Balcatta Stirling Local Area Plan - City of Stirling

The resident survey was the largest of the three surveys
undertaken, with 4,000 questionnaires being posted out to a
random selection of residents within the local area. This random
selection ensures that sufficient volume and diversity of residents is
contacted, in order for the results to adequately represent the views
and values of the community. A total of 586 resident surveys were
returned which provides a reliability of +/-5 at 95%, meaning that we
can be 95% confident that the results are no more than 5% different
to the results that would have been received if the entire population
of 15,000 was surveyed. The demographic information recorded in
the responses indicated a good representation of the wider
community was achieved.
Specifically designed surveys were also given to a selection of
businesses and ‘under 18’s’ within the local area to gauge the
values and priorities of the sectors of the community. Whilst the
response rates to these surveys were not high enough to be
considered ‘statistically valid’ in terms of the number of people
contributing, the responses are still valid and have provided an
insight into the priorities of these groups.
Community Forums
Two community planning forums were held to bring representatives
of the community together to discuss their ideas, concerns and
aspirations for the local area. The forums were open to all members
of the Balcatta-Stirling community including residents, property
owners, business proprietors, resident groups and community
organisations, as well as other stakeholders such as state
agencies. The forums were promoted though the community
surveys, direct mail and public advertising to attract a diversity of
interests and demographics that represented the wider community.
Two identical forums were held on Saturday morning 10 th March
and Thursday evening 15 th March, with a total of 120 people taking
part.
Community consultation experts, Estill and Associates, were
engaged to assist in designing and conducting the forums. Each
forum included presentations by the City, four themed sessions lead
by Estill, facilitated discussions in small tables, feedback between
the tables, and a reflection session. Participant’s comments and
ideas were recorded individually and also in a ‘table worksheet’ that
recorded the key themes and priorities that participants at each
table agreed upon. The four sessions of each forum were based on:
1. Community Vision:
My/our group’s vision of the Balcatta-Stirling Local Area in 20
years time.
2. Priorities and Preferences:
What’s most important in planning for movement and
transport; buildings and land uses; activity centres and
community hubs; and recreation and public open space.
3. Community Building:
How community members could be involved in achieving their
vision for the future of the area.
4. Reflections:
Reviewing your vision, my/our group’s top three priorities for
the local area, and rating of satisfaction with the forum.
CITY OF STIRLING 38
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN