Annual Community Survey
The Annual Community Survey (ACS) is Council’s only fully representative survey conducted in the City, and the results of this survey are a genuine reflection of our community’s opinion.
The survey has been undertaken for ten consecutive years, providing strong trend data used to continuously improve our services for the community.
Since 2017 the trend survey has been undertaken on a biennial basis alternating with strategic surveys that explore community opinion on themes that will inform:
- business planning;
- policy; and
- future projects.
The 2023 ACS is a strategic survey that explored the following topics:
- How important are parks and reserves.
This information will be used in the preparation of the City Master Plan's Open Space and Public Realm Layer that is underway, and to understand what open space values resonate with residents according to age and suburb, the research will explore how important are parks and reserves to residents.
- Purchasing land for open space.
This information will be used in the preparation of the Open Space and Public Realm Layer and to understand the community’s acceptance of investment in the acquisition of new open space parcels.
The population of the City of Burnside of Burnside is projected to increase by over 2,100 people by 2041. What is the resident appetite for Council to invest in more open space to support this growth? Noting that this investment could impact rates or debt levels.
- Future of Aged Care.
Commonwealth funding for our Home Support services is changing. More research is needed to better inform a business case, and appropriate business model, to determine if Council would be successful in delivering this service with little to no impact to ratepayers.
The research explored:
• our resident’s knowledge of the aged care services delivered by Council.
• the level of resident support for a “user pays” model, or a contribution toward a service.
• if residents, or their family members, would be interested in using a service in next few years.
- Cultural / inclusive engagement / programming / services.
Council acknowledges different abilities and welcomes people from various cultural backgrounds while providing support for all age groups. As our population changes, it's essential to recognise evolving needs and ensure diversity and inclusion are properly addressed.
This theme explores whether residents desire increased investment in cultural and inclusive engagement, services, and programs. This feedback will inform activities associated with the Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan and the Reconciliation Action Plan, as well as determine the community's interest in culturally inclusive activities designed to embrace our residents' diverse ancestral backgrounds (ie materials offered in different languages, multi-cultural events).
- Understanding what residents value most about their suburb.
This theme seeks to provide insight on what resident’s value the most about the suburb in which they live, with a view to gain an insight into how they might respond to the future consultation on the Master Plan Code Amendment. This information will be used to develop the relevant engagement plan and material.
- Food waste and the use of the Green Organics bin.
This research will create an evidence base to understand people’s household habits before a planned trial of the weekly collection of organics in 2024. Responses will give us a better understanding of how household manage kitchen organic waste, including management at home (which is largely unknown and not informed by bin audits). Further responses can be used to develop relevant information packs and promotional materials for the trial in 2024.
To read the full report and results, see the document in the Related Information section below.