, Tasker Park, Lees Park and Ewen Park Acquired some small areas of land through Section 94 contributions to establish linkages and parks.



Long Term Goal 1.3 Prosperous local economy

Just deteriorating

Summary

Community Outcomes:

1.3.1 Town centres are vibrant, with a variety of shops and entertainment venues in main shopping centres, busy cafés and restaurants, outdoor dining areas, and an attractive village-feel to local shopping areas

1.3.2 Businesses in our City are prosperous and growing, and there are more local jobs, particularly in professional fields

1.3.3 The profile of our City is improved locally and beyond

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Jobs in retail and food industries

Deteriorating

Local jobs per resident workforce

Just deteriorating

Resident satisfaction with local restaurants

Stable

Resident views on what the City is known for

Not rated


27

Trend Indicator: Jobs in retail and food industries Status:

Deteriorating

Canterbury’s local economy is largely reliant on a few key sectors for employment, particularly manufacturing and retail trade. Jobs in retail and food in the City provide an indication of the state of the businesses in our town centres which are predominantly of this type of business (although there are a limited number of professional services businesses located in town centres also), and thus the vitality of the town centres.

Snapshot

The data below has been sourced from REMPLAN, Council’s economic modelling and data analysis tool, and is based on the ABS Census of Population and Housing destination of work data. No inference is made as to where people in a defined region reside, and the data represents total numbers of employees without any conversions to full-time equivalence.

Jobs in Retail and Food in Canterbury City

1,143 1,0791,539

4,6664,314 3,458

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

2001 2006 2011

Nu

mb

er o

f p

eop

le e

mp

loye

d

Retail Trade

Accommodation, Cafes andRestaurants

Source: REMPLAN, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2001 & 2006 Censuses of Population and Housing

Status

The data indicates that although jobs in both food and retail have decreased steadily by about 7.2 percent per year between 2006 and 2011, jobs in retail have decreased much more (-1,200 or 26%), and jobs in food (there is very little accommodation in Canterbury) have actually increased (+396, or 35%). It is likely that the decrease in jobs in retail and food since 2006 is a result of the general economic downturn since the Global Financial Crisis, but the long term trend is not encouraging.

Action Highlights

Adoption of a new Town Centres Development Control Plan to encourage more quality development in town centres.

Reduction of fees for use of footways for outdoor dining fees to encourage this type of activity Improvements to town centres in Belfield, Belmore, Campsie, Earlwood, Lakemba and Punchbowl



Trend Indicator: Local jobs per resident workforce Status:

Just deteriorating

It is important for quality of life and sustainable development that people living in the City are able to access employment reasonably close to home. If this employment can be provided within the City this is even better. The proportion of local jobs to the workforce residing in Canterbury is one indication of the closeness of employment to home for people living in the City. Understanding where workers come from is also important as it assists in planning and advocacy for roads and public transport provision. It also helps to clarify the economic and employment drivers across areas and assists in understanding the degree of local employment.

Snapshot

This data is a part of the employment and journey to work data sets from the 2001 and 2006 Censuses. Unfortunately journey to work data is only available for the 2006 Census, and so the number of residents working in Canterbury is not known for 2001.

Local jobs and workers in Canterbury

Year 2001 2006

Jobs in Canterbury 25,900 24,141

Workers in Canterbury 49,595 50,540

Residents working in Canterbury NA 8,216

Percentage of jobs to workers 52% 48%

Percentage of residents working in Canterbury

NA 16%

Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2001 and 2006

Local jobs and workers in Canterbury

25,900 24,141

49,595 50,540

8,216

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

2001 2006

Nu

mb

er

Jobs in Canterbury Workers in Canterbury

Residents working in Canterbury

Status

The number of workers living in Canterbury increased from 2001 to 2006 by 945, whilst the number of jobs in the City decreased by 1,759. The percentage of jobs to workers dropped from 52% to 48%. Only 16% of people living in the City had jobs in the City in 2006, but no trend could be observed. Considering this information with the increasing levels of education presented later in this report indicates that more skilled jobs are needed in the City in future to maintain the proportion of local people employed locally.

Action Highlights

Preparation and implementation of Towards 2032 Economic Development and Employment Strategy to improve economic development outcomes and town centres


29

Trend Indicator: Resident satisfaction with local restaurants Status:

Stable

In 2007 and 2010 council undertook a survey of community attitudes to services and facilities provided by council. A statistically valid, demographically representative sample of residents across the City were asked to rate the importance of a range of services and facilities, and their satisfaction with the current state of provision of these.

Snapshot

To date the survey has not gauged resident satisfaction with the appearance and mix of businesses in town centres. Consideration to including this as a topic will be given for the next survey scheduled for 2012. Results from the survey for the health and hygiene of local restaurants have been measured, however, and this is presented below. The difference between the average importance and satisfaction rating is referred to as the ‘gap’. Council is aiming to ‘close the gap’ in reviewing the provision of services and facilities.

Health and hygiene of local restaurants

64%

66%

28%

28%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap


Status

Although satisfaction with the health and hygiene of local restaurants in the City increased from 2007 to 2010, so did importance, so the gap remained the same.

Action Highlights

Partnership with NSW Health to undertake food shop and restaurant inspections Food handling seminars and improvement audits for local businesses Each year the Campsie Food Festival has had an emphasis on food quality and safety



Trend Indicator: Resident views on what the City is known for

Status:

Not rated

The 2010 survey of community attitudes to facilities and services provided by council also included a question: ‘What do you think the City of Canterbury is known for.’ This was the first time this question had been answered so the results presented below do not show a trend. Future surveys will repeat this question so that trends can be observed.

Snapshot

Positive91%

Negative9%

Residents' views of what the City is known for

2%

2%

2%

2%

3%

3%

3%

4%

20%

46%

Poorer area

Sporting facilities

Cooks River

Cheap shopping

A good place to live

Not safe

Friendly people

Canterbury Racecourse

Bulldogs Rugby Team

Multicultural

Top 10 things the City is known for

Source: Canter

Status

The majority of residents (91%) surveyed were positive in what they thought the City was known for. These things included the many diverse cultures, the Bulldogs Rugby Team, Canterbury Racecourse, friendly people, nice places to live, cheap shopping, the Cooks River, the wide range of sporting facilities available, beautiful parks and gardens, and the central location. A further 7% were not positive, and thought the City was known for not being safe, as a poorer area, crowded and overdeveloped, and needing to be cleaner. A small proportion of people (2%) did not have a view. As no trend is available, no status has been determined for this indicator. A further survey will be undertaken in 2012, and every two years after that, which will allow trends to be observed.

Action Highlights

Conducted high profile community events and festivals including Campsie Food Festival, Haldon Street Festival, Earlwood Village Festival, Youth X festival

Completion of an $8.5 million redevelopment of Belmore Sports Ground, enabling the Canterbury Bulldogs Rugby League team to return to the site as their base of operations and for training.

Upgraded Gardens of the World in Gough Whitlam Park including placement of a spectacular sculpture reflecting our multicultural values of respect, unity and peace.


31

2 Stronger Community

Long Term Goal 2.1 Embracing diversity

Just improving

Summary

Community Outcomes:

2.1.1 We are a friendly and harmonious community which values our many different cultures 2.1.2 We have opportunities and community spaces for expression and appreciation of local heritage, arts, music

and culture

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Percentage of people who like living in their local area

Just improving

Volunteering and unpaid care

Not rated



Trend Indicator: Percentage of people who like living in their local area

Status:

Just improving

The perception people have about the place that they live gives an indication of their quality of life. Although people choose to live in Canterbury for a variety of reasons, it is important that they remain satisfied with this decision, and that the combination of things that are important to them continue to be a part of their local area.

Snapshot

Whilst our most recent community surveys in 2007 and 2010 have not specifically asked the question ‘do you like living in your local area’, they have asked ‘what do you like about living in the City of Canterbury’. Analysis of this information has allowed the percentage of people who could not find anything they liked about living in the City, and by deduction the percentage of people who did. Results for the top 10 things people liked about living in the City are also shown.

People who liked something about living in Canterbury

94%

97%

2007

2010

% of respondents

Top 10 things people like about living in Canterbury City

2007 2010

1. access to Sydney CBD and work 2. good neighbourhood and friendly people 3. central location 4. multicultural 5. access to shops 6. good public transport 7. affordable area 8. general services and facilities 9. sport and recreational facilities 10. close to family

1. central location 2. multicultural 3. parks 4. clean 5. friendly people 6. public transport 7. improving appearance 8. cheap shopping 9. nice place to live 10. quiet and peaceful


Status

The percentage of people who liked something about living in Canterbury increased from 94% in 2007 to 97% in 2010. Whilst this increase is small, it is definitely an improvement. In addition, the multicultural character of the city – with people from many diverse nations and cultures living together harmoniously, and the friendly people and familiar neighbourhoods were in the top 10 things people liked in both 2007 and 2010. Other things that remained in the top 10 included the central location and access to Sydney CBD, public transport, cheap shopping, and parks and recreational facilities.

Action Highlights

Our Parks Improvement Program has seen extensive works on sports fields, passive recreation areas and bushland reserves across the City over the past four years.

The Infrastructure Renewal Program has also seen major improvements to roads, footpaths and town centres.


33

Trend Indicator: Volunteering and unpaid care Status:

Not rated

Volunteering and the willingness to provide unpaid care for others in our community is an indicator of community spirit and harmony. In addition there is recognition of the significant and perhaps growing contribution of voluntary and unpaid work in the economy.

Snapshot

A new question in the 2006 Census provided data on volunteering, and unpaid work in the home (including domestic activities, child care, care of the aged and people with disabilities). Here the focus is on volunteering and care of others, including people with a disability, older people, or children.

Volunteering or Unpaid Care for Others

9.0%10.3%

24.2%

14.8%

9.8%

26.3%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

Volunteer Unpaid assistance toperson with a

disability, long termillness or old age

Unpaid care ofchildren

Per

cen

tag

e o

f re

spo

nd

ents

Canterbury City

Sydney SD

Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2006

Status

A lower proportion of people in the City volunteer, and care for children, than in the Sydney Statistical Division (SD), but a higher proportion provides unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, long term illness or old age. A trend has not been identified as this is the first time this question has been asked in the Census. The indicator will be updated when results from the 2011 Census are available.

Action Highlights

Council has undertaken a wide range of events and programs designed to encourage community harmony including Harmony Day, NAIDOC week.

Each year for the past three years an event celebrating the contribution of volunteers has been held. The annual Australia Day Celebrations also include several Citizen of the Year awards, recognising residents

for their community service activities.



Long Term Goal 2.2 Health and safety Just improving

Summary

Community Outcomes:

2.2.1 Healthy lifestyles are supported by parks and gardens with outdoor recreation facilities, playgrounds for children, well-maintained sports grounds and aquatic centres, and community gardens

2.2.2 We have access to adequate health services including doctors, a hospital, and community health and fitness programs

2.2.3 Our city is safe, with low crime, a strong police presence, and adequate street lighting Trend Indicators:

Status:

Physical activity

Stable

Percentage of eligible immunisations completed

Just improving

Community perceptions of crime and safety

Just improving

Incidence of crime

Improving

Road crashes and casualties

Stable


35

Trend Indicator: Physical activity Status:

Stable

This indicator is sourced from Canterbury’s Aquatic and Fitness Centres and represents total visitations to the Centres. It indicates a substantial decrease in visitations since the 2008/09 Olympic period where new trends in physical activity have evolved more in the open environment with outdoor fitness opportunities and a change in the commercial fitness offering with many smaller boutique exercise venues operating.

Snapshot

Financial Year 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Aquatic and Fitness Centre Visits 318,003 339,194 339,894 331,324 320,554

305,000

310,000

315,000

320,000

325,000

330,000

335,000

340,000

345,000

2007 ‐ 08 2008 ‐ 09 2009 ‐ 10 2010 ‐ 11 2011 ‐ 12

Source: Community and Recreation

Status

The trend illustrates a reduction in usage at the Aquatic and Fitness Centres. The opening of various boutique fitness gyms and more recently 24/7 fitness franchises, has impacted the market share of Councils fitness service. Council itself has also opened up a new large indoor sport and fitness Centre which is privately managed. The trend also promotes the need to pursue opportunities in the outdoor environment and identify the physical activity needs as indicated in Council’s Strategic Recreation Plan. Physical activity in the open environment has become more desirable and opportunities have become more abundant with new exercise and fitness techniques being conducted in more natural environments.

Action Highlights

Installation of Trail Fitness Stations at locations along the Cooks River Delivery of Strategic Recreation Plan 2011 New multipurpose sports and fitness centre at Riverwood (Morris Iemma Indoor Sport Centre) Establishment of an Aquatic and Fitness Centres Strategic Reference Group



Trend Indicator: Percentage of eligible immunisations completed

Status:

Just improving

This data for this indicator is provided by Council’s Immunisation Service. It presents the percentage of children between 6 weeks and 4 years of age who are immunised, as a percentage of those invited to be receive immunisation, in the last 18 months. In addition, the number of children immunised over the last 5 years is presented.

Snapshot

Children immunised as a % of number invited

39.4%

22.4%19.7%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

45.0%

Jan - Jun 2011 Jul - Dec 2011 Jan - Jun 2012

Number of children immunised

1,426 1,4171,562 1,602

2,084

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Status

This trend indicates an increase in the Canterbury community accessing Council’s Immunisation Program over the last five years. This represents a willingness and need to access a free health service available to families in the Canterbury LGA. In partnership with the Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, this service offers immunisation specialist nurses to deliver immunisation services to children from 6 weeks to 4 years of age. The decline in percentage of the children immunised as a percentage of those invited is a function of the fact that only after June 2011 did Council receive notifications from Canterbury Hospital of the details of newborn babies. Prior to this, only Bankstown Hospital had sent such details to Council. The number of immunisations is steadily increasing which is an improvement in health outcomes for people of the City. It is uncertain, however, whether all of the eligible infants are being immunised. Further monitoring is required to confirm this trend.

Action Highlights

After Hours GP Clinic at Canterbury Hospital opened in 2010, providing an adjunct service to the Canterbury Hospital Emergency Department and its subscribing General Practitioners.

Council provided the venue for and promoted the Youth Health Service provided at Belmore Youth Resource Centre

Council continued longstanding support of the Mobile Breastscreen Service, in Anzac Mall, Campsie. Community events, such as Women and Health Day in 2009 and 2010.


37

Trend Indicator: Community perceptions of crime and safety Status:

Just improving

We aim to improve the health and safety of our community by encouraging participation in everyday life without the fear of crime. Whilst the statistical profile of Canterbury identifies relatively low levels of crime in most categories, local community consultations have indicated some level of concern regarding crime and fear of crime in our City. As part of our commitment to improving the sense of safety for local residents, we have developed Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plans since 1997. The Plans have enabled us to clearly identify local safety and crime priorities and implement relevant strategies to address these. Our Community Safety Advisory Committee was established in 1997 and promotes a ‘whole of community’ response by comprising of local stakeholders including NSW Police, NSW Fire and Rescue, Canterbury Drug Action Team and Canterbury Domestic Violence Liaison Committee. In addition we have undertaken community safety surveys in 2001 and 2007.

Snapshot

Fear of crime (day)

32%

29%

19%

22%

4%

6%

3%

6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

2007

2001

% of respondents

Little fear Moderate fear Considerable fear Great fear

Fear of crime (night)

23%

13%

28%

23%

16%

24%

20%

23%

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

2007

2001

% of respondents

Little fear Moderate fear Considerable fear Great fear

Source: Community Safety Survey, Micromex, 2001 and 2007

Status

Canterbury residents generally feel they live in a safe community with the vast majority of residents saying they have little fear during the day (29% in 2001 and 32% in 2007). The vast majority of Canterbury residents feel moderate, considerable or great fear during the night (84% in 2011 and 77% in 2007. However, the figures identify that residents have less fear of crime at night compared to 2001. This may be influenced by a number of community safety programs that have been implemented to increase perceptions of safety. Overall it appears that fear of crime and the perception of safety is improving slightly.

Action Highlights

Development of Community Safety Summits to address local safety and crime issues Crime Prevention through Environmental Audits conducted at crime hot spots and recommendations

implemented Upgrade of lighting around our railway stations and commuter car parks Promotion of safety programs through social media to increase residents feelings of safety Establishing partnerships with local stakeholders to address emerging safety issues



Trend Indicator: Incidence of crime Status:

Improving

The City of Canterbury has relatively low crime rates. This can be attributed to factors such as our ongoing commitment towards community safety programs, the number of crime rates reported, the arrest of repeat offenders and police operations targeting specific crimes.

Snapshot

Crime Offences

0200400600800

1000120014001600

MaliciousDamage

Stealfrom

Vehicle

MotorVehicleTheft

Breakand EnterDwelling

Fraud Robbery Stealfrom

Person

Offence Category

Nu

mb

er o

f O

ffen

ces Canterbury 2009

Canterbury 2010

Canterbury 2011

NSW 2009

NSW 2010

NSW 2011

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2012

Status

The 2011 figures show a decrease in reported crime for Malicious Damage, Motor Vehicle Theft, Robbery without a Weapon and Steal from Person. Malicious Damage offences decreased by 7.7%, Motor Vehicle Theft by 19.1%, Robbery without a Weapon 15.4% and Steal from Person by 13.2% over the three year period. There was no statistically significant upward or downward trend over the three year period for the offences of Break and Enter Dwelling, Fraud, and Steal from Vehicle. Despite the static rate of these offences, the incidence of crime in Canterbury is consistently below that of NSW overall for most offences. The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research ranks the top 50 Local Government Areas (LGA) by rate of recorded criminal incidents per 100,000 of populations. Canterbury is ranked in the top 50 LGA for the offences of Robbery without a weapon (7th), Break and Enter Dwelling (34th), Motor Vehicle Theft (34th), Steal from person (40th) and Fraud (26th).

Action Highlights

Development of our Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan 2012-15 Implementation of community safety programs targeting our prominent crime categories such as Motor

Vehicle Theft and Robbery Establishment of a partnership with Bankstown Probation and Parole for graffiti management across our City Supporting local inter-agencies such as the Canterbury Domestic Violence Liaison Committee and Canterbury

Drug Action Team High visibility Policing and increased operations targeting specific crimes


39

Trend Indicator: Road crashes and casualties Status:

Stable

The graphs and statistical information provide an indication of the trends for road casualties in the City of Canterbury. These statistics are sourced from the Centre for Road Safety, Roads and Maritime Services. The most recent statistical data provided is 2010.

Snapshot

The following graphs indicate trends over the reporting years of 2006 to 2010 firstly for total number of crashes and casualties, and then the proportion of casualties for the major road user groups.

5-year Trend Crashes/Casualties 2006-2010

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Crashes

Casualties

5 Year Trend % of Casualties by Road User Group

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

%

Motor Vehicle Driver

Motor vehiclepassengers

Motorcyclists

Pedal Cyclists

Pedestrians

Source: Roads and Maritime Services

Status

Following some very successful years when there were decreases in casualties and crashes there is an upward trend in casualties and crashes in the Canterbury LGA. This trend is similar for the Sydney Metropolitan area crash and casualty statistics The three main road safety issues (in terms of casualties) identified for the City of Canterbury overall in the years 2006-2010 in order: 1. Pedestrians (especially 60+ pedestrians) 2. Young drivers 3. Speed

Action Highlights

Learner Driver Workshops Child Restraint Fitting days Drive Longer Drive Safer –Senior drivers workshops Road safety and working with local schools Working with the Traffic Committee



.

Long Term Goal 2.3 Access to facilities and services

Improving

Summary

Community Outcomes:

2.3.1 We have community facilities that are appropriate and well-used 2.3.2 Services and facilities are available in our City to meet the diversity of people’s needs, and that expand as

our population grows 2.3.3 We have access to local education resources including early learning, schools, TAFE and other

opportunities

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Vocational or higher education qualifications

Improving

People attending library learning programs

Improving

Internet access

Improving

Availability and distribution of childcare

Stable


41

Trend Indicator: Vocational or higher education qualifications

Status:

Improving

This indicator outlines the number of people who are between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have vocational or higher education qualification. This information is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing. The data shows the trend in the 10 years 1996-2006, based on place of enumeration; this is the most recent information available at present.

Snapshot

Number of people living in the City of Canterbury between the ages of 25 and 64 years

who have a vocational or higher education qualification

Year 1996 2001 2006

Number 29,475 33,670 38,208

Percent of 25-64 year olds 93.7% 94.4% 95.0%

People aged 25-64 with vocational or higher education qualifications, as a proportion of all 25-64 year olds

92.5%

93.0%

93.5%

94.0%

94.5%

95.0%

95.5%

1996 2001 2006

Status

The trend shows an increasing proportion of 25-64 year olds who have a vocational or higher education qualification. The graph demonstrates a trend in the population of people who are more likely to have qualifications from a younger age, as well as the growing trend of re-skilling amongst older people.

Action Highlights

Council has annually worked with community partners to offer the community an employment-focused expo or workshops, in the region.

Certificates 3 and 4, in such high demand areas as Aged Care and Child Care, have been made more available to the community through local community-based agencies.



Trend Indicator: People attending library learning programs Status:

Improving

The City of Canterbury Library is committed to offering innovative and relevant life long learning opportunities to our community. People who attend life long learning programs have greater access to information which can allow them to make better decisions and give them an opportunity to participate in their community. Life long learning programs have included ESL classes; Law Week Talks; HSC Talks; Computer Literacy Workshops; expanded Children’s programs (including Baby Bounce and Pre School Storytime); Author Talks; Information Talks and Multicultural Pre School Storytime.

Snapshot

Library Program Attendance at Library Programs by Year

2008-07 2009-08 2010-09 2010-11 2011-12

Children and youth 18,734 18,001 19,352 16,812 19,055

Multicultural 3,186 2,610 2,818 6,390 6,407

General adult 952 1,291 1,260 1,340 2,418

TOTAL 22,872 21,902 23,430 24,542 27,880

Library Program Attendance

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

2008-07 2009-08 2010-09 2010-11 2011-12

An

nu

al A

tten

dan

ce

General adult

Multicultural

Children and youth

Source: City of Canterbury Library Services

Status

The information above shows that overall attendance at Library Programs has increased steadily over the last term. As community demand has increased so to has the diverse nature of the types of programs the library offers. Attendance at Library programs in the Children’s and Youth Services and Multicultural departments have shown a dramatic growth representing the needs of young families in our community and our diverse community.

Action Highlights

Introduction of Celebrating Cultures Program celebrating the diversity of our community Information talks such as Law Week Talks, Seniors Week, Family and Local History talks Expanded Multicultural Services offering different programs in community languages such as preschool story

times, educational workshops, and community language selection meetings. Children’s programs such as pre school storytime, Book Week celebrations, after school and school holiday

activities have been expanded due to popular demand. Authors @ Canterbury has included Nick Earls, William McInnes, Arwa El Masri and Bob Ellis HSC talks providing valuable information for HSC students Computer Training


43

Trend Indicator: Internet access Status:

Improving

It is widely accepted that broadband internet access is an essential requirement to participate in the so-called ‘new economy’ and households with only dial-up or no internet service are increasingly being left behind in the information age. Increasingly fast internet access is required for accessing essential information and undertaking domestic and non-domestic business as both government and the private sector are increasingly conducting their business, or aspects of it, on-line.

Snapshot

This indicator is derived from 2006 Census data on household internet connections. There is no direct comparison to the 2001 census as then data was collected on individual internet usage. Information from both data sets is presented here, and although they cannot be directly compared, some conclusions can be drawn.

Individual Internet Use (2001 Census)

22%

7%

65%

7%

31%

10%

54%

6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

At home Not at home Did not useinternet

Not stated

Canterbury Sydney SD

Household Internet Connections (2006 Census)

52%

38%

10%

62%

29%

9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Total householdinternet connections

No internetconnection

Internet connectionnot stated

Canterbury Sydney SD

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2001 and 2006

Status

In 2006 there were a larger proportion of households in Canterbury City with either no internet connection or a dial up connection, but a smaller proportion of households with broadband connectivity compared to the Sydney Statistical Division (Sydney SD). Overall 54.2% of households had no internet connection or a dial up connection, and 34.8% had broadband connectivity, compared with 45.5% and 45.0% respectively in the Sydney SD. In 2001 22% of people in Canterbury city were able to access the internet at home, compared to 31% in the Sydney SD. In 2006 more than half of households had an internet connection, broadly implying that half of people could access the internet at home. This is a significant increase from 2001.

Action Highlights

Provision of computers for public use and training on use of computers and the internet at libraries Implementation of wireless access at Earlwood and Campsie Libraries



Trend Indicator: Availability and distribution of childcare Status:

Stable

The City of Canterbury has the highest density of 0-4 year olds per square kilometre when compared with similar sized local government areas (with total populations of more than 100,000). In addition with an increasing trend for women to work part- or full-time, the availability of early learning centres for these children is a key consideration. For these centres to be most beneficial they need to be located close to home.

Snapshot

Each year Council prepares a community information directory comprising a list of the community services and facilities located or servicing Canterbury City. Included in this directory is a list of Long Day Care Centres and Pre-Schools. This information has been compiled by suburb and compared with the numbers of children aged 0-4 years in each suburb.

Long Day Care and Preschool Centres in Canterbury 2002 - 2012

0123456789

10

Ash

bury

Bel

field

Bel

mor

e

Bev

erly

Hill

s

Cam

psie

Can

terb

ury

Cro

ydon

Par

k

Ear

lwoo

d

Hur

lsto

neP

ark

Kin

gsgr

ove

Lake

mba

Nar

wee

Pun

chbo

wl

Riv

erw

ood

Ros

elan

ds

Wile

yP

ark

Suburb

Nu

mb

er o

f ce

ntr

es

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

Centres - 2002 Centres - 2006 Centres - 2012 Children 0-4 yrs - 2006

Long Day Care and Pre-School Centres in Canterbury 2002 - 2012

Year 2002 2006 2012

Children 0-4 yrs 9,727 9,408 NA

Centres 53 51 56

Children per place 4.6 4.6 NA

Source: Canterbury City Community Information Directory 2002 and 2012; ABS Census of Population and Housing 2006

Status

There are currently 56 Long Day Care and Pre-School Centres in the City of Canterbury, up from 51 in 2006 and 53 in 2002. The drop in the number of centres in 2006 matches the drop in the number of children aged 0-4, as indicated by the number of children in the City per available place (assuming each centre on average caters for 40 children), which has remained at 4.6. Although information is not yet available from the 2011 census, it is expected that the number of children will have increased based on the increased number of centres. The distribution of centres matches the demand reasonably well, with shortages in Belmore, Campsie, Canterbury, Kingsgrove and Wiley Park and oversupply in Belfield, Croydon Park, Hurlstone Park, Punchbowl, and Riverwood.

Action Highlights

Council continues to provide high quality children’s services in particular through four early learning centres across the City, Family Day Care, Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Care.


45

3 Sustainable Environment

Long Term Goal 3.1 Transport alternatives that work

Just deteriorating

Summary

Community Outcomes:

3.1.1 We have well-maintained roads that are safe and provide for smooth traffic flow and less congestion 3.1.2 Our City is pedestrian- and bike-friendly, with well-maintained footpaths and bike paths connected across

the City through town centres, streets and parks 3.1.3 There are enough buses and trains, and they run on time 3.1.4 Parking for cars and bikes, and bus shelters or seats, is available near shops and public transport

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Community perception of transport issues

Just improving

Road pavement condition

Just deteriorating

Footpath condition

Just improving

Mode of Transport to Work

Deteriorating



Trend Indicator: Community perception of transport issues Status:

Just improving

In 2007 and 2010 council undertook a survey of community attitudes to services and facilities provided by council. A statistically valid, demographically representative sample of residents across the City were asked to rate the importance of a range of services and facilities, and their satisfaction with the current state of provision of these. Through this community perception of range of transport issues was gauged.

Snapshot

Results from the survey for safe and smooth traffic flow, maintenance of local roads, and provision of parking and bus shelters are presented in the graphs below. The difference between the importance and satisfaction rating is referred to as the ‘gap’. Council is aiming to ‘close the gap’ in reviewing the provision of services and facilities.

Safe and smooth flow of traffic

62%

62%

31%

29%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap

Maintenance of local roads

60%

62%

32%

31%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap

Provision of parking

61%

63%

27%

27%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap

Provision of bus shelters

63%

66%

19%

16%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap


Status

Between 2007 and 2010 the gap has closed in three of the areas - safe and smooth flow of traffic, maintenance of local roads, and provision of bus shelters. The importance of maintenance of local roads has increased slightly, but decreased very slightly in the other two. Although satisfaction with provision of parking has improved slightly, so has importance, and so the gap has remained the same. Overall there has been a marginal improvement in community perception of these transport areas.

Action Highlights

Commencement of a five year program to refurbish concrete roads in the City Infrastructure Renewal Program funded by the Infrastructure Renewal Levy that commenced in 2004/05,

allowing extensive renewal of roads, footpaths, and town centres. Construction of traffic calming devices at key locations across the City Expenditure of over $500,000 over the four years on new or refurbished bus shelters and seats. Extension and refurbishment of car parks in Lakemba and Earlwood. Completion of a comprehensive Parking Strategy.


47

Trend Indicator: Road pavement condition Status:

Just deteriorating

Pavement condition data provides status of the surface distress, ride quality and structural information under Council’s control. Our primary objective is to ensure that the long term management of assets and risk are supported by quality objective information.

Snapshot

The road network is divided into 4 approximate equal sections. We survey 25% of the network per year or 100% of the network over a four year period. The data is stored in our asset management system. Condition Pavement Area (square metres) Proportion of total Pavement Area

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Excellent 1,785,178 1,808,207 1,549,525 1,661,182 52% 53% 45% 48%

Good 1,144,092 1,106,252 1,246,374 1,120,443 33% 32% 36% 33%

Fair 407,966 418,659 460,573 460,882 12% 12% 13% 13%

Satisfactory 91,843 83,142 132,863 150,511 2.7% 2.4% 3.9% 4.4%

Poor 21,243 21,233 38,997 41,915 0.6% 0.6% 1.1% 1.2%

Total 3,450,322 3,437,493 3,428,332 3,434,933 100% 100% 100% 100%

Road Pavement Condition 2008-09 to 2011-12

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

2,000,000

Excellent Good Fair Satisfactory Poor

Pav

emen

t A

rea

(sq

uar

e m

etre

s)

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Road Pavement Condition 2011-12(Total area 3,434,933 square metres)

Excellent35%

Good31%

Fair23%

Satisfactory8%

Poor3%

Source: City of Canterbury Council Asset Management System

Status

Over the four year period the proportion of road surface in excellent condition has decreased, the proportion in good condition has remained static, the proportions in fair and satisfactory condition have increased slightly, but the proportion in poor condition has also increased slightly. Given that total area has decreased slightly road pavement condition is thus deteriorating slightly overall.

Action Highlights

Collection of quality sets of asset condition data Development of condition-based footpath works programs A total of 92 road resurfacing and reconstruction projects have been completed in priority areas, with a total

value of approximately $10 million, across the City over the past four years.



Trend Indicator: Footpath condition Status:

Just improving

Footpath condition data provides the status of the footpath network under Council’s control. Our primary objective is to ensure that the long-term management of footpath and associated risk is supported by quality objective information. Information about footpath condition and performance is critical to the decision making process to successfully manage the footpath network.

Snapshot

The footpath network is divided into 4 approximate equal sections. We survey 25% of the footpath network per year or 100% of the footpath network over a four year period. The data is stored in our asset management system.

Condition Metres of Footpath Proportion of Total Footpath Length

2008-09 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Excellent 176,217 176,217 174,899 172,296 33% 32% 32% 34%

Good 163,622 163,622 163,886 166,672 30% 30% 30% 31%

Fair 135,480 135,480 136,747 136,606 25% 25% 25% 23%

Satisfactory 45,068 45,068 45,176 52,993 8% 8% 10% 8%

Poor 18,205 18,205 19,135 17,995 3% 4% 3% 3%

Total 538,592 539,843 546,562 547,733 100% 100% 100% 100%

Footpath Condition 2008-09 to 2011-12

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

200,000

Excellent Good Fair Satisfactory Poor

Met

res

of

Fo

otp

ath

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Footpath Condition 2011-12(Total length 547,743 metres)

Excellent35%

Good31%

Fair23%

Satisfactory8%

Poor3%

Source: City of Canterbury Council Asset Management System

Status

Overall the proportion of footpaths in excellent and good condition has increased over the four years, in satisfactory or poor condition has remained static, and in fair condition has decreased (having been improved). As well as improving condition, a total of 9.1 kilometres has been added. Footpath condition overall is thus improving slightly.

Action Highlights

Collection of quality sets of asset condition data Development of condition-based footpath works programs Ability to target areas in most need of work Upgrading and new footpath construction in particular along the Cooks River


49

Trend Indicator: Mode of Transport to Work Status:

Deteriorating

This indicator, derived from the Census, reveals the main Modes of Transport used by residents to get to work. This data is very useful in transport planning as it informs decision-makers on the effectiveness and availability of local public transport. There are a number of reasons why people use different Modes of Transport to get to work including: the availability of affordable and effective public transport options; the number of motor vehicles available within a household; and The travel distance to work, which for example, can allow people to walk or bicycle to their place of

employment.

Snapshot

Mode of Transport

2001 2006 Change

Train 10,348 9,591 -757 Bus 1,642 1,639 -3 Tram or Ferry 24 37 13 Taxi 205 225 20 Car - as driver 24,658 26,525 1,868 Car - as passenger 3,243 3,114 -129 Truck 825 692 -133 Motorbike 122 146 24 Bicycle 116 152 36 Walked only 1,470 1,376 -94 Other 418 338 -80 Worked at home 1,220 1,082 -139 Did not go to work 3,749 3,967 218 Not stated 1,271 1,479 207 Total 49,311 50,362 1,052

Status

In 2006, there were 11,267 people who caught public transport to work (train, bus, tram or ferry) in Canterbury City, compared with 30,477 who drove in private vehicles (car –as driver, car – as passenger, motorbike, or truck). The largest changes in the method of travel to work by resident population in Canterbury City between 2001 and 2006 were for Car - as driver (+1,868 persons); Did not go to work (+218 persons); Train (-757 persons), and; Worked at home (-139 persons). The increase in use of cars and decreasing use of public transport as a mode of transport to work has contributed to increasing congestion, and indicates that community outcomes are not being achieved.

Action Highlights

Review and implementation of the new State Transit bus routes and times tables including the introduction of the metro buses that operate frequently to link key transport and social hubs.

Kingsgrove to Revesby Quadruplication Project expansion of the East Hills train line for increased capacity and number of express trains to the line.

Road cycling training and bicycle maintenance courses to encourage more people to use bicycles as a transport option.



Long Term Goal 3.2 Responsible use of resources

Just improving

Summary

Community Outcomes:

3.2.1 Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from our activities are reduced 3.2.2 Water consumption from our activities is reduced 3.2.3 Waste from our homes and businesses is minimised through resource recovery

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Council and community water consumption

Stable

Council and community energy consumption

Just improving

Community waste generation and recycling

Just improving


51

Trend Indicator: Council and community water consumption Status:

Stable

The City of Canterbury’s total water consumption comprises water used by residential, industrial, commercial and Council owned dwellings. Sydney Water collects information on the water use of these different types of dwellings and provides it to Council in October each year. Council also tracks the water consumption of its own properties.

Snapshot

Water Use in the City of Canterbury

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

ML

per

yea

r

Council

Commercial buildings

Residential dwellings

Water used by: Water use (ML per year)

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Residential dwellings 10,299 10,098 10,635 10,738 10,731

Commercial buildings 1,341 1,242 1,334 1,350 1,208

Council 131 109 164 141 140

Other 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3

Total 11,771 11,449 12,133 12,230 12,079

Source: Sydney Water

Status

Total water used by Council and residential dwellings has been relatively consistent over the past three years and has increased by less than 5% from 2006-07 to 2010-11. Water use by Council has fluctuated in the past five years, peaking at 164 ML/year in 2008-09 due to an underground leak at one pool that was quickly repaired.

Action Highlights

Developed a Water Savings Action Plan, targeting Council’s top ten water-using facilities. Installed low-flow devices in the basins of all council facilities, and installed rainwater tanks to reduce

dependence upon potable water, and plumbed them into the amenities, at a number of community buildings including Ashbury, Belmore, and Earlwood Senior Citizens’ Centres, and Riverwood Community Centre

Installed rainwater tanks (270 kL storage capacity) at the Council Depot to use rainwater for truck washing, toilet-flushing and for irrigation of parks and gardens.

Promoted the program of rebates and subsidies offered by Sydney Water and the NSW Government to our local community through information events, workshops and the media to over 15,000 households.

Conducted community education campaigns that included tours and practical workshops to promote the importance of conserving water, water sensitive design, rain gardens and water efficiency in the home.



Trend Indicator: Council and community energy consumption

Status:

Just improving

Canterbury’s total energy consumption is composed of electricity and/or gas utilised by residential dwellings, businesses, streetlights and Council owned buildings, as well as transport fuels utilised by residential, business and Council vehicles. Some of this information is very difficult to obtain, and not always accurate.

Snapshot

Canterbury City Electricity Consumption

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

mil

lio

n k

Wh

Residential Business Streetlighting Other

Canterbury City electricity consumption (million kWh)

Year 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Residential 319 323 310 306

Business 219 216 218 215

Streetlighting 5.4 5.6 5.6 5.1

Other 14 12 13 14

Total 558 556 546 539

Source: AusGrid Community Electricity Report 2010-11

Council Energy Consumption

27,2

66

22,6

19

25,7

88

23,3

83

24,7

35

26,2

48

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Gig

ajo

ule

s (G

J)

Fleet Electricity and gas

Council energy consumption (GJ)

Year 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Fleet 27,266 22,619 25,788 23,383

Electricity & gas 24,735 * * 26,248

Total 52,001 NA NA 49,631

Source: City of Canterbury's Carbon Management System * Energy consumption data for 2008-09 and 2009-10 is incomplete

Status

Council’s total energy consumption has only decreased marginally over the four years to 2010-11, and although fleet consumption has reduced by approximately 14%, electricity and gas has increased. A sustained trend has not been confirmed, and further monitoring is required. The City’s streetlight energy consumption has been fairly even over the four year period. Residential and business electricity consumption has reduced slightly. Overall, the City of Canterbury appears to have reduced its energy consumption by 3%. This is an encouraging trend.

Action Highlights

Promotion of the NSW Government’s Home Power Savings and the OEH Home Saver Rebates Programs. Delivered workshops and information on energy efficiency to the general public, including the SAVE Program

specifically targeting low income households, provided OEH Save Power Kits to community. Promoted Fridge Buyback and NSW Government’s residential rebates for energy and water efficiency. Established the Smart Biz sustainable business program to support local businesses improve energy

efficiency, and established a Sustainable Business Award category in Local Business Awards. Implemented Global Carbon Systems to accurately monitor Council’s energy, water, and paper consumption. Conducted energy audits at Council’s top eight energy consuming buildings.


53

Trend Indicator: Community waste generation and recycling Status:

Just improving

Responsible management of the waste generated in our community is essential to ensure a healthy environment and reduce the cost of disposal. This can include recovery of materials such as plastic, paper glass, steel and aluminium. Council promotes recycling by providing all residential properties access to a three bin waste service, including a weekly collection of a 140L rubbish bin, and fortnightly collection of a 240L recycling and garden vegetation bin at single dwellings. Improvements to waste and recycling within the City of Canterbury is driven by community expectations and a waste diversion target set by the NSW Government of a 66% diversion rate by 2014. This includes all material diverted from landfill through the use of our recycling and garden vegetation bins.

Snapshot

Quantities of rubbish, recycling and garden vegetation from Canterbury City

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

To

nn

es

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Rubbish Recycling Garden Vegetation % diverted

Year 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Rubbish 42,002 33,632 32,523 32,591 31,113 31,401 32,496 32,737 33,035 33,028 34,075

Recycling 5,915 9,736 11,438 11,627 11,792 12,544 13,502 13,618 13,439 13,283 12,609

Garden Vegetation 2,738 3,550 4,210 4,648 7,951 8,967 10,433 10,321 10,153 10,497 11,625

Total 50,655 46,918 48,171 48,866 50,856 52,912 56,431 56,676 56,627 56,808 58,309

% diverted 17% 28% 32% 33% 39% 41% 42% 42% 42% 42% 42%

Source: City of Canterbury Waste and Cleaning Services

Status

The volume of material diverted from landfill continues to increase, with a peak in total quantity diverted from landfill in 2011-2012 of 24,234 tonnes. Our diversion rate peaked in 2007-2008 at 42.4%, but we still have a long way to go in order to meet the NSW Government’s target of 66% by 2014. A dramatic reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfill can be seen in 2001-02 arising from a change from 240L to 140L bins for rubbish. Since this time the amount of waste sent to landfill has remained fairly constant. The amount of recycling collected continues to grow, arising first from provision of 240L recycling bins and then 240L garden vegetation bins.

Highlights of actions

Employment of three full time Waste Education staff resulted in a peak diversion rate of 42.4% in 2007-08. Introduction of the garden vegetation bin service in 2005 Investigation of Alternative waste technology and assessment of tenders in 2010, which lead to the conclusion

that this technology was not yet cost effective.



Long Term Goal 3.3 Healthy natural environment

Just improving

Summary

Community Outcomes:

3.3.1 Water quality and aquatic habitat in our City is improved – we have a clean Cooks River system 3.3.2 Biodiversity is enhanced and protected 3.3.3 Air quality is improved 3.3.4 Noise amenity is improved 3.3.5 People in our community are aware and actively support protection of our natural environment

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Stream water quality

Stable

Pollution days and complaints

Stable

Areas available to enhance biodiversity

Improving

Trees planted and trees removed

Just improving

Volunteering in environmental activities

Improving


55

Trend Indicator: Stream water quality Status:

Stable

There are two main water courses in Canterbury – the Cooks River and its tributaries (Cups and Saucer Creek and Wolli Creek), and Salt Pan Creek which flows into the Georges River. The Cooks River catchment area is highly urbanised, with one of the highest population densities in NSW, encompassing 100 km2 and 13 local government areas. The City of Canterbury makes up about 24% of the Cooks River catchment. Council works in partnership with other councils to improve the health of the river across the catchment. Key activities to remove pollution from the River include the installation of stormwater management structures (or gross pollutant traps) and the physical removal of rubbish and sediment in these structures, and in parks and reserves in the catchment area.

Snapshot

Material removed from Rivers and Streams

31 3625

16

23

46

3946

483

5

7

10 10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

To

nn

es

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Nu

mb

er o

f st

orm

wat

er

man

agem

ent

stru

ctu

res

Material removed by stormwater management structures (tonnes)

Rubbish collected by CREW (tonnes)

Number of stormwater management structures

Water pollution complaints to Council

72

59

77

50 50

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Nu

mb

er o

f co

mp

lain

ts

Source: Environmental Strategy and CREW. Data for CREW 2011/12 is not available until October 2012

Status

Our community is proactive in notifying Council of water pollution incidents and this assists Council to respond accordingly. The CREW program has undergone a restructure during 2011 and this has affected the total amount of rubbish collected. Stormwater management structures are located across the local government area. The tonnes of material collected has increased between 2009/10 and 2010/11, as three new structures were installed.

Action Highlights

In 2011 established the Cooks River Alliance - eight councils working in partnership to improve water quality through community engagement, capacity building and on-ground works.

Installed Wolli Creek Fishway in 2009 to assist native fish to move over the weir, from saltwater to freshwater, to find suitable a habitat and avoid predators. This was a joint project between the City of Canterbury, Rockdale Council, the Sydney Metro Catchment Management Authority and NSW Industry and Investment.

Supported community groups, such as the Mudcrabs and Wolli Creek Preservation Society, to collect litter and rubbish from waterways, foreshore parks and reserves.

Undertaken $1.8 million of water-sensitive urban design projects since 2009 including: construction of Cup and Saucer Creek Wetland; installation of the Johnson St bioretention filter; restoration of Turella Creek Saltmarsh; and installation of rain gardens and stormwater management structures.

Supported monitoring of the health of our water ways through the: Cooks River Valley Association’s Stream Watch group, testing the water quality; and Riverscience, an annual ecological monitoring program.



Trend Indicator: Pollution days and complaints Status:

Stable

Air pollution is a regional issue as it is influenced by human activities, natural events and weather patterns across the greater metropolitan region. In this respect, improving air quality is also a regional responsibility.

Snapshot

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) monitors ozone, nitrogen dioxide, visibility, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and particles in the air at 14 sites around Sydney. The closest air quality monitoring site to Canterbury is in Beaman Park, Earlwood. Hourly air quality results can be downloaded from the OEH website. The graphs below show the number of days in each of the past five financial years when the regional air quality index (RAQI) was low (below 66), medium (67-99), and high (above 100) at Beaman Park, Earlwood, and the number of air pollution complaints received by Council during this same time frame.

High, medium, and low pollution days in Earlwood

1%7% 5% 4% 2%

12%

20% 18%

8%11%

87%

74%77%

88% 86%

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Per

cen

tag

e o

f d

ays

per

yea

r

High Medium Low

Number of air pollution complaints to Council

67

54 5359 58

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Nu

mb

er o

f co

mp

lain

ts

Source: Office of Environment and Heritage, City of Canterbury Regulatory Services Team

Status

Overall, these indicators show that air quality has neither drastically improved nor worsened in the last five years. The numbers of low pollution days, and the numbers of air pollution complaints to Council, have remained relatively constant in the last five years. The latter is not a very effective indicator of air quality however, because numbers are highly influenced by human behaviour.

Highlights of actions

The extensive promotion of active transport such as walking and cycling across the City, through: 1. Participation in a project aiming to link the Cooks River cycleway to Iron Cove with a shared walking and

bicycle path, as well as a light rail, in partnership with Marrickville, Leichhardt and Ashfield Councils. 2. Participation in the SAVE Program, in partnership with Marrickville, Randwick and City of Sydney Councils

and Housing NSW, providing bike maintenance and cycling safety training workshops to the community. 3. Established a Community Bike Shed with members who repair old, unwanted bicycles to give away to

communities in need across the City. Council’s transition towards a more sustainable fleet composed of vehicles that have a lower impact on air

quality. Council has replaced almost all its six-cylinder vehicles with 4-cylinder vehicles, and introduced hybrid vehicles into the fleet. All vehicles and equipment are also regularly inspected and serviced.

Council officers respond to air pollution complaints with investigations, fines, and education.


57

Trend Indicator: Areas available to enhance biodiversity Status:

Improving

The enhancement of biodiversity is measured by environmental rehabilitation and restoration projects and new revegetated areas in the LGA. Native revegetation includes new riparian, woodland, and wetland plantings; and constructed environments include wetland and saltmarsh areas. These areas provide essential habitat that support the Cooks River ecosystem.

Snapshot

Area of environmental rehabilitation

8

10.5

13.08 13.08

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Hec

tare

s

Area of new vegetation

10

12

15.7

16.9

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Hec

tare

s

Source: SOE reports: biodiversity; Data: Peter Goss, Data: Jeff Senior.

Data shows improved biodiversity through projects that have increased the area of rehabilitated environments, and new revegetation, both which supports habitat and biodiversity in the LGA.

Action Highlights

New riparian revegetation improves the biodiversity value of Campsie Remnant Bushland 2011-12 and Cup and Saucer Creek 2010-2011.

Canterbury Wetlands and riparian vegetation constructed with Sydney Water and the Sydney Metropolitan CMA in 2010-2011 increases biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, turtles, crustaceans and invertebrates and provides additional habitat and stormwater management in the Cooks River.

The Gough Whitlam Saltmarsh on the Cooks River created in 2009-2010 increases the rare habitat provided by this endangered ecological community.

Turella Fishway constructed in 2008-2009 with City of Rockdale, Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority and the Department Primary Industries allows fish migration in Wolli Creek.



Trend Indicator: Trees planted and trees removed Status:

Just improving

Vegetation area improves habitat and biodiversity. Vegetation trend indicator evaluates new plantings, including street trees and community planting; and trees removed.

Snapshot

Trees planted or removed

5,551

4,677

2,994

3,637

1,028 1,005756 801

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Num

ber

of t

rees

pla

nted

or

rem

oved

New trees planted Trees removed

Source: TPO assessment reports; SOE reports: biodiversity; Data: Peter Goss

Status

Although the number of new plantings is greater than the number of trees removed, the biodiversity value of mature trees outweighs new plants. Plantings have decreased over time as open areas in public space become more vegetated. The general trend towards decreased trees being removed together with a high number of new plantings demonstrates an improvement in the quantity and quality of vegetation.

Action Highlights

Revegetation of parklands creates habitat, and improves biodiversity, climate, and air and water quality. Reduction in mature tree removals. Community revegetation projects including Mudcrabs at the Foord Ave site on the Cooks River, Friends of

Ewen Park in Ewen Park, and al-Ghazzali work along the Cooks River at Rosedale Reserve Tree planting at Peace Park, Ashbury and Bell Street, Riverwood


59

Trend Indicator: Volunteering in environmental activities Status:

Improving

A community that is aware and actively supportive of a healthy natural environment is measured by number of hours spent volunteering in bushcare and Cooks River cleanup activities. Availability of environmental education workshops is also a key indicator in environmental awareness of the community. Two active volunteer groups in Canterbury City are the Wolli Creek Preservation Society and the Mudcrabs. The Society, formed in 1983 to oppose the construction of the M5 Motorway through Wolli Creek, currently has 386 members and runs weekly bush regeneration events. The Mudcrabs, formed in 2005, is the volunteer arm of the Cooks River Valley Alliance, and reaches ~ 500 people in the community. The Mudcrabs organise bushcare activities at five locations along the Cooks River each month, and four annual ‘Clean-up’ events where rubbish is removed from the River.

Snapshot

Volunteering in Environmental Activities

170

87

127 114

1,488

1,744

2,352

2,833

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Nu

mb

er o

f T

ree

Pla

nti

ng

V

olu

nte

ers

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

To

tal

Nu

mb

er o

f V

olu

nte

er H

ou

rs

Tree planting volunteers Volunteer hours

Environmental Workshops

14

27 29

12

13 10

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Nu

mb

er o

f w

ork

sho

ps

Environmental workshops Earthworks workshops

Source: Mudcrabs data, Wolli Creek Preservation Society Data, SOE report; Data from volunteer sign on sheets; Waste Education Officer

Status

The steady increase of volunteer hours dedicated to environmental work demonstrates the awareness, interest and commitment of the community in enhancing and creating a healthy natural environment. Although the number of people participating in tree planting events has remained static, people are volunteering for a range of other activities. Environmental workshops allow an engaged community to be supported, and the number of these has steadily increased over the past three years. Although the number of Earthworks has declined slightly, the number of participants per workshop has increased, demonstrating an increasing level of environmental engagement and awareness in our community.

Action Highlights

Council-supported bush care groups established at Gough Whitlam Saltmarsh and Canterbury Wetland. Engagement of a Sustainability Project Officer in 2010-11 resulted in increased workshop delivery with

community organisations Both the Mudcrabs and the Wolli Creek Preservation Society have been vocal advocates of the local

environment in the community. In addition to direct conservation efforts, both have campaigned for a national Container Deposit Scheme; and against extension of the M5 motorway through Wolli Creek.



4 Strategic Leadership

Long Term Goal 4.1 Healthy finances

Stable

Summary

Community Outcomes:

4.1.1 Our Council’s strong financial position is protected by long term planning and accurate reporting 4.1.2 Resources are available to deliver the services and infrastructure we need

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Independent assessment of financial position

Stable


61

Trend Indicator: Independent assessment of financial position

Status:

Stable

Council is responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Local Government Act 1993. This includes the maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls; implementing internal controls relevant to the preparation of financial statements; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making reasonable accounting estimates. Each year an independent auditor is engaged to conduct an audit and express an opinion of these financial statements. As part of their audit report, the independent auditor provides a statement on council’s financial position of.

Snapshot

The data below has been obtained from financial statements from 2007-08 to 2010-11. Key performance indicators used in assessing financial position are shown, as is the auditor’s opinion. Summary of financial position 2007-08 to 2010-11 Year 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Unrestricted current ratio 2.65 1.46 1.52 1.88 Working capital ($'000s) 2,876 225 2,310 2,514 Debt 0.37% 0.36% 0.46% 1.13% Summary of opinion Sound Satisfactory Adequate Adequate

Working capital ($'000s)

2,876

225

2,3102,514

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Unrestricted current ratio

2.65

1.46 1.52

1.88

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Debt

0.37% 0.36%0.46%

1.13%

0.00%

0.20%

0.40%

0.60%

0.80%

1.00%

1.20%

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Status

Apart from a drop in working capital in 2008-09 arising from the impact of the Global Financial Crisis, all other indicators have remained at acceptable levels, and the auditor’s opinion has remained at sound, satisfactory or adequate.

Action Highlights

Implementation of a comprehensive program to review levels and costs of services to identify savings Long Term Financial Planning including establishment of a detailed modelling tool. Preparation of a Fraud Control and Corruption Prevention Policy and Plan Establishment of an ongoing Internal Audit program.



Long Term Goal 4.2 Engaged community

Improving

Summary

Community Outcomes:

4.2.1 We work with our Council to advocate with impact about key local issues 4.2.2 Our Council values and encourages active community participation 4.2.3 We can obtain the information and advice we need about issues that affect us 4.2.4 We can obtain the information we need about the services, facilities and programs our Council offers

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Satisfaction with consultation and information

Just improving

Website visits

Improving

Customer enquiries

Improving


63

Trend Indicator: Satisfaction with consultation and information

Status:

Just improving

In 2007 and 2010 council undertook a survey of community attitudes to services and facilities provided by council. A statistically valid, demographically representative sample of residents across the City were asked to rate the importance of a range of services and facilities, and their satisfaction with the current state of provision of these. Through this community satisfaction with consultation by and information from council was gauged.

Snapshot

Results from the survey for information on council services, and consultation by council are show below. The difference between the importance and satisfaction rating is referred to as the ‘gap’. Council is aiming to ‘close the gap’ in reviewing the provision of services and facilities.

Information on council services

67%

68%

15%

15%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap

Consultation with community by Council

62%

64%

22%

21%

2007

2010

Satisfaction Gap


Status

Between 2007 and 2010 satisfaction has increased in both information on council services, and consultation with the community by council. As the importance of information has also increased however, the gap has remained the same. The importance of consultation has also increased, but not by as much as satisfaction and the gap has closed slightly. Overall there has been slight improvement.

Action Highlights

Provided information via stalls, website, and a wide range of printed materials on council services Conducted community surveys in 2007 and 2010 Prepared a community engagement policy and framework in 2010 Conducted comprehensive engagement for preparation of our Strategic Recreation Plan in 2008, and Ageing

Strategy in 2010, and ‘Imagine Canterbury’ to renew the Community Strategic Plan in 2010.



Trend Indicator: Website visits Status:

Improving

Since the inception of the Website in 1996, the World Wide Web has become a primary means of communication and an integral source of information for our organisation and our residents. Through our Website, Council provides accurate and timely electronic information on Council management, policies, procedures, programs, services, events and legislative requirements, to its customers and to provide a means of engaging with the community, Councillors and staff. Our Website aims to address the needs of our community and visitors seeking information about the Council and its local area as well as providing online access to the library catalogue, DA and building information, corporate documents & forms, and the latest news and events.

Snapshot

Data for this indicator - website visits to the main website, is recorded by web analytics software.

Website visits

352,181 354,376

401,015423,086

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

450,000

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Nu

mb

er o

f vi

sits

Source: Communications and Events Team

Status

The steady increase in visitors to our website may be attributable to both the increase in access to the internet by our residents and better promotion of our Website through print and online media, including social media. With internet access becoming less expensive, the increase in the usage of handheld devices and social media supplementing our online presence, we estimate that visitors to our website will likely continue its upward trend.

Action Highlights

Commenced using Twitter to further supplement our online presence Set up Facebook account to promote news, services and events Increased use of RSS feeds and email subscription to promote information published online Development of standalone websites to promote and brand Council events Incorporated online DA tracking into our online services Further developed our Website to be viewed on mobile device Use of Flickr to publish photos of Council events and promotions Restyled and rebranded online library catalogue to better reflect our corporate image Refined and improved our Website search facility


65

Trend Indicator: Customer enquiries Status:

Improving

Council provides information and assistance to residents and people working in the City through its Customer Service Centre located in the Administration Building in Campsie. A skilled team of customer service officers respond to both telephone and over the counter enquiries, attempting as much as possible to resolve these enquiries at the first point of contact. The number of enquiries is an indicator both of residents need for information, but also their confidence in their enquiry being adequately responded to.

Snapshot

The data below shows the number of enquiries received by the Customer Service Centre over the past four years.

Customer enquiries

29,655 34,981 41,521 45,262

111,643

128,528138,519

116,478

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

200,000

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Nu

mb

er

Counter Phone

Source: City of Canterbury Customer Services Team

Status

Both telephone and over-the-counter enquiries increased steadily over the years 2008-09 to 2010-11. In 2011-12, although over-the-counter enquiries continued to increase, telephone enquiries dropped significantly. It is thought that this can be attributed to the increased availability of information online, a view that is supported by the steady increase in website visits (see previous). The data confirms the need for the Customer Service Centre for over the counter enquiries, and also the willingness of people to contact council for information they need. It is considered that this trend indicator is improving.

Action Highlights

Maintenance of Customer Service Centre and staffing levels Ongoing training for Customer Service Officers .



Long Term Goal 4.3 Effective governance Improving

Summary

Community Outcomes:

4.3.1 Our Council’s leadership and operations are honest, transparent and accountable 4.3.2 Our Council creates infrastructure that meets our needs, works well and is built to last 4.3.3 Our Council’s plans and policy provide clear direction 4.3.4 Our Council manages its exposure to risk responsibly 4.3.5 Our Council complies with its legislative obligations

Trend Indicators:

Status:

Satisfaction with council performance

Just improving

Governance Health Check assessment

Improving

Access to information requests

Improving


Just deteriorating


67

Trend Indicator: Satisfaction with council performance Status:

Just improving

In 2007 and 2010 council undertook a survey of community attitudes to services and facilities provided by council. In a statistically valid, demographically representative sample, residents across the City were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with the performance of council.

Snapshot

1.3%

4.2%

39.4%

45.2%

9.5%

0.4%

2.5%

8.3%

38.9%

38.7%

11.4%

0.3%

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

Very dissatisfied - 1.

2.

3.

4.

Very satisfied - 5.

No response - 6.

% of responses

2010 2007


Status

Between 2007 and 2010 there has been a reduction in proportion of residents dissatisfied or very dissatisfied, a large increase in the number of residents satisfied, and a slight decrease in the proportion of residents very satisfied. The proportion that were neutral or had no response remained much the same. Overall there was a slight improvement in satisfaction with council performance.

Action Highlights

Implementation of a new Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework to orient council’s activities and resources towards priorities for community outcomes outlined in the Community Strategic Plan.

Implementation of a corporate performance monitoring framework that aligns key performance indicators to strategies to achieve community outcomes.

Completion of a number of priority projects including Riverwood Wetlands, Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre, Punchbowl Multipurpose Centre, Belmore Sports Ground, Strategic Recreation Plan, Ageing Strategy, Town Centre Improvements, Towards 2032 Economic Development Strategy and Anzac Mall Place Management Strategy, city-wide LEP, Canterbury Road and Canterbury Town Centre masterplans.



Trend Indicator: Governance Health Check Assessment Status:

Improving

We assess our governance performance using the Governance Health Check, which is a self-assessment tool developed by the Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) (NSW) and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 2004. There are 26 elements under four broad categories of ethics and values, risk management and internal control, decision making processes, and monitoring and review. We undertook an initial Governance Health Check in 2005. The results of this provided the basis of our first Governance Improvement Plan. In May 2007 the Governance Health Check was reviewed and updated, and a further review was conducted in September 2010. Our Governance Improvement Plan was revised following each review.

Snapshot

Each of the 26 elements is given a level of achievement rating as shown below. The aim is to reduce the number of lower ratings and increase the number of higher ratings through improvements in each of the elements.

Rating Level of Achievement

0 no or informal system or policy in place - not meeting legislative requirements

1 informal system or policy in place that meets legislative requirements

2 formal documented system in place that meets legislative requirements

3 system or policy in place, communicated to stakeholders and generally understood, training programs undertaken

4 effectiveness of system or policy is measured and regularly reviewed – continuous improvement demonstrated

Governance Health

7

3

0

54

2

98

10

5

11

14

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

2005 2007 2010Nu

mb

er o

f el

emen

ts i

n e

ach

Rat

ing

Rating 1

Rating 2

Rating 3

Rating 4

Status

The graph above demonstrates a steady improvement in our Governance Health across the 26 elements since the fist Health Check in 2005. In 2011 we were pleased to be awarded a Highly Commended by LGMA (NSW) for Excellence in Leadership and Innovation for our Governance Improvement Plan.

Action Highlights

Introduction of a robust and award winning risk management program Preparation and implementation of a Community Consultation Framework Introduction of internal audit function Improvement in the relevance and currency of policies through establishment of regular policy review program Improvement in access to information


69

Trend Indicator: Access to information requests Status:

Improving

The NSW Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (and prior to that the NSW Freedom of Information Act 1989 and s.12 of the Local Government Act 1993) provides a means for members of the community to gain access to government information. The majority of our information can be provided through informal processes such as on our website or by request through our Customer Service section. However, some government information requires a more formal process with the lodgement of an application and payment of a fee to gain this access. The type of information that requires this level of formality includes access to personal information, business interests, legal matters or confidential information. It is these formal requests which are the subject of this trend indicator report.

Snapshot

Formal Access to Information Applications

3328

36 36

65

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2007-08 FOI 2008-09 FOI 2009-10 FOI 2010-11 GIPA 2011-12 GIPA

Nu

mb

er o

f ap

pli

cati

on

s p

roce

ssed

Status

As can be seen from the graph, formal access to information applications remained steady during the reporting years from 2007 to 2011. The number of applications received in the 2011/12 year is a marked increase on previous years and can be attributed to an increased interest by the community in government information which is not easily accessible e.g. historical development information related to specific properties, information from closed sessions of Council meetings, investigations as a result of insurance matters (personal claims), legal and confidential matters. An increase in the number of requests further indicates the confidence the community has in us to provide the government information they require.

Action Highlights

Active participation during the review of the FOI Act including the preparation of submissions to the NSW Ombudsman’s Office

Implementation of the new Government Information (Public Access) Act processes and procedures across Council

Development and implementation of Access to Information page on our website Enhanced Development Application (DA) Tracker on the website providing easy access to current DA

information



Trend Indicator: Customer requests and complaints Status:

Just deteriorating

Council encourages residents to report matters that concern them, or that they consider may need action. These matters include street cleanliness and appearance, condition of roads and footpaths, community and business activities, dumped rubbish, and the quality of services and facilities provided. In recent years council has substantially revised its Complaints Management Policy and Procedures to clearly define both customer requests and complaints. The number of requests and complaints is a broad indicator of the state of the City – a greater number means that there are many matters that need attention. It is also an indication of how proactive council is – a lower number is a general indication that council is acting on issues before residents need to report them.

Snapshot

The data below shows the number of requests and complaints received by the Customer Service Centre over the past four years. The requests and complaints per 1,000 population is calculated using the ABS Estimated Resident Population.


21,524

32,648 33,970

27,789

154

230 237

192

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Nu

mb

er

0

50

100

150

200

250

Requests and complaints Requests and complaints per 1,000 population

Source: City of Canterbury Customer Services Team, ABS Estimated Resident Population 2008 – 2011

Status

Although the number of customer requests and complaints increased steadily over the years 2008-09 to 2009-10, there was a significant drop in 2011-12, although there were more in that year than in 2008-09. The same pattern is observed in the number of requests and complaints per 1,000 population. It is considered that this indicator is deteriorating slightly.

Action Highlights

Implemented new Complaints Management Policy and Procedures

Increased use of Electronic Content Management System to track requests and complaints and their responses

Documents

End of Term Report 2012