Melbournians simply love their city according to new research released today examining community attitudes to planning and development.
The findings, revealed in ‘Property Pulse 2006’ by Trilogy Integrated Communication, show 88% of Melbournians love their city compared to an also high 75% of Sydneysiders.
The report also confirmed that Melbournians are proud of their architecture with 70% of respondents believing that Melbourne has great architecture. These positive sentiments are tempered by the 25% of Melbournians who are pessimistic about the future.
Property Council executive director Jennifer Cunich said the results showed that Melbournians reflect what we all know about this great city, but there are warning signs on the horizon.
“The one critical issue nominated by respondents was water shortage. An overwhelming 69% of Melbourne residents stated this as the biggest issue we face”, Ms Cunich said.
“It is clear that the community wants action on the water issue and this research is a timely reminder to both political parties of the need to respond”.”
Ms Cunich said that when it comes to development issues, there were similar attitudes on all issues except one: mid rise development. In Melbourne 62% oppose this type of development whereas in Sydney, 57% are generally supportive.
“The implementation of Melbourne 2030, particularly around activity centres appears to be a much more difficult task in Melbourne than in Sydney.
Sydneysiders have a history of mid rise development whereas this has been much less prominent over the years in Melbourne and this is reflected in community attitudes.”
When asked about a passion for development issues, Melbourne residents ranked development in their local neighbourhood at the top of the list. This is in contrast to the Sydney result, where this issue ranked a lowly 7th out of 8 development issues.
The standout issue for Melbourne was community consultation, with 71% of respondents believing there is not enough community consultation in development.
“Melbourne has a difficult task in changing attitudes towards mid rise development and as part of that process will be extensive community consultation. The development community is committed to working with local communities and ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes”
See below for summary of key findsings.
Media contact:
Jennifer Cunich, Executive Director (VIC), 9650 8300 or 0411 118 099
Key Sydney attitudes according to the survey are:
Sydneysiders believe development is okay as long as it is planned well and has the support of the community (71 percent up from 62 percent in 2005)
Sydneysiders are not aware of the Sydney Metro Strategy (81 percent up from 64 percent in 2005)
Sydneysiders think future growth and development is poorly managed, planned and designed (75 percent up from 58 percent in 2005)
Sydneysiders think Government does not have a good long term plan for Sydney’s growth (82 percent up from 62 percent in 2005)
Sydney’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle future growth (81 percent up from 67 percent in 2005)
Sydneysiders support of mid-development in their local area (57 percent)
Sydney’s new suburbs are not a good place to live (64 percent up from 44 percent in 2005)
Access to public transport is the second most important factor when deciding where to live (78 percent)
Key Melbourne attitudes are:
Melbournians believe development is okay as long as it is planned well and has the support of the community (68 percent up from 64 percent in 2005)
Most Melburnians are not aware of the Melbourne 2030 plan (65 percent slightly up from 60 percent in 2005)
Melbournians think future growth and development is well managed, planned and designed (56 percent)
A slight majority (56 percent) believe Government does not have a good long term plan for Melbourne’s growth (this is up from 44 percent in 2005)
Melbourne’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle future growth (62 percent up from 51 percent in 2005)
Melbournians do not support of mid-development in their local area (43 percent)
Melbourne’s new suburbs are not a good place to live
Access to public transport is the fourth most important factor when deciding where to live (63 percent)
Methodology:
Trilogy Integrated Communication surveyed 300 people each in Sydney and Melbourne, testing attitudes toward development and planning including issues such as infrastructure, the environment, property investment and choice of their home location.
To download a copy of the survey please visit www.trilogyic.com.au
