Social and Community Infrastructure Assessment - Growth Areas ...

Wollert/Quarry Hills Social and Community Infrastructure Assessment
SECTION FOUR – COMMUNITY BUILDING/NON-COUNCIL SERVICES
4.1 Introduction
This section discusses:
The issues of social isolation and the health status of the growth area communities and makes
recommendations about how these potential problems can be reduced in Wollert and Quarry Hills.
The interest of non-Government agencies in providing services in Epping North-Wollert and the
physical settings they would like to operate from.
4.2 Community building/development
As stated in section 2.2.8 of this report, growth areas communities across Melbourne are experiencing
isolation and their overall health status is poor compared to communities in established areas. This isolation
and poor health status is caused by a number of factors – lack or late delivery of community services, lack of
community connectedness, lack of recreation opportunities etc.
Some facility practices introduced by Growth Area Councils in recent years have intensified these problems.
For example, the trend towards multi-room preschools and multi-field sports reserves (as opposed to single
room preschools and single field reserves) has meant that facilities crucial to building community are not
being delivered as early as they used to be. Also, the reluctance of Councils to use temporary and portable
facilities is also inhibiting the early delivery of facilities and services (see Section 5.2.7 for more discussion on
this issue).
A formal strategy is needed to ensure that isolation is minimised and poor health outcomes are avoided in
Wollert and Quarry Hills. This strategy would involve:
The early provision of health and community services programs, particularly for families and youth.
The early provision of services/activities that encourage social interaction and movement.
Easy access for residents to information about services and programs.
Suggested actions are:
The early introduction of programs specifically targeted at encouraging vulnerable groups to
participate in community life – e.g. playgroups, occasional care, health and fitness programs, arts and
craft activities etc for young mothers; recreation activities, music events for youth etc.
The early delivery of critical health services and community support services – family support
programs, M&CH, preschool, early intervention programs, GP services, allied health services etc.
The organisation of events and the introduction of programs that bring the whole community
together e.g. community days etc.
The early provision of infrastructure that promote access to services and facilities – paths and trails,
community transport, public transport, volunteer driver programs etc.
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