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Strathfieldsaye Town CentreUrban Design Framework Issues and Opportunities DRAFT

2 Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework; Issues and Opportunities Report

1. Introduction 3

2. Community Consultation 4

3. Key issues and opportunities 5

4. Principles 10

5. From Principles to Framework 12

Appendix 1 - Community Consultation Comments 14

Appendix 2 - Survey Results 22

Appendix 3 - Drawings from Primary School consultation 30

Contents

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This document is the summary of stage 1, Issues and Opportunities for the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework (UDF). This is the first stage of four, in completing the Strathfieldsaye UDF.

A UDF sets the direction and coordination for the development of an area. It involves the generation of ideas and the preparation of realistic design concepts based on extensive community engagement, research and analysis.

The UDF will focus on the Town Centre and the area along Strathfieldsaye/Wellington Road. These areas have a considerable influence on the existing and future character of the town and are expected to see significant growth and new development.

1. Introduction

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Strathfieldsaye Town Centre

Project area for Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework

Urban Growth Boundary


Community Drop-in SessionsOn the two days of community consultation the

comments of approximately 110 community members were collected. There was a great diversity in comments and interest. All collected comments of the community consultation can be found in Appendix 1.

SurveyDuring the process of community consultation, two surveys were available online. The main survey was completed by 180 people giving a great insight into the opinions of the community.

One of the survey questions highlighted the vision of the Strathfieldsaye Township Plan 2009. The vision was divided in separate parts to assess if the community still supports this vision. All of the aspects of the vision were supported by a majority of the community. The vision is shown here on the right hand side.

The youth survey in particular received a great response rate. Over 290 people aged 25 or younger have completed the survey, giving an idea of how the youth sees the future of their town. In comparison with the full survey respondents the youth survey was more focused on the liveliness in their town asking for more shops and activities.

All results of both surveys can be found in Appendix 2.

School EngagmentStrathfieldsaye Primary School and St Francis of the Fields Primary School were visited and the students of years 5/6 were asked to draw how they see the future of their town. Many exciting drawings were made with a wide range of future perspectives. A selection of drawings can be found in Appendix 3.

2. Community Consultation

Respects and protects existing environmental features, in particular the creeks, native vegetation and Greater Bendigo National Park

Creates a strong sense of place derived from its distinctive bushland and semi-rural setting

Creates a healthy place to live, where all residents are well connected with each other and the Town Centre

Strengthens the concept of Strathfieldsaye as a ‘village’ with the Town Centre as the focus of community life

Increases residential living options in locations close to the Town Centre

Increases residential living options in a limited number of other places that are well served by the public transport network, walking and cycling paths and open space

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing safe, attractive and convenient walking and cycling paths that make walking / cycling a viable method of moving between neighbourhoods and to the Town Centre

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing public transport as a viable method of moving between neighbourhoods and to the Town Centre

Attracts a broad mix of people from different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds through the provision of a wide range of housing, community services and recreational opportunities

Offers a wider range of services and employment opportunities, concentrated within the Town Centre

Enhances community safety through the design of buildings, public spaces and the structure of new residential areas

Creates a resilient community that is able to adapt to changes in climate and changes in the cost and availability of energy and water resources

Confimed vision from the Strathfieldsaye Township Plan 2009

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3. Key issues and opportunities

The main issues and opportunities discovered from the consultation are described below, followed by the key principles which will be taken to the next stages.

Strathfieldsaye Town Centre

Design StandardsTo ensure the maintenance and even enhancement of the character of the Strathfieldsaye town centre some design standards will be supported to guide development.

» Thetowncentreshouldbewelldesignedandattractive » Car parking should not dominate the appearance of

the main street » Maximum building height should be two-storeys if in thecontextofaruralvillagefeeling.

» Thedifferentareasofthetowncentreshouldbedesignedwithgoodconnectivity,accessanduniformity.

» The town centre needs design criteria to maintain and enhancetheruralvillagecharacter

Public Space The quantity of public space in Strathfieldsaye is abundant. Strathfieldsaye has 102 hectares of public space per 1000 inhabitants (2036 forecasted numbers) which is the second highest of all suburbs in Greater Bendigo. Also the quality of the public spaces is above average in comparison with the whole of Greater Bendigo. A great example of this is the Sheepwash Creek with a shared path connecting the main sport fields and the primary schools.

Nevertheless, the residents of Strathfieldsaye have identified the need for more/different public spaces.

Taking into consideration the growth of shops, services and other activities in the town centre, a town square will become viable. The importance of including green within these spaces and the opportunity to meet people have been identified by the community.

» We want the town centre to be a place to meet

» Createanattractivegreenspacewherepeople can sit and relax in the town centre

» Wellesley Street should be plannedasavegetated,open space for the town centre

Public LandWalking/Cycling Path - On RoadWalking/Cycling Path - Off RoadProposed walking/Cycling Path - On RoadProposed walking/Cycling Path - Off Road500

metres

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Commercial growth and EmploymentThere is concern among the residents that with the predicted growth of Strathfieldsaye to double the residents in the near future, the current road system will not be sufficient to accommodate the travel for the growing number of inhabitants. The Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS) proposes a system of activity centres, and introduces the 10 minute neighbourhood. The 10 minute neighbourhood model is based on the idea that everyone can reach 80% of their daily needs within 10 minutes, using active transport. Strathfieldsaye can become a 10 minute neighbourhood. To achieve this more employment should be brought to the centre. This will go hand in hand with more services and shops. If the inhabitants from Strathfieldsaye can find at least 80% of their daily needs in the town centre of Strathfieldsaye this will reduce the need for traveling by car and stimulate active transport. With this shift in the modes of transport, the capacity of road network will be sufficient for longer.

» Increased retail and commercial presence in the town centre to increase choice

According to the Commercial Land and Activity Centre Strategy (CLACS) the commercial area will have to grow with 7,600 m2 floor space until 2031. This is much less than the currently commercial zoned land. Besides providing all the commercial land that is needed for growth, there is an aim to make a compact town centre that is lively and walkable. Failing to make a compact town centre will result in increased car traffic which will make the public environment less attractive for walking or cycling.

» Aminimumdensityfordevelopmentinthetown centre should be considered taking into considerationallowancesforgreenspace

» The focus of the commercial area should be on the northern side of Wellington Street

If the southern side of the main street is not needed for commercial floor space, other functions like medium density housing, employment or services would be beneficial there, due to its close proximity to the town centre.

» Optionsformediumdensityhousing,offices,professionalandemergencyservicesshouldbeexplored for the southern side of Wellington Street

It is noted that industrial land needs to be provided for and should be assigned now with the development of the UDF to make certain it is in an appropriate location.

» Moreemploymentandservicesinthetowncentreandprovisionforindustriallandforsmall industries within project area

With the rising population numbers other forms of living can be explored. Ideas of shop-top housing have been mentioned, which fit well with a 10-minute neighbourhood concept. A town centre with mixed uses will stimulate a lively environment at all times.

» Opportunitiesforshop–tophousingshouldbeexploredprovideditfitswiththevillagefeel.Attentionshouldbepaidto‘theback’ofthesedevelopmentstonotcreatebadareas.

WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID THEY WANT:

PUBLIC SPACES IN STRATHFIELDSAYE

3 MAJOR THEMES

PARKS IN GENERAL

BETTER SHADE

MORE SEATING

BBQ FACILITIES

MORE LINKS TOSCHOOLS & O'KEEFE

TRAIL

BMX TRACK (CLUB CT)

DRINKING TAP

MORE BINS

SHORTERGRASS

TOWN CENTRE

CREATE A CENTRALPUBLIC SPACE

MORE SHOPS/CAFES

SHARE OF THE MOST COMMON ACTIVITIES:

WALKING (25.9%)

FISHING (4%)

SWIMMING (17.2%)

AUS. RULES FOOTBALL (4.2%)

BUSHWALKING (6.8%)

NETBALL (6%)

RUNNING/JOGGING (8%)

FITNESS/GYM (9.9%)

GOLF(4.5%)

CYCLING/BMX (13.5%)

SOURCE: CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO CROWD SPOT DATA AND ACTIVE LIVING CENSUS

"INCLUDE SHADYSEATING FOR PARENTS

& KIDS AT PARKS"

"YOU COULD CREATE ACOMMUNITY FOCAL POINT

FOR FUTURE EVENTS"

"CREATE PLACES THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO HANG AROUND AND NOT RUSH HOME"

"THE PLAYGROUND MAKESIT FUN TO WATCH FOOTYAND CRICKET""KIDS LOVE THE SPACE"

"THE JUMPS AREMAINTAINED BY THE LOCALS"

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The Town Centre and Beyond

CharacterThe character of Strathfieldsaye is held in high regard amongst the current residents. Although the character is differently described from village, to rural town, or semi-rural village, there is consensus on the value of retaining the character. In the past years some new developments have altered the character. According to many, the character of the main street does not reflect the character of the whole of Strathfieldsaye. Maintaining and even re-creating the character is important for Strathfieldsaye as it grows. Wherever possible, new developments should respect the rural village character.

» Continuetoseektore-createtheruralvillagecharacterofStrathfieldsayewhenitgrows

» Trees,housingfacingthestreetsandlargeplotsizesonenteringandexitingStrathfieldsayearekey elements for maintaining and enhancing the character

Importance of trees and vegetationTrees are an important aspect of the character of Strathfieldsaye. Along the main street there are many trees that contribute to the rural feeling. Unfortunately many trees have been removed in the years because of new developments, which is seen by the community as a great loss, which is affecting the character. ‘Green’ is often mentioned in correlation with public areas. Places with trees and grass are generally seen as attractive and it fits with the rural character of the town.

» Enhancementandretentionofalandscapewithtrees and lawn is important

» Whereverpossible,existingmaturetreesshouldnotberemovedandnewtreeplantingsupported

Industrial landCurrently there is no land allocated within the project area to industrial use. Community consultation has shown that there might be a need for industrially zoned land to encourage small companies with an industrial component to stay within Strathfieldsaye as they grow.

» Providelandforindustrialuseswithinprojectarea

Community Facilities Sports and recreation

Sports and recreation facilities are important for the community. The current facilities are well utilised and upgrading of buildings and multifunctional use of the facilities is being proposed by the community. Particular emphasis on swimming pools was made by the school children and was mentioned often in the surveys and community consultations. Indoor sport facilities are also desired. In order to explore the feasibility of both a swimming pool and an indoor sport facility further investigation would be needed.

» EnsureaseriesofconnectedpassiveandactiverecreationareastoprovideforthegrowingpopulationCOMMERCIAL LAND & ACTIVITY

CENTRE STRATEGY


Emergency servicesThe community is proposing a ‘hub’ of emergency

services to be based in Strathfieldsaye to service the town and the rural east of Greater Bendigo. The emergency services proposed are a police station, ambulance station, SES and CFA. Possible relocation of the fire station can also be investigated.

Moving in and around Strathfieldsaye

Pedestrian and cyclist safety and infrastructure provisionWalking and cycling are the main options for commuting in addition to car travel. The importance of physical activity in general is well known and can be accomplished through active travel such as walking and cycling. Other benefits of walking and cycling are the reduction of car traffic and the reliance on vehicles for transportation.

To make walking and cycling viable there needs to be a network in place with sufficient connections to all important places and that is safe and accessible for all ages. The community has identified gaps within the network specifying where pedestrians or cyclists feel unsafe to commute. The main connections that have been identified are towards and within the town centre, and to the schools.

» Aimforahighqualitypedestrian,bicycleandroadnetworkthatofferssafetyforallagesandabilities

» There is a need for more crossings and pathways to provideforsafeopportunitiestowalkorcycletoschoolor the town centre (non-school crossings: for all the population)

» Besidesaccommodatingcars,thedesignofthetown

shouldstimulatesafewalkingandcycling

Traffic conditionsSpeed limit

Strathfieldsaye Road/Wellington Street is the main road passing through Strathfieldsaye, and also the main route between Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye. This road is important to most, if not all, who live in Strathfieldsaye. The relationship between avoiding traffic delays and safety on the street for other users is to be discussed. During the community consultation a wide range of opinions were expressed concerning the speed limits, ranging from slowing to 40k/h to increasing the speed to resolve congestion.

Intersection treatment

The three main intersections on Wellington Street have been a point of investigation for Council and VicRoads. These are the Tannery Lane/Club Court, Uxbridge and Blucher Street intersections. In the Strathfieldsaye Township Traffic Management Plan Council recommended 3 sets of traffic lights be introduced for the safety of other road users. VicRoads is currently investigating potential treatment options for the Tannery Lane/Club Court intersection, including traffic lights or a roundabout, which is planned to be shared with the public in July 2016. Within the community, there seems to be different opinions on the treatment of the road, but safety has come out as an important aspect.

Quality of the roads

Residents of Strathfieldsaye expressed that they want their road network to be of high quality and they want uneven road surfaces, as around the Ryalls Lane roundabout repaired.

» Aimforahighqualitypedestrian,bicycleandroadnetwork

Public TransportThe public transport system within Strathfieldsaye is currently providing basic transportation needs. The current bus service clearly does not suit everyone, mainly due to the low frequency of services. New initiatives like a neighbourhood loop and a bicycle carrier have been put into place in the last year. Another concern related to public transport is the planning of new subdivisions, whilst keeping the future public transport opportunities in mind. Currently some streets that are used by the bus routes are too narrow to accommodate a bus comfortably. Additionally, not all bus stops are accessible by footpaths.

» Safe,reliablepublictransportoptionsinthetowncentre that should be expanded with the increase in population


4. Principles

From the Community Consultations and survey results, basic principles were drafted to represent all of the comments. These principles were adjusted, added or

rewritten by the Community Reference Group. 23 principles were agreed upon by the Community Reference Group. These principles will be taken to the next stages of the plan to give guidance to the concept and design framework.

The Town Centre and Beyond

Con�nue to seek to re-create the rural village character of Stratheldsaye when it grows

Enhancement and reten�on of a landscape with trees and lawn is important

Wherever possible, exis�ng mature trees should not be removed and new tree plan�ng supported

Moving in and around Stratheldasye

Safe, reliable public transport op�ons in the town centre that should be expanded with the increase in popula�on

Besides accommoda�ng cars, the design of the town should s�mulate safe walking and cycling

Aim for a high quality pedestrian, bicycle and road network that offers safety for all ages and abili�es

There is a need for more crossings and pathways to provide for safe opportuni�es to walk or cycle to school or town centre

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Provide land for industrial uses within project area

Ensure a series of connected passive and ac�ve recrea�on areas to provide for the growing popula�on

Trees, housing facing the streets and large plot sizes on entering and exi�ng Stratheldsaye are key elements for maintaining and enhancing the character

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Maximum building height of two storeys within the context of a rural vilage feel

Well designed and a�rac�ve

Stratheldsaye Town Centre

Car parking should not dominate the appearance of the main street

The different areas should be designed with good connec�vity, access and uniformity

Design criteria are needed to maintain and enhance the rural village character

We want the town centre to be a place to meet

Create an a�rac�ve green space where people can sit and relax

Wellesley Street should be planned as a vegetated open space

Increased retail and commercial presence to increase choice

> ... %A minimum density for development should be considered, taking into considera�on allowances for green space

Wellington Street

The focus of the commercial area should be on the northern side of Wellington Street Wellington Street Op�ons for medium density

housing, offices, professional and emergency services should be explored for the southern side of Wellington Street

More employment and services in the town centre OPEN

Opportuni�es for shop–top housing should be explored provided it ts with the village feel.


5. From Principles to Framework

Stage 1 Issue and Opportunities, has now been finalised. The next stage, Concept and Design, will be done in close

cooperation with the community. These conceptual designs will be based on the principles developed in stage 1. Designing an area that will follow all the principles described previously might present some challenges. During the design workshop with the community we will make an attempt to set up a framework addressing all the principles.

Community engagement

sessions

Community workshops

Community feedback

sessions on dra

Stage 1: Issues and

Opportuni es Report

Stage 2: Concept and

Design

Stage 3: Dra Stratheldsaye Town Centre

UDF

Stage 4: Final Stratheldsaye Town Centre

UDF

Preliminary research and prepara on

work

March 2016

We are here

UDF adopted by Council

June 2016

Oct 2016

Feb 2016

Feb 2017

May 2016

July 2016

Aug 2016


This document sets out all the collected comments during the community consultation and received

submissions in Stage 1 of the Strathfieldsaye Urban Design Framework project. The numbers written in brackets (..) behind the comment represent the number of dots people have given this comment. Dots were asked to be given to issues or opportunities that one found most important.

Survey Questions What is the most important thing that you would change to the traffic conditions on the main street in Strathfieldsaye?

• Resolve congestion (24)• Make it safer for pedestrians (13)• Pedestrian Crossing - Traffic Lights (12)• Make it safer for children (10)• Make it safer for cyclists (children and adults) (7)• Retain rural character through planning (5)• Supervised school crossing (St. Francis) (4)• Change position of school crossing (3)• Increase driving speed (2)• Change position of proposed lights and crossing (2)• Consideration to thru traffic as well as local and how

they interact (1)• 40k zone at school crossing (1)Which word describes best the character of Strathfieldsaye Township to you?

• Village (19)• Rural Town (15)• Semi-Rural (13)• Rural streetscape and large blocks fronting as

approaches to town centre (3)

• Town (2)• Consideration of size of infill subdivisions abutting

existing larger blocks (neighbourhood character) (2)If you would imagine the Strathfieldsaye town/ commercial centre in the future as you would like to see it, which words would best describe it?

• Walking and cycling (20)• Pool (14) • Master plan for sports centre (12)• More vegetation along main roads and supermarket

and shops(all roads in the centre) (12)• Shopping Centre (11)• Town square (10)• Public space (9)• Coffee with friends (7)• Accessible for all (7)• Aged care facilities (5)• Easy parking (4)• Splash park/passive recreation space/park (3)• Scout Hall facilities (3)• Shade (3)• Multi-functional (3)• Child friendly (3)• Specialised shops (2)• Employment (2)• Pedestrian area (2)• Mixed uses (2)• Where I can find most (1)• Police station (1)• Ambulance station (1)• Over 60’s activity space / men’s shed (1)• Drop in for everyone including organised activities (1)

• More locations for businesses (1)• Character retained (1)• Quiet (1)

Planning

General• Pedestrian Friendly planning• Comparisons with Castlemaine population in future:

yet not connected to major gum in Castlemaine.• Thanks for the opportunity for public interaction• The recent planning permit application, and its issue,

for a second supermarket, 500 meters from the existing IGA, demonstrates that market forces and choice will not result in an optimum solution. There is a role for Council to act as a facilitator, similar to the Coles site in Lyttleton Terrace or Market Place, where Council purchased the land and made the sites available, with specified conditions, for development.

Design controls• Good design guidelines (1)• Developer and Planners need to adhere to strategies

and design controls• Ensure developers leave some uncleared land to give

green space and retain character of place• Stricter planning policies• Urban design required

Governance• What future development is proposed for ‘beyond’

Strathfieldsaye Main Road Eppalock, Emu Creek.• Extension of urban grown boundary to east.• Development of parcel east of Coopers Grove and

Thornton Court; Larger block a butting existing

Appendix 1: All comments of Community Consulation

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allotments here.• Where are our elected councillors, the mayor, the

CEO?• Consultation day is a great idea; but where are the

councillors?• Where is the: three councillors, mayor, CEO. Not here:

no interest or they don’t care.

Zoning• Zone for industrial development to ensure industrial

use clustered.

Infrastructure

General • n providing for the desired outcomes we need to

supply infrastructure that solves problems with the least negative impact on the natural environment features (eg native vegetation, creeks, large gum trees) (6)

• St Francis drop off/pick up traffic blocks roads and roundabout -need a solution (2)

• Listen to our concerns about traffic flow asap (2)• Reopen Bakers lane -> seal bakers lane (1) ->

this creates an alternative route in case out of Strathfieldsaye.

• Open the bridge in club Court and make club Court one way south. Shift to reduce congestion at wellington road.

• Make Club Court one way from main street and build bridge over creek

• Strath Shire/ VicRoads etc. Do all the areas of address have an idea of people traffic foot/cycle vehicle of the school/ knock on-off/football /other congestion times. Get a big picture for today & future planning

• Human Movement• Do not widen roads• Close Blucher between Wellington –Apsley for shared

use; ‘walk Bendigo’ concept. use for bus/pedestrians only. Links for all shops

• Watson Dr continuation (join with Sinclair’s Road)• Apsley land and Apsley Street confusing. Name

change?• Develop Wellesley as a road• Club Court extension to – greater entrances• There is a conflict in Wellington Street between

through traffic and Strathfieldsaye as a quiet village.• Designate local network of collector roads and

secondary arterial roads.• Through traffic by-pass route(s)• Upgrade connecting roads to Kangaroo Flat and

Junortoun

Intersection treatment• Turning form Uxbridge or Blucher street onto

Wellington Street is dangerous most times especially 1 hour before and after school start and end (11)

• Considered effect on adjoining streets of the changes at Tannery Lane and Club Court with Strathfieldsaye road i.e. Uxbridge Street and Blucher street (7)

• Traffic lights at Tannery Lane & Club Court. (4)• Traffic lights at Uxbridge and Blucher at school times

(3)• Traffic lights at three major intersections: Tannery

lane, Uxbrigde Street, Blucher Street. (2)• Traffic lights at Blucher street (1)• Correct poor intersections at Primary school

intersections; exit inlet to Current shops; Tannery Lane/Strathfieldsaye road(1)

• More traffic moderation at Corner of Blucher/ Wellington Street e.g. Roundabout (1)

• There should be serious community consultation regarding design and location of lights & roundabout at Uxbridge, Wellington Street, Club Court, Tannery Lane

• Consider how the CFA is going to be affected by the Tannery Lane roundabout

• Roundabout on intersection Tannery Lane & Guys Hill Road

• Construct roundabout at Club Court/Tannery Lane• Traffic controls for both schools: Wellington, Uxbridge

and Blucher • Have been told several 3-4 lights proposed between

Tannery Lane and Emu Creek Road; too many on highway.

• Intersection Ryalls lane, Junortoun road, Sullivans road are getting congested at times.

• The main street doesn’t need roundabouts. They are dangerous because the rules are not known. Examples seen every day at Ryalls lane. People have the idea that all traffic on Strathfieldsaye Road has priority.

Traffic speed• Improve traffic flow on main road (6)• 40 km/h during school pickup and drop-off times

(5) at Wellington and Uxbridge• Drop to 50km/h (2)• Extend 60k zone from Strathdale to

Somerset Park Road along Wellington Street (1)

• As much as I hate the idea; Strathfieldsaye Road out to Watson Road from centre


of Town should be 60k• 40 km zone of school time

• Traffic needs to be slowed at or before Blucher heading West toward Bendigo

• 60 km/h limit between Ryalls Lane and Tannery Lane• School crossing upgrade to include 40km zone and

proper signage• Speed of traffic especially at Uxbridge Street; visibility

particularly for buses• Speed limit should be reduced to 60k/h from the

Ryalls lane roundabout to the imagine estate. This will give opportunity to turn in and out of the side roads.

Pedestrian crossings/underpasses• Tunnel or walkway for pedestrians and riders under

Strathfieldsaye Road (near Emu Creek Road) (12)• (supervised) School crossing for St Francis (11)• Flashing/pedestrian crossing on wellington for

children going to sport etc. (6)• More pedestrian crossings (2)• More pedestrian friendly (2)• Crossing near IGA and also for St Francis of the Fields

kids to cross instead of going under Emu Creek Bridge. (1)

• Emu creek bridge underpass bike path (1)• Cantilever footpaths on both sides of Sheepwash

Creek Bridge to connect with footpaths to town shopping centre crossing the bride. Where B-double trucks negotiate is frightening. This would be incorporated when new roundabout is constructed at Tannery Lane / Club Court intersection

• Pedestrian refuge on main road near shopping centre.• Strathfieldsaye Road needs to be made safe for

children going to school and adult pedestrians living

on the southern site to get to the school and shops one school crossing is not enough. The house building needs to be stopped until these issues are fixed up.

• Underpass at Emu Creek/Petrol Station at highway; allow cycle track /pedestrian.

• Pedestrian crossing at Blucher/Wellington Roads• School crossing Strathfieldsaye road at both schools• Pedestrian crossing for schools• Pedestrian crossing at Blucher street where people

are already crossing • Footbridge over Sheepwash Creek on Strathfieldsaye

Road

Access to residential areas• Access to Strathfieldsaye Road from potential

subdivision between Thornton Court and Ryalls lane. Also only one access to planned subdivision at this time (1)

• Emergency exits of the suburb south of Wellington. There are only 2 roads in and out.

• Consider emergency entry and exit it into new estates: Narrow roads, parked cars. Basset Drive Area.

Road design• Improve maintenance (footpaths, signage,

roundabout s and cycling paths) on streets in centre but not main Road Uxbridge, Blucher, Apsley, Taylors Lane, full square of busy space. Currently they are ugly and uncared for. (7)

• Unattractive streetscape and road infrastructure in older parts of Strathfieldsaye and between schools (2)

• Street trees (1)• Attractive street scape with trees footpaths town

square/passive park, traffic island on wellington road

for safety (1)• Need shoulders on road v. fast traffic and big trucks.

Unable to cycle safely on this section• Street lights• Requires median strip with lawn and trees and trees

and other side of road – not natives• Single Road Access from Bendigo raises concerns

about emergency vehicle access if the road is blocked• Full kerb and guttering from Uxbridge Road to Blucher

Street• Nature strip planting• Median strips (plants)• Physical barriers (like raised garden beds or posts)

between pedestrians/traffic crossing points.• Nature strip planting, trees, median strips• Improve attractiveness of streetscapes especially in

older parts of Strath CBD• No footpath and poor lighting between schools on

Apsley street

More lanes or not• Consider duplication of main road into Kennington in

a period of 10-15 years. Plan for this to happen. (1)• Two lane road to Bendigo (1)• No double lane highway through the middle of

Strathfieldsaye (1)• Wellington Street between Tannery Lane to Swanson

Boulevard should be dual lane• Because of road restriction in Kennington either we

make 4 lanes all the way to Bendigo or not at all.• Some officers have said that the duplication of

Strathfieldsaye Road can take another 10 years to be undertaken. If that is true some measures are needed to make it function until then.

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Parking• Separation of parking & traffic at St Francis – separate

routes for traffic entering and exiting St Francis & Strathfieldsaye PS (2)

• No car yards (1)• Parking at post office• Hide car parking (behind shops, not in front)• More bike parking at shops• Generally increase stopping area rather than a main

car park• Move toward on street parking

Water/sewerage/drainage• Connection to town water and water supply (1)• Sewerage to acre lots• Sewer to existing acre allotments• Drainage to match development

Power lines• Power underground (1)• Power lines underground now before more

developments• Underground power lines

Public Space

Provision of passive park space• Public space such as Lion’s Park adjoining Strath Road

(5)• Green public space (trees, BBQ’s, toilets, seating). Two

blocks of space behind IGA/Hardware (5)• Support the development of public space on corner

of Ryalls lane, and Strathfieldsaye road for picnic area, lions park, scouting facilities (4)

• Public space from Ryalls lane through to the

Strathfieldsaye oval area using the space behind the Old Shire Hall – Lions Club and Scout Hall areas. This would create a community area – public toilets, public areas and continuation linear walk and cycle way from Saxby/ Battunga Court Park areas with the ovals and schools and shops without crossing the road. (4)

• Scout Hall – park at the rear (3)• Passive recreation area and public space in and

around Old Strathfieldsaye Hall – Lions Club and Scout Hall. Allowing for access from Saxby Park/Battunga Park to have linear access to ovals and school and shops as wheel and add more public space. Scout Hall Facilities. (1)

• Lack of passive public open space for large gatherings/community events with public toilets/bbq’s (1)

• There is a lot of “active public space for sports but not much passive space for township/civic type activities. E.g. we celebrate Australia Day in a car park (1)

• Shady public park within walking distance of town centre

• Potential public park intersection Ryalls Lane & Strathfieldsaye Road

• Several spaces identified for new public space: Corner Apsley Street and Blucher Street both north and south side, parcel on Blucher Street in front of School area.

• Central gathering space; More park areas; Places to meet; Picnic areas

• Public Space: café’s, walking tracks, no full sun playgrounds, fenced area playground public space not tied to a sporting club, community Hall fairly run down. Opportunity for farmers market. Dead space Venue big enough for community gatherings.

• Large open public space in Club Court Uxbridge Street

area. Similar to White Hills Botanic Garden• A park area suitable for picnics and play equipment

for small children.• Ensure there is a suitable space large enough to host

the Australia Day breakfast (run by the scouts) for an increased population

• Large Community Park with shade. Would be nice in older area with large trees like Castlemaine Gardens.

• Land adjoining proposed Uxbridge Street extension to be park land

• Central Park – open space for passive recreation• Possibility of creating a serpentine style lake, using

and developing the Sheepwash Creek; perhaps between Club Court extending down to below St Francis School. The bridge is already straddling Somerville road and would fit the Plan as is.

• We need Public Space and Access

Caravan rest/parking provision• Free or minimal price RV/caravan place to stay• RV/caravan friendly stopping/rest area next to shops• Caravan park – council run• Free or low cost RV/caravan Park stay near toilets in

leisure precinct.

Sport and recreation facilities• Swimming Pool (5); Swimming pool (corner

Club Court main road?) next to primary school (8); Pool/splash park(1); 25 Metre Indoor heated pool and splash park

• Need new clubhouse Strath Bowling Club (9)

• New club rooms for bowling club a must, very


poor at the moment (5)• Master plan for sports centre (3)

• Make S.S.C. easier to use. More community groups are likely to use; Renovate/upgrade SCC and promoted highly (2)

• Coordinated strategy for all public spaces including Club Court sports hub and new recreation area in Mannes Lane and Axe creek frontage

• Better develop the space around the oval• Club Court facilities underutilised• Community gym/wellness centre• Sporting clubs dominate public space• Club Court building needs to be utilised more• Swimming pool is unviable• Bowling club: through road to Uxbridge Street• Expand Sports Club for arts performance area and

change management style to encourage its use by local groups rather than small religious groups.

Town Square• Town Square (7)• A public ‘green’ space in the centre of town for public

gatherings (e.g. Australia Day Brekkie) with grass trees toilets and BBQ. Behind IGA on empty block would be ideal (2)

• Somewhere to sit outside near shopping area • Central ‘meeting space’ in central/commercial/retail

area (town centre)• Central Park & more trees in the Town Centre• Town Square/event public space in centre of town

Walking and cycling tracks• Extended footpaths needed in Taylors lane, not just

near new houses (12)

• More connecting footpaths (4); Wide footpaths; Buildings to footpath ok; Lack of footpaths – connect existing paths (3)

• Make a map of walking paths in CoGB (1); Maps of walk tracks numbered rest spots including local info (3); Maps of all walking tracks numbered chairs/stations along track (with points of interaction – history of town local fauna and flora info. (1)

• Safe bike link to Bendigo (4)• Need off-road footpath between roundabout and

Club Court to link to school (2)• Access to creek pathway from Strath Road opposite

scout Hall. Needs to be sealed (2)• Possible pedestrian crossing of bridge; Sheepwash

Creek near scout hall. Both sides access to Strath Rd and to potential footpath to shops and schools (2)

• Walking track on Sinclair’s Road (1)• Walking/cycling tracks Links between imagine and

shopping (1)• Pathways along streets e.g. Ryalls lane Tannery lane

(1)• Footpath along Strath Road from Saxby Park drive

through to Tannery Lane intersection (1)• It would be great if there was some possibility of

having a bike track on the left side of Strathfieldsaye road that hooks in with the bike track around the Strathfieldsaye oval. At present for my son to get access to the bike track he either has to cross Strathfieldsaye Road which is peak hour is not going to happen or Ryalls Lane which is also a bit dodgy in peak hour. Then he could ride his bike to school quite safely.

• New Cycle Walking track beyond Imagine (north) along creek frontage

• Path works needed here between Ryalls Lane & Club Court

• Needs to be safer for cyclists• Footpaths on both sides of Sheepwash Creek bride to

connect to new footpaths• Lack of bike path/lanes past imagine to Eppalock is a

safety hazard• Bike paths and walking tracks to encourage people to

leave their cars at home and walk/ride into town etc.• Link up Footpath Guys Hill Road (missing section of

footpath)• Linking path between bridge and Ryalls lane• Uxbridge Street no foot path at all school night next

to it. School drop off in general• Walking/cycling paths to interconnect from all

subdivisions. No need to go onto main roads for school children except at school crossing. ; Connection of footpaths between estates

• Walking track continued on Sinclair’s Road• Bike paths and Main street• Local off road cycle and pedestrian network

Trees, vegetation and shade• More trees in Town Centre; Beautified – more trees;

Large shade trees with nature strip planning (raised garden beds); More shade along bike and footpaths; Re-vegetate the town core; More vegetation along roads to keep the rural atmosphere – at shops etc. – Blucher, Apsley, Uxbridge (2)

• Stop cutting down trees (4)• Retain more vegetation on new subdivisions (2)• Create different neighbourhood characters through

grouping vegetation• No plain trees please. As most people are allergic to

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them • Full sun playground, we want shade• Consistent tree planting (shade) like an avenue of

honour – with some plaques acknowledging past/present people

• Green Initiatives- more trees, a community garden, play space, public parks near shops not just in the estates.

Facilities in public spaces• Stations set up along tracks. Seats and exercise

machines (2)• Public toilet in public spaces – better, cleaner and

more of them (2)• Rubbish bins (2)• Dog Soil bags dispensers (2)• Public toilets at community hub accessible (2);

External toilets for Sport Grounds soccer in particular outside grounds are used by a wide variety of sports interests when club is closed (1)

• BBQ and covered picnic tables

Natural Environment• Area for elderly to live and enjoy native views an

some pace around them (3)• Protecting the natural environment is important (2)

Services

General• Services meet demand of population• Encourage community gathering and visitors to stop • Emergency services• Allowance for new CFA/SES station in future (3)• Allowance for space for a new fire station in the

future (3)• Emergency services Ambulance/CFA/Police. • Emergency services “hub” like Gisborne Police/

CFA(larger sheds)/SES/Ambulance• Future ambulance/police

Community facilities• Enhance old shire office precinct (6)• Establish a man’s shed (5)• Library (mobile or part of community hub): place with

public computers/book share, children’s activities. (3)• Neighbourhood house (2)• Shire Hall renovation with passive space and

community facility for meetings and events; Social enterprise like Morley’s emporium; commonly events ants and gatherings. (1)

• Ladies shed run by ladies (1)• A hall suitable for senior citizens to meet fun daytime

activities other than bowls etc. i.e. not for set activities. Maybe afternoon tea, dances as there is in Melbourne, musical events (1)

• A cemetery in Strathfieldsaye (I want to be buried here) (1)

Schools• Commercial land on corner of Club Court and

wellington to be used for primary school (9)• Secondary School (2)• Primary School

Public Transport• Buses in small streets not good for footpaths and

safety in Taylors lane (5)• Consideration of public transport routes and

particular bus movement at school times (1)

• More reliable public transport system (1)• Taylors Lane between Elsworth Drive and Tannery

Lane now a bus route but road is too narrow to accommodate bus and basic other uses. No footpaths

• Roads around Basset Drive are too narrow for a bus service. Busses should not have been introduced until streets made wide enough or busses narrow enough for cars to use the street that the busses are using. Also has any though been put into emergency vehicles going into the area and meeting a bus going the other way.

• Bus routes: change of stop location• Currently, access by public transport is totally

inconvenient.

Medical facilities• All medical and dental services need to be upgraded

immediately. There are not enough new for the no. of people in the area and more and more people moving into the area as more estates are being built on.

• More medical facilities• Second health clinic• Private Hospital

Aged Care facilities• Aged and health services (3)• Aged Care facilities

Town Centre

General• Pubic art to bring more

life/imagination community to


centre (2)• Town centre – more community feel in the shopping/central area eg input from kinder/schools (1)

• Make a village centre (1)• More pronounced gateways• Town centre and community services are adequate• People friendly spaces: Green shaded within walking

distance at Town Centre• Coordinated movement pathways through designated

town Centre area – walking – bicycles• Close access to back of old shopping centre shops

that runs of Wellington way. Open access for these shops off Apsley Lane instead.

• Allow a flat path between 2 shopping centres can push trolleys to either no matter where you park.

• Commercial to front main road.• Centre should be viewed as a place to meet people. I

would like to ‘sit with my dog and relax’.• Improve Apsley lane for pedestrians especially

children (safety)• Future of town centre has small shops, shady trees,

places to sit and is a pedestrian friendly area• Service industry• I don’t go to the Strathfieldsaye Shopping Centre

because the infrastructure for a centre is there, but there is nothing that draws us currently there, especially since the hardware store closed.

• Strathfieldsaye should be an independent, energy efficient, self-sustaining community.

Extend of commercial area• Consolidate commercial core (3); Condense

commercial/retail development to one “block

on north side only of Strathfieldsaye road (leave south side for residential); Keep commercial/retail development compact on north side of Strathfieldsaye Road

• Commercial are to be from Club Court to creek, on both sides of road; Spread town centre along main street

• Club Court to stay as commercial 1• Compact village shops. No more building houses until

shopping precinct schools and traffic control are in place.

• Retail frontage/development similar to Bright (small but bespoke Woolworths and shops)

• Commercial buildings to front Main Road (Wellington street)

• North side of wellington street should remain commercial/retail and south side used for professional/office businesses

• Keep shops in existing area but not have service road between the two areas. Have covered access between two. Loading for goods to shops should be from Apsley lane which runs along the rear of the shops

• Area on north side of Wellington Street and west side of Apsley lane should be expanded to be retail where land is in owner ship.

• The town has little space to grow its commercial areas. Some areas never should have been developed as residential. Strathfieldsaye town centre will need to grow because all people living in Junortoun come over to the commercial areas of Strathfieldsaye.

Employment• Employment: but happy; with services available• Needs more local employment; Offices

• Incubator for start-up companies in digital technology

Retail offer• Need a Bunnings type of Hardware Shop (5)• Attract more hospitality/food outlets i.e. restaurants

and cafes (3)• Speciality stores like fresh fruit and vegetables cheap

(3)• Revamp/renovate existing shopping complex areas

to create attractive, yet boutique type of speciality retail space. I.e. need 1-2 breakfast/café locations in Strathfieldsaye

• Shopping strip with speciality shops cafes• Currently nothing considerate to positive feel

regarding coffee etc.• There is a need for a ‘better variety of stores’ because

currently it is ‘not competitive’.• Mini discount department Store• Second supermarket• Speciality shops• Takeaway food outlets

Character

General• Underground power lines for older parts of

Strathfieldsaye and town centre (5)• Retain Rural feel- Flora and Fauna (3)• Retain ‘Rural’ character of town (not a city - don’t get

too big) (3)• Create the village character (2)• Keep the rural feel of Strathfieldsaye (2) • Retention of native trees and maintenance of

natural environment is essential to the character of

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Strathfieldsaye• Keep character open• Commercial development will dictate the character of

the town centre• Theme for main road -> acknowledge ‘past’ with old

fence posts (like at imagine estate or Castlemaine Botanic Gardens)

• Develop the town centre whilst keeping the rural feel• Loss of rural character: wildlife• Lost the rural feel, bring it back• Blend appearance e.g. landscaping and streetscape

and maintenance into neighbouring streets and areas near centre.

Back fences• Soften appearance of the “boulevard” of colorbond

fences along Eppalock road, wellington street, Strathfieldsaye road (4)

• Soften colorbond fencing along Strathfieldsaye Road (3)

• No more colorbond fences facing main road (2)• Review appropriate fencing and block sizes fronting

Eppalock Road• Influence of back fences between Ryalls Lane & Club

Court

Block sizes• Blocks too small (4); Need larger blocks fronting main

roads• Greater variety of block sizes (not just 450m2)

Traffic• Traffic has affected the character of the community

Heritage

• Promote indigenous heritage


The following is a summary of the results of the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework

(UDF) online survey (referred to as the “full survey” in this summary) and the parallel youth survey. The intention of the survey was to gather information from the local community on what outcomes they would see as ideal for future development of the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre. The surveys also sought the local residents’ opinions on the appearance and character of the area. The purpose for having two different surveys was to separately target a group of the population who typically choose not to participate in common forms of community engagement. The group, people who live in or frequently visit Strathfieldsaye and are under 25 years of age, were strategically targeted through sponsored Facebook posts advertising that three $50 JB Hi-Fi gift vouchers would be given out to eligible respondents.

The survey was available both online and as hard copies, although no hard copies were completed. The full survey returned 186 responses and the youth survey returned 291 responses, although 28 respondents were disqualified from the youth survey and redirected to the full survey which allowed anyone to complete. A total of 477 responses were received for both surveys.

DemographicsApproximately two thirds of the survey respondents were female.

For the full survey, there was a range spread of respondents from the ages of 18-75, with the majority of these respondents being between the ages of 36-50.

Although the youth survey was open and targeted for people under 25 years old, 96% of responses were from respondents above the age of 18. This has left the

under 18 age group heavily underrepresented, especially given that this cohort forms approximately 34% of the Strathfieldsaye population (ABS, 2011).

The full survey asked how long respondents had lived in Strathfieldsaye for. There was a relatively even spread amongst the options, including people that did not live in Strathfieldsaye. From the 40 respondents who stated that they did not live in Strathfieldsaye, 27 lived in Axe Creek, Emu Creek, Junortoun, Kennington, Mandurang, or Strathdale, which are all neighbouring or near-by suburbs and localities.

Appendix 2: Results of Survey and Youth Survey

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Existing shopping behaviours (full survey only)

When asked what respondents found attractive about where they shop, the following answers were relatively equal:

• Easy to access

• Convenient to my needs• Good range of shops/businesses• Price/quality is good• I can get a convenient parking spot• It is close/on the way to other places I want to go

Perceptions of the current form of the Town Centre (full survey only)Respondents were asked to choose up to three answers to describe the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre as it is now. The three most common answers were:

• Easy parking• Quiet• Safe

They were also asked to consider the appearance of the main street from Tannery Lane to Emu Creek. The majority of respondents thought it was either satisfactory or poor.

Perceptions on the wider Strathfieldsaye area (youth survey only)Respondents to the youth survey were asked what they liked and disliked the most about Strathfieldsaye. The three most favoured aspects of Strathfieldsaye were:

• That it’s quiet• The location in the bush• Attractive neighbourhoodsThe most disliked aspects of Strathfieldsaye


appeared to be focused around the lack of commercial activity. The majority of respondents

chose “no variety of shops” and “no opportunities to go out or places to hang out” as an answer.

5Preferences on an improved Town Centre Respondents to the full survey were asked to imagine the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre in 5-20 years from now, as they would like to see it. The five most used words to describe this vision were:

• Well-designed• Trees/planting• Safe

• Easy Parking• AttractiveTo measure preferences of improved traffic conditions in Strathfieldsaye, respondents to the full survey were asked to prioritise a list of five options from one to five (where 1 is most important). A score for each option was then developed to ascertain the community’s highest priority. The score is on a scale of one to ten, where a score of ten would mean unanimous priority within the community. Making it safer for children was determined to be the highest priority, and increasing driving speed limits was the lowest.

Youth survey respondents were simply asked what they would like to see changed in the Town Centre. The three most common answers were:

• More shops and cafes • Better public space/areas to hang out• More trees and grassed areas

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Character (full survey only)

Although the results to other questions would have implied the community’s value of the wider natural environment, the survey asked the respondents if could describe the character of Strathfieldsaye. Despite the recent population growth, the three most common answers were:

• Semi-rural• Village• Rural Town

Respondents were then asked to explain what they thought made that character. The three most common answers were:

• Rural setting• Safe community• Growing suburb

The majority of respondents then stated that they liked the character of Strathfieldsaye.

To further understand the community’s perception of the character of the Town Centre and its current design, respondents were asked if the main street currently

represents the same character as the rest of the township. The majority of respondents said that it didn’t.

A large majority of respondents then stated that Strathfieldsaye should strive to maintain its current character despite the projected rise in population.


Environmental Sustainability (youth survey only)One question relating to environmental sustainability was asked to the respondents of the youth survey, if they thought it was important that the Strathfieldsaye community minimises the impact they have on the environment. A strong majority of the respondents said that it is important.

General vision (full survey only)

A Likert scale question was formatted where the options along the scale were: very important; important; neither important nor unimportant; unimportant; very important; or don’t know. The options stemmed from the statement “My vision for Strathfieldsaye would include a township that…” and their two most chosen options are indicated in bold with the percentage of the total responses for that question.

• Respects and protects existing environmental features, in particular the creeks, native vegetation and Greater Bendigo National Park: Very important (72.41%), Important (25.29%).

• Creates a strong sense of place derived from its distinctive bushland and semi-rural setting: Very important (62.79%), Important (28.49%).

• Creates a healthy place to live, where all residents are well connected with each other and the Town Centre: Very important (67.05%), Important (26.59%).

• Strengthens the concept of Strathfieldsaye as

a ‘village’ with the Town Centre as the focus of community life: Very important (54.02%), Important (28.74%).

• Increases residential living options in locations close to the Town Centre: Neither important nor unimportant (30.81%), Important (29.65%).

• Increases residential living options in a limited number of other places that are well served by the public transport network, walking and cycling paths and open space: Important (38.51%), Very important (32.18%).

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing safe, attractive and convenient walking and cycling paths that make walking / cycling a viable method of moving between neighbourhoods and to the Town Centre: Very important (54.65%), Important (31.40%).

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing public transport as a viable method of moving between neighbourhoods and to the Town Centre: Very important (42.77%), Important (33.53%).

• Attracts a broad mix of people from different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds through the provision of a wide range of housing, community services and recreational opportunities: Important (30.00%), Very important (27.65%).

• Offers a wider range of services and employment opportunities, concentrated within the Town Centre: Very important (42.44%), Important (37.21%).

• Enhances community safety through the design of buildings, public spaces and the structure of new residential areas: Very important (54.07%), Important (36.63%).

• Creates a resilient community that is able to adapt to changes in climate and changes in the cost and availability of energy and water resources: Very important (42.20%), Important (40.46%).

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General ideas and comments (youth survey only)As the youth survey was intentionally brief, a lot of issues that some may have wanted to respond to may not have been included in the survey. To give the respondents a chance to raise any other points, the survey asked if they had any other ideas or comments about the future planning of Strathfieldsaye. 97 respondents answered this. All of the answers have been categorised, and the amount of respondents who provided comment on each category.

• Safer roads/higher capacity roads: 18• More parks/better parks and playgrounds: 13• More walking and shared paths: 10• Larger supermarket and shopping centre: 10• Specific commercial enterprises: 10• Retain bushland/plant more trees: 10• More commercial activity in general: 9• Grow population sustainably/limit population growth:

5• Specific sporting ideas: 5• Better public transport: 5• Better places to hang out for young people: 5• Retain the township feel: 3• Lower speed limit: 2• Promote local employment: 1• More community events: 1• Bigger residential lots: 1• Bigger focus on renewable energy: 1• More focus on heritage: 1• Better internet infrastructure: 1• Allow for more takeaway food vendors: 1


Survey results for isolated groups To measure the differences in survey responses,

select groups of respondents were isolated and then compared to the entire sample. These groups were people that did not live in Strathfieldsaye, and people aged between 18 and 35. Only the questions where there was a notable difference in results are highlighted.

Respondents who do not live in StrathfieldsayeWhere do you do most of your weekly shopping?

For both data sets, 29% of the respondents answered with Strathfieldsaye. 39% of the respondents not from Strathfieldsaye shopped in Strathdale/Kennington and 21% in Central Bendigo. The proportion between the suburbs was different between the two data sets; however, the suburbs remained in the same order of popularity; Strathdale/Kennington, Strathfieldsaye, Central Bendigo.

If you would imagine the Strathfieldsaye town/commercial centre in the future (say 5-20 years from now) as you would like to see it, which words would best describe it?

A clear majority of people who do not live in Strathfieldsaye answered “trees/planting” for this question (64% of respondents), compared to 40% from the entire sample. The order of preferences changed for each group of respondents. The following lists are ordered from most popular to least popular and coloured coded to indicate if the isolated group valued the answer more or less:

Entire sample Isolated group1. Well-designed Trees/planting 12. Trees/planting Well-designed 13. Safe Easy parking 14. Easy parking Where I can find

everything 35. Attractive Town square 36. Shopping centre Attractive 17. Where I can find

everythingSpecialised shops 2

8. Town square Safe 59. Specialised shops Coffee with friends 310. Walking and cycling

friendlyLively 1

11. Lively Child friendly 2 12. Coffee with friends Walking and cycling

friendly 213. Child friendly Shopping centre 714. Accessible for all Employment 215. Shade Comfortable 316. Employment Shade 117. Quiet Quiet 18. Comfortable Accessible for all 4

Which word describes best the character of the Strathfieldsaye Township to you?

More respondents from the isolated group described Strathfieldsaye having a suburban character (21%) versus the entire sample (13%). Conversely, less respondents from the isolated group described Strathfieldsaye having a village character (12%), versus the entire sample (27%).

Other answers were relatively consistent.

What do you think makes the character of Strathfieldsaye?

48% of the respondents from the entire sample answered with “Safe community”, whereas only 25% of the respondents from the isolated group shared the same answer, this is most likely due to the fact they are unable to comment on the safety of the community given that they don’t live in it. More respondents in the isolated group identified the character of Strathfieldsaye as a “growing suburb”, or in a “rural setting” (41% vs. 33% and 56%, vs. 49%, respectively).

Do you like the character of Strathfieldsaye Township?

A higher proportion of the respondents in the isolated group stated that they did not like the character of the area, 33% answered “No”, compared to 23% in the entire sample.

Do you think Strathfieldsaye should strive to maintain its character despite having an increased population?

A higher proportion of the respondents in the isolated group stated that Strathfieldsaye should not strive to maintain its character, 18% answered “No”, compared to 8% in the entire sample.

Respondents aged between 18 and 35 years oldWhere do you do most of your weekly shopping?

Fewer respondents in the isolated group did their weekly shopping in Strathfieldsaye (13%), compared to 29% in the entire sample.

If you were to describe the Strathfieldsaye town/commercial centre as it is right now, which words would best describe it?

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Overall, the data sets are relatively consistent. The isolated group answered with “Quiet” and “Shade” more frequently though compared to the entire sample (65% vs. 48% and 22% vs. 11%, respectively), and “shopping centre” less frequently compared to the entire sample (13% vs. 30%).

If you would imagine the Strathfieldsaye town/commercial centre in the future (say 5-20 years from now) as you would like to see it, which words would best describe it?

Each data set had similar proportions in terms of an answer split, but with different preferences. The following lists are ordered from most popular to least popular and coloured coded to indicate if the isolated group valued the answer more or less:

Entire sample Isolated group1. Well-designed Lively 102. Trees/planting Attractive 3

3. Safe Well-designed 24. Easy parking Shopping centre 25. Attractive Trees/planting 36. Shopping centre Coffee with friends 67. Where I can find

everythingEasy parking 3

8. Town square Walking and cycling friendly 2

9. Specialised shops Town square 110. Walking and cycling

friendlySpecialised shops 1

11. Lively Safe 8

Entire sample Isolated group12. Coffee with friends Where I can find

everything 513. Child friendly Employment 314. Accessible for all Child friendly 115. Shade Comfortable 3 16. Employment Shade 117. Quiet Accessible for all 318. Comfortable Quiet 1

What do you think of the appearance of the main street from Tannery Lane to Emu Creek?

There was a slightly higher regard for the appearance of the main street from the isolated group. Only 26% of respondents answered “Poor”, compared to 41% from the entire sample. Consequentially, 43% from the isolated group answered with “Satisfactory”, compared to 35% from the entire sample.

Which word describes best the character of the Strathfieldsaye Township to you?

More respondents from the isolated group described Strathfieldsaye having a “town” character (22%) versus the entire sample (7%). Conversely, less respondents from the isolated group described Strathfieldsaye having a village character (17%), versus the entire sample (27%). Other answers were relatively consistent.

What do you think makes the character of Strathfieldsaye?

More respondents in the isolated group identified the character of Strathfieldsaye as a “growing suburb” (57%),

compared to the entire sample (33%). Other answers were relatively consistent.

Do you like the character of Strathfieldsaye Township?

A higher proportion of the respondents in the isolated group stated that they had no opinion on the character of the area, 30% answered “No opinion”, compared to 19% in the entire sample. Other answers were consistent proportionally.


Appendix 3: Drawings from Primary Schools consultation

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