ku ring gai to global - ipart · quote from a 10 year old ku-ring-gai resident key issues...

SuStainability ViSion Summary report 2008-2033Ku•ring•gai to globalSeven generations of Ku•ring•gai residents planning for a sustainable future Ju

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this project has been financially assisted by the new South Wales government through its environmental trust and by the citizens of Ku-ring-gai through the environmental levy.

Front cover: Australia Day celebrations, 2008, Ku-ring-gai Council.

Ku-ring-gai would like to thank the residents, schools, Councillors and staff members who contributed ideas and knowledge and assisted in planning Kuring-gai’s

vision for the next 25 years.

Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033 1

summary

IntroductionKu-ring-gai to global is the first sustainability

vision report representing a continuation of

much of the past exceptional work of citizens

and the Council. Residents, volunteers,

Councillors and staff members have a long

history of caring for the local community

and environment. To assist in reinforcing

this position, the research for Ku-ring-gai to

global has captured resident’s concerns and

aspirations for the future and has provided a

strong foundation upon which sustainability

programs can be built.

Sustainability is a contemporary term that

encompasses past and present practices of

long term planning and management in all

sectors. An important aspect of sustainability

is accepting that natural and human systems

are interconnected and that environments

and resources support life on Earth. We now

have greater knowledge of the limits of Earth’s

resources and the implications of technology

on the future of the planet. It is imperative that

Ku-ring-gai adopts a sustainable direction

to secure the future for our children and

environment.

In Ku-ring-gai we define sustainability as:

The ability to maintain a good quality of life for

future generations, which relies upon a fair, just,

and dynamic community, healthy and diverse

environment, and an active and stable economy.

Ku-ring-gai’s aim is to address global, national

and regional issues with the main concentration

of efforts being locally based. Council has

committed to researching sustainability

strategies for Ku-ring-gai’s suburbs, which will

celebrate each suburb’s distinctive identity,

social and environmental attributes and address

the challenges. The following report includes a

summary of the findings from the community

sustainability discussions undertaken in 2007

and the vision, values and principles which will

guide Kuring-gai over the next 25 years.

Clockwise from top: Crowd at Australia Day celebrations, 2008; National Tree Planting Day, 2007; Young adult participants at the sustainability action planning forums. Ku-ring-gai Council.

2 Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033

summary

Community DiscussionsA series of discussion sessions, including

interviews, focus groups and public forums were

undertaken involving 264 residents. An important

part of this process was the application of

a new generational method. This provided

opportunities for children and young people to

plan their futures together with residents of all

ages. The age-based system recognises that

at different stages of an individual’s life their

ideas, priorities, interests and relationships may

change, hence providing a multi-dimensional

understanding of sustainability priorities and

assisting future planning, engagement and

participation in programs.

Clockwise from right: 7 generations of Ku-ring-gai residents, Stephanie Cooper photography; Sustainability focus group for primary school students, Ku-ring-gai Council; Blue Gum forest, a.Kwok.


“We should work to a level where children’s views are regarded just as important as any adults as we are the ones that shall be living the future and we are the ones who know what could make Ku-ring-gai and the world a better place…”Quotefroma10yearold

Ku-ring-gairesident

Key Issues

environmentthe majority of responses

indicated that the

bushland and open

space are Ku-ring-gai’s

biggest assets. residents

valued the healthy, clean

environment, easy access

to the city, relatively low

density housing and the

area’s biodiversity. they

were most concerned

about increasing urban

development and the

associated loss of bushland

and wildlife. Climate

change, traffic congestion

and public transport were

also prominent topics of

discussion in terms of the

environmental challenges.

societyresidents highly value the

friendliness and safety

associated with their

neighbourhoods as well as

educational opportunities,

shopping, sports and food

facilities within Ku-ring-gai.

While some residents saw

the integration of cultures

as a positive influence the

majority spoke negatively

about suppression and

acceptance of cultural

diversity. participants

were also concerned

with the lack of facilities,

overcrowding, loss of a

sense of community and

community spirit as well as

elitist attitudes.

economyresidents strongly

believe that they have the

capacity to reduce their

consumption patterns.

they were concerned that

affordability of housing

and the lack of business

would result in a stagnation

of Ku-ringgai’s economy.

encouraging the growth

of local small businesses

strengthens neighbourhood

shopping centres and was

seen as beneficial for the

community to become

more self-sustaining.

Governanceparticipants indicated that

Council needed to focus on

planning future community

facilities and public

transport and addressing

water conservation

issues. in doing so,

residents wanted to see

improved communication,

transparency and

representation. they

wanted to see sustainability

leadership which will

include incentive programs

and enforcing deterrents

particularly regarding tree

preservation orders.


summary

FindingsKu-ring-gai residents:

• highly value the regions natural environment

and sense of space. The area is defined by its

extensive bushland, endangered ecosystems

and low density residential development.

They described it as a sanctuary and stressed

the need to conserve Ku-ring-gai’s natural

resources.

• identified water as the most valued resource.

Participants were most concerned about the

availability and utilisation of water in the future

and supported measures that reduced water

consumption.

• aimed to minimise threats to their local and

global environments such as the effects of

climate change. Undertaking behavioural

changes, such as the adoption of ‘reduce’,

‘reuse’ and ‘recycle’ practices were

emphasised. This would help to conserve and

protect resources.

• requested that Council provide incentives and

deterrents when addressing sustainability to

encourage behavioural changes. Participants

were concerned about the impacts of the

consumer culture on the environment. They

acknowledged the need to act responsibly in

using resources.

• Described the capacity of residents to live

sustainably due to the community being

established and educated.

• reinforced the lack of local social and

environmental knowledge and the need to

improve this area of education for all members

of the community. They believed that it was

hard to start conserving aspects that are not

fully understood.

• were concerned about the social and

environmental impacts of medium density

residential developments. They feared the

character of Ku-ring-gai would be lost along

with the biodiversity and that the area would

become less ‘friendly’.

• felt a strong sense of belonging attributed to

their social and environmental connections.

They connected this with their neighbourhoods,

upbringing and environment and cared about

the space they share with others.

• wished to preserve the ‘safe and friendly’

atmosphere. They felt that the pressures of

population growth may result in a diminishing

community spirit. They wanted to cultivate a

greater sense of community and neighbourliness.

• stressed the need for community meeting

places. Participants felt that these areas would

facilitate community connections and create a

civic heart with vibrant, village type atmospheres.

• felt that residents’ age should be considered

when designing community and volunteer

programs. They indicated that people would

be more willing to volunteer for programs that

were aimed at their age group.

“…if anywhere’s got potential to be a sustainable suburb, I think this area does. The amount of wealth that’s in here, people have the capacity to make investments into sustainable living practices...”Residentfromthe25-39agegroup

From left to right: National Trust tree planting ceremony; Children with an echidna. Ku-ring-gai Council.


“I’ve really learned that you can’t

conserve what you don’t understand or you can’t love

what you don’t understand.”Residentfromthe

18-24agegroup


summary

“Policies should be communityinitiated and community-driven.”ForumParticipant


• wanted improved infrastructure particularly in

regard to the town centre developments and

neighbourhood shopping centres.

• highlighted the need for private and public

agencies to work in partnership with citizens

to address sustainability challenges. Residents

believed partnership programs between

Council, local businesses and residents were

the key to creating dynamic and healthy

communities. Joint funding and community

participation could achieve better building and

environmental goals.

• recommended increased community

participation in decision making processes.

Participants were enthusiastic about the focus

group and forum approach applied as part of

this research. Better outcomes and favourable

community opinions could be achieved from

increased efforts in community consultation

and involvement in decision-making processes.

Clockwise from opposite page: Filming of Aboriginal Heritage Office Staff, D.Wilks; Tulkiyan House, Gordon; The Gordon Centre, Gordon; Students from a Watercolour class at Ku-ring-gai Art Centre, Roseville. Ku-ring-gai Council.

“It’s remarkable that in a large city and country that there was the foresight however many years ago to designate these areas of bushland and to preserve them because if you go to the other countries it just doesn’t exist.”Residentfromthe

40-59agegroup


summary


Ku-ring-gai will be a

creative,healthyandliveable place where people

respect each other, conserve the

magnificent environment and society for the children and

grandchildren of the future.

What our words mean Creative: opportunity

for innovation and

creative expression

with facilities that

are vibrant and meet

the needs of all

generations.

Conserve: protecting

our natural resources,

environment and

society by minimising

consumption.

Healthy: ecological,

social and emotional

wellbeing.

Liveable: safe,

friendly, easy to

get around, areas

to shop, play and

recreate which create

a sense of belonging.

respect: equity and

access for people of

different genders,

ages, abilities and

cultures.

VisionKu-ring-gai’s

overarching 25

year vision was

developed through

the community

visioning processes

and is as follows:

The following vision, values and principles will guide both the residents of Ku-ring-gai and the Council from 2008 - 2033 as we work together for a sustainable Ku-ring-gai.


magnificent environment Ku-ring-gai will be a place:

of extensive bushland with native flora and fauna which

we highly value and protect

where our open spaces are enhanced

progressively reducing its consumption of resources, leading

in recycling and reuse

addressing and responding to climate change

Creative and liveableKu-ring-gai will be a place:

that is safe, friendly and accessible for all people

that is vibrant and celebrates its rich cultural and environmental heritage

with infrastructure and planning systems that accommodate the

identity and needs of each suburb

with opportunities for local businesses and employment

with a strong and stable local economy

that prioritises knowledge, learning and information that benefits

sustainability

that embraces innovation and technology, to assist in finding solutions

to the issues which face us

HealthyKu-ring-gai will be a place:

that cares for its environment and society to achieve physical,

mental, ecological and social wellbeing

that provides access to medical services and resources

striving for healthier lifestyle practices

respectKu-ring-gai will be a place:

where all people are valued

supporting and promoting local stewardship and

community participation

engaged in partnerships with local, regional, national

and global sectors

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Vision statementsTo further assist in achieving Ku-ring-gai’s vision the following statements reflect future aspirations. additionally these have been divided into social, environmental, economic and governance sectors to assist their implementation.

Opposite page: Walkers in the Upper Lane Cove Valley. Top to Bottom: Wahroonga Park; Festival on the Green, H.ta-me; St Ives rugby; Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony; Ku-ring-gai bushland. Ku-ring-gai Council.

Values Values are core beliefs that link to the vision and

are applied through the ways we conduct our

everyday lives, business and interact with people.

Ku-ring-gai’s values are to:


summary

Care for the local environment and people

respect the needs of future

generations Learn and share

knowledge

Behave ethically

Take responsibility for our actions

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6Lead in sustainability

Principlesthese describe our main aims which are

fundamental to achieving the vision.

Ku-ring-gai’s principles are to:

support cohesive, inclusive, diverse and dynamic communities

Protect the natural, social, cultural and built heritage

Decrease the consumption of resources

maintain a strong and stable local economy

Balance health, work and personal commitments

Ku-ring-gai Council has additional principles which reflect its role as the Local Government authority, these are as follows:

Lead through example

encourage active citizenship and work in partnership with citizens

Deliver sustainable services that meet current and future needs

Practice open and ethical decision making

responsibly manage Council’s people, assets and finances

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5Opposite page: Acacia longifolia Top to bottom: Darwinia

fascicularis; Tai Chi at Echo Point Park, Roseville; The playground at Barra Brui Oval.


summary

Future stepsA Sustainability Reference Group has been

formed to advise Council and oversee the next

phases in development of this vision report. This

group of 15 community representatives ranging

in age from 12-80+ years offer a broad range

of knowledge and experience and will work

closely with Council’s internal staff Sustainability

Reporting Team. Integrating sustainability in

Council’s Management Plan and Annual Report

commenced in 2007 and will continue to be

phased in as a priority. Policy development and

action planning will be undertaken during 2008.

Sustainability strategies will be progressively

developed on an annual basis for each of

Ku-ring-gai’s suburbs commencing in 2009.

Clockwise from this picture: Stoney Creek, Gordon; Chinese performers at the Australia Day celebrations, Bicentennial Park, West Pymble; Local community water tank small grants. Ku-ring-gai Council.

Ku•ring•gaiCouncil

818 pacific Highway, gordon nSW 2072

locked bag 1056, pymble nSW 2073

T 02 9424 0160

F 02 9424 0880

www.kmc.nsw.gov.auDes

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“We should work to a level where children’s views are regarded just as important as adults as we are the ones that shall be living the future and know what could make Ku-ring-gai and the world a better place for children.” 10 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “We’re 20 minutes walk to the station and there are no buses during the day after say 9 o’clock... the suburb’s kind of hard to get out of.” 17 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “it’s far enough away from all the big events and what’s happening in the city but also close enough to be part of it.” 24 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “I hope that in 25 years we won’t even dream of building a house without solar panels, rainwater tanks... double glazing and things like that. That would be wonderful.” 31 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “i do hope we don’t lose too many of our native trees – they’re our biggest asset. they are our real heritage and australians need to recognise and appreciate what they have. trees get chopped down and we lose what is inherently beautiful and in a way spiritual about this place.” 39 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “The feel of being in a village atmosphere where most days you happen to walk into the shops and you know the people around you.” 43 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “it’s the place i bought my little piece of australia and it made me feel like i belonged.” 56 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “We must see how much water we can save, don’t waste any of it. It’s too precious to waste.” 68 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “the roads in my time were just gravelled... there are different shops, much bigger everything, because in 49 years, thing do change.” 99 year old Ku-ring-gai resident.

ku ring gai to global - ipart · quote from a 10 year old ku-ring-gai resident key issues...

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