Update following Have Your Say Days - May to July 2022

Published on Thursday, 22 December 2022 at 4:20:30 PM

In the middle of this year, the Shire of York undertook a series of community engagement exercises, with drop-in sessions, workshops and surveys, seeking your feedback into a number of important projects.   

Here’s an update on the topics that were discussed:

AVON TERRACE AND CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT REVITALISATION

We are in the early stages of planning for a revitalisation of the Central Business District and Avon Terrace. We asked you what works, what doesn’t and how you would like to see the town centre revitalized.

You said: Too many great ideas to list!  See summary survey data here.  

What next:  We engaged consultants from Town Teams to assist with our community engagement for this topic.  We have received the ‘CBD Revitalisation Plan - Engagement Outcomes Report’ and are now in the process of identify projects that can be undertaken now and those that will be included in the longer term planning.   You can view the plan here.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We are reviewing our community engagement processes and we wanted your views on how you want to hear from us.

You said: Communicate more through online channels.  

What next: We have launched our Monthly Shire eNews – see past editions and subscribe here.  The Community Engagement Framework continues to develop and will be presented to Council in 2023.

ACCESS & INCLUSION

We are in the process of forming an Access & Inclusion Working Group and we wanted your input into how you think the group should be established and function.  

You said: Create a flexible meeting and location schedule to allow a diverse group of interested individuals to attend. View community comments here

What next: Early in 2023 we will be calling for Expressions of Interest from Community members with diverse lived experiences to be part of our York Access and Inclusion Advisory Group to help us improve access and inclusion for people who live, work, study and recreate in the Shire of York.

YORK CEMETERY

We asked for your input on developments for our current/future cemetery.   We explained about the proposed Drainage and Ground Penetrating Radar works and discussed the idea of a memorial wall or garden to commemorate those whose final resting place within the York Cemetery are unknown

You said: Everyone interviewed was positive about the works planned. The idea of a memorial wall or garden was also well received.

What’s next:

The Shire has appointed a Project Manager to oversee the cemetery project. Our next step in the development process is to carry out a detailed study of the site using Ground Penetration Radar. This is scheduled to take place around April/May 2023.  This survey will give us an idea on the location of unmarked graves in both main and pioneer cemeteries, cemeteries and help us plan the proposed drainage work and memorial wall. This drainage management will ultimately guide us in addressing the urgent need for the expansion of grave plot areas.

YORK SWIMMING POOL

The pool and plant structures are at end of life. We asked what you would like on the wish list for a new facility.

You said:  There was a strong message from York Swimming Club members to retain the 50m pool, and many commenters also requested that the pool be heated. There were also comments were around the opening times and days.  See more survey data here

What’s next: We are pleased to announce that this year the pool will be opening on Boxing Day between 1 – 6pm.  This is a trial opening to evaluate community use.  Please tell your friends and share this good news! The Shire has now appointed a Senior Project Manager and one of the responsibilities of this role will be to progress the feasibility study to assess site, infrastructure and funding options.

WHO ATTENDED THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS?

We made direct contact with York Playgroup, York Businesses and York Indigenous community members. We also issued open invitations to attend sessions at a variety of hours and locations, see table below.  A total of 94 attendees were counted across various sessions, 34% of attendees were under 61 and the remainder were over. Whilst the number of attendees to the open sessions at midday and late afternoon were very similar, 38 and 34 respectively, we were pleased to note that the 7am breakfast session was well attended indicating that this time slot is attractive to the community.

Session Type

Venue

Date

Time

0-18

19-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61-70

71-80

81+

Attendees per session

Open to all

York Town Hall

Thursday 26 May

4.30 to 6.30pm

0

0

1

3

5

17

9

0

35

Open to all

York Town Hall

Friday 27 May

12 to 2pm

1

0

1

6

5

15

6

4

38

Late workers session

York Town Hall

Wednesday 13 July

7 to 9pm

0

1

2

2

1

1

0

0

7

Farming community

Greenhills Inn

Wednesday 13 July

4 to 6 pm

0

0

1

0

1

1

1

0

4

Breakfast session

York Library

Thursday 14 July

7 to 9am

0

0

0

2

0

6

2

0

10

Total age represented

1

1

5

13

12

40

18

4

94

Surveys:

Survey Title

Responses

York Swimming Pool

77

York CBD Revitalisation Plan

86

Access & Inclusion

26

Community Engagement

75

Total survey completed

264

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend a session or complete a survey.  Your contribution is invaluable to enabling us to continue to deliver services that meet the community’s needs.

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