The Bruny Island Liveability Study has been completed following a very extensive survey of Island residents. The final report has now been presented to Council for its consideration.
The community had expressed concerns about the impact that the increasing number of visitors is having on Bruny Island. Island resident Mathew Fagan was engaged to conduct the study and he organised a comprehensive public consultation program that used local researchers to facilitate meetings and explain processes to residents. A Bruny Life website was developed and the community survey was widely promoted. Almost 700 survey responses were submitted as a result, with long-term residents being particularly well represented. The final report summarised the results of this community survey and this is now available for viewing on Council’s website.
The Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Steve Wass said “The survey provides us with an accurate picture of what Bruny Islanders think about a wide variety of issues and this will help us in future decision making that will benefit the community.”
A number of recommended actions were developed from the community input, which the State Government, Kingborough Council and the Bruny Island Advisory Committee are now able to consider.
The Chair of the Bruny Island Advisory Committee, Cr Mike Percey praised the success of the engagement program. “This has been a very positive project and has generated a great deal of community involvement and interest. We look forward to strengthening these community relationships as we work together to celebrate and enhance ‘Bruny Life’ for all who live and visit.”
The Bruny Life report and complete survey responses can be viewed and downloaded from Council’s website at www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/publications-reports.