sustainable penrith indicators

Sustainability Indicators
 

Principle 6:

Recognise and build on the distinctive characteristics of the City, including its human and cultural values, history and natural systems

Objective:

We value and support our distinctive characteristics, including our cultural diversity

Indicator PC19:

Proportion of residents who value the natural setting of the River/escarpments, the City's rural landscapes, local bushland and creeks, and the City's built heritage.


2009/2010 Data 2008/2009 Data 2007/2008 Data 2006/2007 Data

Why use this indicator?

Every community and locality has particular characteristics and features which identify it as an attractive, diverse and significant place to live and/or work.

It is important to identify what the community value about an area in order to maintain the character and integrity of those key features.

Identifying the key characteristics also highlights to the community itself, the features which make an area unique and attractive to both residents and tourists alike. Engaging the community in this process enhances the ownership of those features.

Penrith Council has identified the following as its vision;

"Council's vision is one of a sustainable and prosperous region with a harmony of urban and rural qualities and a strong commitment to environmental protection and enhancement. It would offer both the cosmopolitan and cultural lifestyles of a mature city and the casual character of a rural community."

It is important to ensure this reflects the community vision and aspirations for the area and in fact captures those characteristics which are considered significant.

This indicator can assist Council in its decision making processes by identifying key community priorities and can guide Council in the development of strategies and visions for the future direction of the City.

What is the current situation?

For the first time respondents to the 2011 Customer Survey were asked to provide their level of agreement with the statement "I value the City's natural settings, rural landscapes and built heritage". The mean score to this question was 8.2 out of 10, with 98.5% of respondents giving either a medium or high level of agreement.

Importantly, the health of the Nepean River was the most important issue for residents, with 92.5% of residents placing high importance on the issue. A trend on this indicator cannot yet be established, however this is a positive result for the City.

What is the desired trend?

An increase in the residents who value the environment, rural landscapes and built heritage.

What does this mean for the Sustainability of Penrith City?

It is important that Council identifies those issues which are significant to the community in order to effectively direct the operations of Council to reflect the aspirations of the community and to adequately manage and protect the key features of the City as indicated by the residents.


2010 - 2011 Response - On Track


 

 

Status Legend

 

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