The City of Melville has released the results of its Community Wellbeing Survey 2009, which show that 96 per cent of respondents are satisfied with their overall quality of life in the City, and 94 per cent are proud to live in the area.
“Council is proud of the city it represents, taking great pride in the beauty and quality of life in the municipality,” said Melville Mayor, Russell Aubrey.
“We try to build liveable neighbourhoods that translate into safer and healthier environments for our community.”
The survey was undertaken in June by independent firm CATALYSE Pty Ltd.
A statistically valid random sample of residents took part in the survey, helping Council to determine levels of wellbeing in the community, understand how community needs are changing, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Mayor Aubrey said the 2009 survey also showed residents in Melville experienced high levels of wellbeing, with 87 per cent of residents feeling they belong in their local community; 79 per cent describing themselves as ‘wealthy’, ‘very comfortable’ or ‘comfortable’; and 92 per cent believing their health is steady or improving.
A total of 63 per cent use public transport at least once a week, while 89 per cent feel safe in the local area, and 96 per cent feel they can count on family and friends to help them if they get into difficulties.
In terms of local business, 94 per cent prefer to shop locally and 93 per cent believe they can usually find the goods and services they need in the local area.
“Overall we achieved positive results with the Wellbeing Survey and, as the Mayor, it is wonderful to know the overwhelming majority of residents are happy and proud to live in the City of Melville,” Mayor Aubrey said.
“However, although the results are pleasing, we will not rest on our laurels as we know there is much more to do.
“The City is continually working to address priority areas where improvement is needed, and will continue to build and strengthen partnerships with government, community groups and organisations to achieve our common goals.”
Melville CEO, Dr Shayne Silcox, said the survey is the first step towards developing a ‘Wellbeing Scorecard’.
“The development of a scorecard is part of the City’s pursuit of excellence to improve citizen engagement, community planning and policymaking,” he said. “It will provide a series of baseline measures, which will be updated and consistently monitored over time to measure changes in progress and perceptions.
“Central to the City’s commitment to continue to be more adaptive and responsive to community aspirations, challenges and opportunities is our ‘Community Plan (2007–2017) People Places Participation’.
“The Wellbeing Scorecard is one of the tools being developed to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of that plan.”
For the complete survey results, visit www.melvillecity.com.au/wellbeing or contact Community Engagement Coordinator Stevie Cole on 1300 635 845 for further information.
