sustainable penrith indicators

Sustainability Indicators
 

Principle 7:

Empower people and foster participation

Objective:

We have a say in our future

Indicator PC22:

Proportion of people who are satisfied that they have opportunities to participate in planning for the City's future.


2006/2007 Data

Why use this indicator?

Sustainable outcomes for the City of Penrith cannot be achieved by Council alone. It requires active partnerships between business, governments and our communities. It includes balancing short-term priorities with longer-term needs, whilst engaging with all stakeholders and the community.

The journey towards sustainability requires broad based support. People have a right to be involved in the decisions that affect them. Empowering communities to participate in the planning and decision making processes engenders greater understanding of the issues, and facilitates active and empowered communities.

This indicator will allow Council to measure our progress in engaging with, and empowering, our communities.

What is the current situation?

Residents' satisfaction with their opportunity to have a say in the planning of Penrith City's future was a component of the Strategic Community Survey conducted in June 2008.

  • 38.7% of respondents indicated that they were satisfied with their opportunities to have a say.
  • 22.0% of respondents were dissatisfied,
  • 32.9% were neutral.

Of those respondents dissatisfied with community consultation in the planning process:

  • 38.9% were unaware of any such opportunities;
  • 28.6% felt that Council does not listen to residents;
  • 17.8% emphasised that the community is simply not provided with enough information about any such opportunities.

Council's most recent City-wide customer survey was conducted in May 2007. This indicated no significant change in satisfaction with Council's consultation with the community.

Council is addressing the communication challenges through a range of programs including Council's 2005-09 Strategic Program which has a commitment to enhanced community engagement and participation. Increased community engagement at the local level has been resourced by Council, supported by the Asset Renewal and Established Areas Strategy.

What is the desired trend?

An increase in the proportion of people who are satisfied that they have opportunities to participate in planning for the City’s future

What does this mean for the Sustainability of Penrith City?

The opportunity to participate in the decision making process provides the community with greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity of issues and a feeling of empowerment which is essential for a sustainable community.


2007 - 2008 Response - Stable


 

 

Status Legend

 

© Copyright Penrith City Council 2009 Home | Penrith City Website | Sitemap | Glossary | Contact