The results are in and the consensus is that Goulburn Mulwaree is a highly liveable place.
The council participated in the Australian Liveability Census conducted from March to June this year. A total 417 people responded to the local survey, with 75 per cent being female.
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Authors, PlaceScore found that Goulburn's Mulwaree's sense of belonging and personal safety for all ages and genders, and its natural environment were its greatest strengths.
People wanted continued focus on these areas. They also listed the quality of public spaces, walking, jogging and bike paths that connect to housing and shops and the general condition of public open space as areas for greater investment.
Some of this has already occurred throughout Goulburn with links from the Wollondilly and Mulwaree Riverwalk to housing estates.
Respondents listed local education options, from elementary to secondary school, as an 'under-performing' area or one where they want greater investment.
But on the upside, they highly rated local history, historic buildings or features, range of housing prices and tenures, and unusual and unique buildings and/or public space design. These aspects came in above the national average.
"This data will be useful for staff in preparing future project proposals as well as making application for grant funding," business development manager Jackson Reardon stated in a report to councillors at Tuesday night's meeting.
General manager Warwick Bennett said he was pleased with the census results.
"It was no surprise to see the sense of community and personal safety rank highly alongside our natural environment as strengths of this region," he said.
"Community members ranked the quality of public space (such as) (footpaths, verges and parks) walking/cycling pathways and the general condition of public open space including street trees, footpaths and parks as high priorities.
"These are extremely high priorities for the council as well. Significant funding is allocated in the coming years for further investment in river walkways, public footpaths and our open spaces.
"We also have a strong focus on our villages, with further funding for footpaths and open space a priority in coming years."
In related news, detailed design for the Riverwalk's next section, beyond the old Saint Saviour's Cemetery, is underway. This involves a Wollondilly River crossing. Currently, people are using an old aqueduct to cross over to an unformed section of the track over to the the rear of the former Tully Park fitness centre.
Tenders for the work closed on September 14. A report will go to the October 5 council meeting.
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
