ordinary meeting of council to be held on tuesday, 18 july 2006

Previous Surveys
Surveys conducted in 1991 and 1992 draw very similar conclusions in many areas <strong>to</strong>
that <strong>of</strong> 2006. The demographics indicate that the respondents were mostly aged
<strong>be</strong>tween 40 and 70, with a significant proportion living with their spouses. It shows
that the interests <strong>of</strong> the local residence have remained similar with a majority
identifying that the bushland areas were an important part <strong>of</strong> their choice for living in
the area. Walking was once again the main method <strong>of</strong> transport <strong>to</strong> the bushland areas,
and bush walking the main activity once arriving.
Noticeable changes <strong>be</strong>tween the surveys occurred in the identification <strong>of</strong> issues. As <strong>to</strong>
<strong>be</strong> expected urban development was not identified as prominently in the older
surveys, but instead replaced with bushfire scare and weed infestation. The use <strong>of</strong>
bushland areas has changed <strong>be</strong>tween the surveys, as more recreational activities
seemed <strong>to</strong> have <strong>be</strong>en identified in the older surveys including fishing, picnics and
BBQs. It seems that the changes have <strong>be</strong>en mostly socially related, as there is
consistency in the views and values <strong>of</strong> the local residents <strong>to</strong>wards the local bushland.
Discussion
The survey reveals that the majority <strong>of</strong> residents that participate in bushland
recreational activities live within 1 km <strong>of</strong> the bushland interface. The majority visit
on weekends and the frequency <strong>of</strong> visits is most likely <strong>to</strong> <strong>be</strong> weekly <strong>to</strong> monthly. The
most popular reason for visiting the bushland is walking (68%) and nature
appreciation (53%). Sixty eight percent <strong>of</strong> respondents walk <strong>to</strong> their local bushland
reserve with only twenty seven percent travelling by car. These responses suggest
that the average bushland user is a resident <strong>of</strong> the Ku-ring-gai local government area
whose preferred recreational activity is bushwalking on weekends and that vehicle
access <strong>to</strong> these locations is not a high priority.
Encouraging further use <strong>of</strong> the bushland reserves is a double edged issue; increased
patronage can mean increased environmental impact and escalating maintenance
costs. This may <strong>be</strong> considered worthwhile <strong>be</strong>cause <strong>of</strong> the range <strong>of</strong> direct and indirect
<strong>be</strong>nefits including awareness raising <strong>of</strong> bushland value, education around biodiversity
conservation and promotion <strong>of</strong> healthy lifestyle choices. The results suggest there is a
wide range <strong>of</strong> passive and active uses <strong>of</strong> these bushland reserves. Fifty nine percent
<strong>of</strong> respondents claimed more clearly marked walking trails would encourage further
use and further information on the bushland would value add <strong>to</strong> the experience.
Guided walks and events would encourage use and <strong>to</strong> a lesser extent providing car
parking facilities. This is an interesting anomaly in the data given the majority <strong>of</strong>
users live nearby and walk <strong>to</strong> the bushland area. Potentially further car parking could
open up the use <strong>of</strong> the bushland areas <strong>to</strong> wider non Ku-ring-gai based audience. This
then could raise issues <strong>of</strong> residents subsidising maintenance costs for non Ku-ring-gai
resident’s recreational participation.
The survey respondents almost universally agreed that bushland areas are highly
valued community assets (90%) and this co-hort is likely <strong>to</strong> also use Council parks
and other outdoor recreational facilities such as golf courses and tennis courts. These
respondents were asked whether they were aware that various Council services exist
in relation <strong>to</strong> bushland. The results suggest the demand for these services is
occasional with the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden education centre the most likely
Ku-ring-gai Council Summary <strong>of</strong> programs within the Sustainability and Natural
Environment sections 2005/2006
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