COMMENTS COLLATED FROM SURVEYS RECEIVED

What is your favourite place in the Dungog Shire? Why is it your favourite? Bank of the Williams River at Clarence Town - Sit and watch the world go by Glen Martin - live there and love it Paterson Valley - beauty Williams River - Peaceful, natural, clean and beautiful Fosterton Bridge - Great place to swim and relax Williams River Fosterton Bridge - great for the kids to swim Landscapes and vistas Williams River - cause I can see a dam on it Any river crossings - gorgeous in summertime with a cold beer watching the kids swim Own farm Local community My home Clarence Town because I was born there Clarence Town - peaceful country life Old Guest House area - mountain walks Frying Pan Allyn River area Dungog township - simple shopping and coffee shops Williams River - Pristine coastal river Williams River at Fosterton Bridge - swimming, meeting people, learning about aquatic environments Dungog Bowling Club - love to bowl Head of the Allyn River - Great place to camp Fosterton Road - scenic River areas - natural areas Forests Chichester Dam Lovely places to eat and have coffee in Shire Williams River - variety of recreational opportunities - parks, swimming, boating and scenery Flat Tops - fantastic views, peaceful, beautiful flora and fauna Hanley’s Creek - lifestyle Bridge/Creek Bed Fosterton Loop - Relaxing area for family and pets to swim. Williams River - good for swimming, boating and fishing etc Glen Martin Road - cycling Chichester Dam - family outing and picnics Williams River Chichester Dam Park - peaceful for BBQ etc National Parks - pristine beauty and serenity Williams River - nature Area around Dungog - beautiful scenery Chichester Dam - unspoilt vegetation Chapman Street Op Shop Own farm The Williams River Chichester Dam Library Chichester Dam Barrington Tops - nature with limited human interference Dungog Main Street - the beautiful vista Our verandah in summer months - Because of its definitively rural outlook over lines of hills.

Our verandah in summer months. The forests and nature reserves - I am a conservationist and love the natural things the world has to offer. Tell us about a great experience you had in your local area or in your local community. What made it great? Welcomed by locals as a newcomer - good to be loved Dungog Cinema - unique Thunderbolts Rally - The people GP Stakes - everyone got involved Playing in a grand final for Dungog Warriors - winning Never had one Smallness - know a lot of people Skate park in Clarence Town built - watching the kids enjoy themselves Playing cricket - everyone knows each other Community activities - people Walking along the river bank - natural beauty GP Stakes - Everyone joined in Walking tour of Barrington Tops Historic walking tour of town and its history Support from locals for new business opened Annual charity horse ride Camping out under the stars Local shopping area - people are so nice Love the park and big trees Dungog Film Festival GP Stakes day - raising money for the local community Playing football Things being achieved in local area - IGA, chemist, bowling club, school GP Stakes - support and camaraderie of people taking part Staying at Wangat Lodge - bushwalking, beautiful scenery Seeing the council run a good waste & recycling depot. Staying in Dungog on the weekends Film Festival - everyone getting together Pensioner morning teas and bus trips Dungog Film Festival - atmosphere and vibrancy Agog/Flickerfest - brings locals together Produce auction - very country and quirky Kayaking on Williams River - Stunning and unique Relay for Life - great experience Relay for Life, No Tillegra Dam Group, Dungog Arts Society, Film Festival - sense of camaraderie Offers of help from people even those I don't know Kayaking down the Williams River Opening of RTC at Clarence Town Dungog Show - rural society reflected in show activities Going shopping and meeting lots of friends for a chat Friendliness of neighbours and locals Being new to the area I find the Paterson Newsagency and Takeaway staff very helpful and friendly. The GP Stakes - everyone working together he G.P.stakes - everyone working together Unusual degree of kindness of various people in the community. Becoming part of the local community when we moved to the area recently - So readily accepted by the locals What do you most value about living in the Dungog Shire? Lifestyle Natural environment Clean air Scenic beauty Railway Hospital Proximity to beaches Proximity to major cities Friends and family Friends My mates Relaxed lifestyle The Rivers and natural areas The space and countryside The people/community The bush The River Rural ambience Natural features Lack of big town fuss Landscape Climate People Rural views Natural beauty Access to cities No traffic congestion Plenty of parking Proximity to everything Peace Lifestyle Closeness to beach Untapped potential Safe and clean environment Lack of mining Free flowing Williams River Living in the country Mates and lifestyle Having space, nature, community spirit Tranquil setting Access to infrastructure - within walking distance Access to rest of Hunter - especially railway Increasing vibrancy - flow on from Film Festival Family Freedom Friendly atmosphere Close to bigger towns Rural lifestyle Proximity to larger centres A pleasant place to live Open Lifestyle Village feeling, small community, friends Retention of rural lands Peace and quiet Relative feeling of safety Cheap housing (used to be) Friendliness of people Help available for disabled people Rural character (no mines) Natural environment Country values Close to airport, Newcastle and Sydney Clean air stunning scenery pristine wilderness and rivers friendly and genuine people flora and fauna no urban sprawl Clean air - no mines Easy to get to Newcastle, Maitland and Sydney Views and ambience Country atmosphere and friendly locals Sense of community and friendliness. Nature and open space The serenity Its non-suburban nature, clean air and social atmosphere that is friendly without the suffocation of group expectations beyond civility and decency. Living in a rural community

What is the most significant way that the Dungog Shire is changing? Rural lifestyle is attracting more people to Shire Loss of agriculture Incursion of other types of development Only going backwards at the moment Losing economic base in main street Going backwards No employment Too much rural subdivision taking away rural feel and nature Major development such as McDonalds or Woolworths not wanted Small businesses struggling Mini suburbs, acreages with huge houses LEP promotion of urban sprawl particularly into quality rural landscape Shire is going backwards financially Shire can no longer provide opportunities for young adults i.e. education, affordable housing, employment losing a lot of shops For the worst Signs that it is embracing change - tourism, beautification of main street etc Retail sector showing signs of stress - ease of access to nearby larger centres Too many developments going - making country lifestyle another suburb of Newcastle Going backwards I tell everyone not to move to Shire as it is becoming noisiest, dirtiest shire in NSW Small landholders replacing large scale farms Shift in population demographic Losing our business Subdivisions are needed to get more permanent residents to change the demographic From a rural community to a lifestyle community More people buying land in area which must be good for council Changing from large to smaller rural properties meaning less focus on agriculture Change of population mix from people living on working properties to people commuting elsewhere and living outside of shire Ageing population Loss of young people Council should keep up with modern times Ageing population Lack of clean streets Pot holey roads Younger people moving for work, baby boomers coming to area Demographics changing as industries closing. More people concerned about environmental issues Ageing population Council unable to provide services to growing population - everything is becoming rundown Dungog Film Festival Lifestyle residents on agricultural land - must be stopped More cars, less parking Graffiti No police presence Ageing population It risks becoming to urban and losing it's well known and loved atmosphere Losing our shops Shire inhabitants increasingly reliant on income outside the shire rather than on traditional sources such as farming. Loss of local business / smaller enterprises (e.g. dairies) What is the most important issue facing the future of the Dungog Shire and its community? Lack of vision by council - no houses on rural land under 100 acres, what a croc. Balancing development with unique natural environment. Tillegra Dam - whether it will be built or not Roads Accommodation Transport Health Businesses closing in town Lack of growth Recognise that the future of the Shire is in small land holdings Harness energy and ideas of new people Insurance Infrastructure and jobs Keeping it a charming quaint place to visit Roads Continued support for events eg Film Festival , Show, Rodeo, Pedalfest, Motor bike rally Restoration of land sold to HWC Tillegra Dam employment and infrastructure Helping local businesses survive employment Under utilisation of Dungog CBD Roads Preserving community as fuel prices may make them move closer to work Self reliant community with no need to travel Tillegra Dam Climate Change Retention of traditional values both physical and social Viability Lack of opportunities for young adults Polluting mentality of older generation who destroy natural resources Build Tillegra Dam Vandals Like to see the hospital open up again More doctors in Shire areas Appropriate sustainable rural development- lot sizes, community facilities and infrastructure Economic development - attraction and development of sustainable business ventures Deteriorating infrastructure - roads, facilities and vegetation Transport Medical Facilities Ageing population Employment Parking law and order Hospital and doctors Young people Occupations for young people Disgraceful road conditions Lack of public transport Provision of infrastructure and services for growing population Jobs for young people Retaining character of area People not accepting community is changing - must accept change Creating opportunities for business and employment Environment Community well being Employment and services Another supermarket and chemist General store where we can buy clothes, shoes etc Caravan park Lack of viable industries Control of lantana on roadways Road maintenance - more kerb and guttering Lack of work and entertainment for young people To upgrade and modernise without compromising on the environment for the sake of money Tillegra Dam Tillegra Dam Youth of Dungog need to be more exposed to and educated about the greater world beyond Dungog Keeping the shire rural, but maintaining / improving services /improving employment opportunities. Also medical support for the general population as well as for the aging population. Current medical services seem strained. Also medical support for the general population as well as for the aging population. What changes would you most like to see that would make the Dungog Shire a better place? Roads Beautification of town entry Highlight of historic buildings and features Staying a country town No big developments i.e. gas drilling, dam building or mining More boutique shops in Clarence Town More pride in Clarence Town itself Create some infrastructure Do something about noise pollution Shire to be known for sustainable living environment Merge with suitable council to become viable entity Support events eg Film Festival etc Reduce red tape and support those who show initiative Building Tillegra Dam asap Economies of scale for Council administration Calendar of events Infrastructure for projects Building Tillegra Dam Establish film industry facility in conjunction with Newcastle University Roads linking regional towns to be State funded Encourage tourism Decentralisation of some Government departments eg National Parks, State Forests Beautification of main streets in towns and villages Smaller acreages closer to town with larger lots further out Better use and increase in ril service Encourage major sporting and other events to town. Encourage diversification of crops which can be developed on a small scale eg vineyards, cheese, herbs and spices Retain old charm character of main street facades and existing businesses and create new opportunities Improved medical facilities Improved aged care facilities eg establish new retirement villages Increased permanent police, ambulance and fire brigade personnel Establishment of high tech industries and research facilities Consider greater housing density in town to fully utilise existing infrastructure Encourage eco-tourism New Caravan Park with onsite cabins Establish local craft outlets Seek upgrading of infrastructure and facilities eg. National Park and State Forests Get some more visionaries in place of senior management Funding for James Theatre Better participation from young people Stand up for values in first paragraph of "Snapshot" Better communication between council and community Better information from council on developments such as mining, coal seam gas, pipelines etc Build Tillegra Dam Build Tillegra Dam Build Tillegra Dam Encourage infrastructure to create jobs Businesses well patronised and growing population Support for local industry Sustainable forestry Local processing of milk from dairies Wind farm Local agriculture with local food network A resilient, self reliant community. Local currency to encourage people to spend locally Electric car hire place Walking tracks that connect new estates with towns Public transport in Clarence Town Services for people disabilities Doctor in Clarence Town Better roads Amalgamate shire Public Transport linking villages in the Shire Increased rail services Tertiary and adult education facilities Infill housing and mixed use zones in towns and villages More cycleways and footpaths More street plantings Garden festival Increase in biodiversity and conservation areas Create employment Fix the roads More police in the Shire Better maintenance and improvement of community facilities and open space areas More attractive town centres and entrances Better control of invasive and noxious plants on roadsides People must appreciate need for change Council has to keep up with times like other councils Trees and beautification for main street Upgrade roads within a kilometre of town Another supermarket and chemist A shop like Target or Best and Less so don't have to leave town to shop More police patrols especially at night Council and community groups to fund modernisation of township and improve presentation Increased council focus on sustainable living Council and community to support local businesses/farmers More entertainment/music/arts exhibitions Consensus on 'Vision' for Shire Better access to Shire - roads and rail More public art Develop 'Hollywood Hill' into an inviting entrance to town A cultural centrepiece More retail outlets Basic infrastructure in Clarence Town - footpaths, street lighting, kerbs, decent roads, sporting facilities, petrol station, police, doctor Full time police at Clarence Town Improved sporting facilities Improved roads Better road maintenance Stop lifestyle blocks in rural land Caravan Park - out of flood level Place for young people to meet Improved transport services Maintenance of roads Public transport Green & sustainable technology Limit development in housing with no high density areas. Promote and protect the environment. Boost the economy of the main street More strident education about not trashing our local environment Better roads More frequent train services to Newcastle and Maitland, particularly around 7.00 - 7.30 am, The encouragement of more short-stay accommodation Maintain roads Promote tourism More use / promotion of local products by local people What are the main things we could do to make our vision for the Dungog Shire a reality? Lobby politicians Must have a driver - some person or persons to drive the vision Get Councillors to put forward the 95% of the peoples views Look for opportunities Encourage endeavour Encourage input from newcomers - workshops etc Develop policies that encourage sustainable living eg landcare Build Tillegra Dam Make decisions to benefit environment instead of profit of real estate developers and mines Build a caravan park that people want to use Clean out the staff who are part of the problem Get a clear vision that is not undermined by vested interests Talk to politicians Tell the councillors that 90% of residents want Tillegra Dam Tell the politicians Building something like Tillegra Dam Dungog needs population growth Council needs to encourage residential land development and even rezone land Council to run campaign to get people to shop locally Support local industry that already exist Assist the development of new sustainable industry Better planning for new estates Lobbying state government for improved services Promote Dungog and environs Pursue reasonable monetary input into the shire from government Amalgamate with Port Stephens and Maitland Councils Protect heritage buildings and rural landscapes Change zoning in towns and villages to create mixed use walkable neighbourhoods Increase public transport options Lobby politicians and education providers Get Council staff to live in Shire Save money Get everyone to pull together Appropriate budget allocations to areas More outdoor staff - designated handyperson to each town Partnerships between landholders and community groups Grant funding Encourage more young families to come and live home Just have the will and the right people to make it happen Appropriate planning provisions Lobby government incessantly for road funding and public transport Stop spending so much on Dungog when other towns are being neglected especially Clarence Town Farms left from Hunter Water should be leased to young men who are fit and can work them and raise a family Develop policy supporting local arts through Arts Upper Hunter RADO Develop environment policy protecting rural and forest areas Maintain roads Build a caravan park for Dungog Give approval to projects which bring people /employment to the Shire Build/create a dedicated space i.e. hall plus workshop rooms that can be used by community for events, exhibitions etc One off rate levy to raise funds Government grant applications Working parties - for specific projects Council support to develop farmers market Council supported education - eg composting, worm farming Work as a community Keep in touch with community Provide incentive for an entrepreneur/s to establish industry or businesses. Transport upgrades for road and rail Bring in 3 bin collection system Encourage visitors to the Shire Work together and move forward for the same goal. Build Tillegra Dam Lobby for more road and public transport funding. Provide incentives to young people to build satisfying lives while discouraging anti-social behaviour Increase local revenue Publicise shire events a little more How do you see yourself being involved in making this vision real? Home hosting for Film Festival Being vocal and volunteering time to community Talking to council Landcare Building soil health on our property Balance between farm production and the environment Own and operate small business - friendly, helpful to ensure return visits Talking to Councillors Encouraging visitors to the town I don't Value for my rate dollar Participate in James Theatre activities Work with CMA on environmental issues Talk to politicians By getting on to Councillors Telling politicians what a great infrastructure project Tillegra Dam would be for this State By continuing to run a competitive business in Dungog Would love to be involved if the community was behind it and ready to work together Pay rates Support local businesses Join local committees when older and have more time Pay more rates Involvement in community groups and council consultations Getting onto Councillors Signing petitions United community Stay focussed Council can't provide everything - residents need to take initiative - would try to be involved in planning & implementation Already involved in community activities but willing to lend a hand As a ratepayer Only if engaged in advisory committee Involved in community and volunteer work already Happy to contribute time as a member of working parties to beautify town Would consider selling goods at farmers market Would participate in education sessions Would help organise a really vibrant food/craft market Attending public meetings Joining committees Continue volunteer work Welcoming to newcomers to town Sitting in recliner giving orders It would help if outstanding rates were collected Trying to improve local sporting fields in Clarence Town with no help from Council - very frustrating and difficult Local politicians should be doing their job by constantly lobbying for funds I would like to be a member of a review committee Limited by age and health but would still volunteer where able Unsure Community participation and volunteering. Being a good model so far as care for the environment is concerned Becoming involved in voluntary community service when retired Discouraging activity such as coal seam gas exploration. What things will you be able to see / hear / touch in your 'ideal' Dungog Shire? Boating and recreation on Tillegra Dam Shire economy will be booming Population will be noticeably increased Tourism will flourish Motels will be full A vibrant business community makes for a healthy town Lets not look to measure it, just enjoy the journey to success and lets get started Healthy landscape and viable sustainable farming Native animals and birds abound Boating on Tillegra Dam Quaint but with plenty of outdoor activities Shops keeping pride in heritage of the area Tourists come to see a slice of paradise Functioning 4* caravan park Continued annual events A main street that brims with people Barrington Tops access plan for visitors Establishment of satellite university in Shire Doctors Roads without potholes Reasonable local planning schemes More productive cultural environment i.e. support for professional standard arts activities, better coffee More public access to Williams River at different places More activities that involve education and awareness of the natural environment An economy Tillegra Dam for the whole community to enjoy Tillegra Dam A thriving business sector and some employment A good business area Vibrant well patronised shopping precinct People employed locally Dungog to become "Transition Town" Self reliant and resilient The bush Wildlife Healthy River Children playing young people engaged in the community Sustainable infrastructure People who have lived in the shire for generations feel at home whilst newcomers are welcomed Landscape Clean rivers University Community college Public transport Thriving village centres People walking and cycling to buy locally produced goods and services Beautiful streets with footpaths and trees Safe roads National Parks The wall of Tillegra Dam Able to subdivide into small acreages No empty shops Busy shire towns Good roads Good locality signage in rural areas No noxious weeds Well maintained roads and facilities Local employment opportunities More work opportunities for young people A couple of good restaurants would be good See and hear and tidy town with happy people Agriculture Trees and good pasture Good roads Visible policing of areas/reserves outside Dungog Descent safe roads Police presence 24/7 Bus service through Clarence Town - Raymond Terrace, Maitland etc No potholes in Clarence Town main street No rubbish everywhere Decent sporting facilities No vandalism Not hear complaining about how bad Council is Good leadership from Council employees More jobs for young people Unchanged physical/natural environment Town with current visual character Population not declining Less empty shops Larger numbers of tourists People loving living and visiting here More feeling of living away from city More children, young families in the area The sound of people greeting each other on the street A beautifully presented town centre A vibrant fortnightly farmers market A diverse, positive, progressive business Strong community support of local businesses and farmers Dungog Streets to be clean and free from dog droppings A reliable taxi service More shops for average person Appearance of town Vitality of activity in business centre More public notices put in local paper about what council roadworks are taking place Shops open People in our streets Development in our surrounds Continuing growth and health of the environment Flora and fauna endemic to the Shire. Happy healthy people Boating on Tillegra Dam Unspoilt natural landscapes in every direction. Hear wonderfully diverse birdlife I'll be able to touch clean water in the Williams River Breathe clean air. Decrease in unemployment Improved environmental health Plenty of tourists Less potholes Many local community events.