sustainable penrith indicators

Sustainability Indicators
 

Principle 2:

Achieve long-term economic and social security

Objective:

We have access to what we need

Indicator PC2:

Proportion of dwellings that are within walking distance of services and facilities


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

Why use this indicator?

Motor vehicles are expensive to buy, run, and maintain, and there are many people and families who cannot afford a private vehicle. Increasing the numbers of dwellings within walking distance of facilities and services means that people without private vehicles, or who choose not to use them, still have access to what they need.

Using cars also consumes significant amounts of non-renewable resources, especially fossil fuels, and produces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Motor vehicles also affect the amenity of neighbourhoods, through noise, visual and other impacts.

Increasing levels of obesity, diabetes, and other conditions also demonstrate the impacts of our unhealthy lifestyles. Providing opportunities for exercise, such as walking to the neighbourhood shops, will encourage improved health in the City's communities.

Council aims to reduce dependence on cars by improving access to public transport, and encouraging walking and cycling through the provision of facilities close to where people live.

This indicator will allow Council to measure our progress in reducing the use of private vehicles, particularly for short trips, by providing more dwellings with easy access to services and facilities.

What is the current situation?

2010-11 saw the construction of 23 new dwellings with close access to services and facilities in Kingswood, Penrith City Centre and South Penrith (Southlands).

What is the desired trend?

An increase in the percentage of dwellings that are within walking distance of services and facilities eg retail, schools, medical services.

What does this mean for the Sustainability of Penrith City?

Reducing motor vehicle use will lessen the consumption of non-renewable such as fossil fuels, and lower the production of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing motor vehicle use will also help to improve the amenity in built up areas, by reducing noise pollution.

Increasing the numbers of dwellings within walking distance of facilities and services means that people without private vehicles, or who choose not to use them, still have access to what they need. It also encourages a healthier lifestyle, with more opportunities to exercise.


2010 - 2011 Response - On Track


 

 

Status Legend

 

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