Central Highlands Community Satisfaction Results of the 2012 survey of residents Project commissioned by the Central Highlands Regional Council Report prepared by the Population Research Laboratory Institute for Health and Social Science Research CQUniversity Australia February 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ 3 TABLES ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 FIGURES ................................................................................................................................................... 9 SURVEY METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................................... 10 Background ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Sampling Design ................................................................................................................................ 12 The Survey Instrument ...................................................................................................................... 13 Data Collection .................................................................................................................................. 14 Quality Assurance ............................................................................................................................. 15 Response Rate ................................................................................................................................... 15 Estimated Sampling Error ................................................................................................................. 16 Demographic Profile ......................................................................................................................... 17 Final Data .......................................................................................................................................... 18 SURVEY RESULTS ................................................................................................................................... 19 Section 1: Locality ............................................................................................................................. 19 Section 2: Community Satisfaction ................................................................................................... 26 Section 3: Rates and Provision of Services........................................................................................ 33 Section 4: Satisfaction with Facilities and Services ........................................................................... 41 Subsection 4.0: Wide-ranging services ................................................................................... 41 Subsection 4.1: Infrastructure ................................................................................................ 42 Subsection 4.2: Community and lifestyle facilities and services ............................................ 44 Subsection 4.3: Regional Management .................................................................................. 46 Section 5: Environmental Issues ....................................................................................................... 47 Section 6: Perceptions of Local Government .................................................................................... 54 Section 7: Satisfaction with Council .................................................................................................. 62 Section 8: Contact and Communication with Council ...................................................................... 68 Section 9: Demographics .................................................................................................................. 74 APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................................... 77 Appendix A: Subject Areas ................................................................................................................ 78 Appendix B: Questionnaire ............................................................................................................... 79 Appendix C: Open-ended responses ................................................................................................. 93 Final Report: 2012 Central Highlands Community Survey. 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report is based on the findings of the biennial Central Highlands Regional Council Community Survey (CHRCS). The survey was conducted for the third consecutive time in the month of December by the Population Research Laboratory, Institute for Health and Social Science Research at CQUniversity. A total of 456 respondents participated in the telephone survey in 2012 (calculated response rate of 51%). This survey and report have been commissioned by the Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC). The findings of the survey will assist Council to continue the practice of examining community perceptions of CHRC and satisfaction levels with existing services and facilities along with issues relating to general community wellbeing. Due to the compatibility of questionnaires used in 2008 and 2010, comparisons with previous results are offered where possible. Community Satisfaction Findings of the 2012 survey indicate that by and large, residents appreciate the Central Highlands lifestyle. Overall there is high level of contentment among residents, with virtually all respondents declaring that they enjoy living in the region. Almost half of all respondents report that they are involved with various local organisations or clubs and only slightly less than this claim that they currently volunteer their time with local organisations. These results are stable when compared to previous years. Community characteristics such as the safety of the area, warmth of the people and family friendly atmosphere were commonly mentioned as areas of strength for the region. Lack of involvement in sports and distinctive character were seen as less positive aspects in particular areas of the region. There were few marked changes across areas of satisfaction from 2008 to 2012, with the most notable decline being in regards to community participation in sporting events, diversity of population and general stability. When asked about other particular characteristics of the region that should be highlighted many respondents commented the growth and development occurring in the region, the friendliness of people and the natural attractions and beauty of the landscape. Proximity to major services, a safe and friendly atmosphere, relaxed lifestyle along with job security and potential for high wages were commonly mentioned when respondents were asked about what they feel are the best things about living in the area. Other frequent responses Final Report: 2012 Central Highlands Community Survey. 3 include the community spirit and peaceful environment. When asked what they feel is the worst thing about living in the area the more common responses relate to the changing population as a result of FIFO and DIDO and a lack of specialist medical services. Other common responses include the high cost of living, rates and housing, the distance and remoteness from other areas and lack of entertainment and shopping options. If able to change one thing about the region many respondents would opt for such things as improving medical services and facilities, lowering the cost of living, improving roads and water and increasing the number and variety of entertainment and recreational facilities. Rates and the Provision of Services Approximately a third of respondents (32%) assert that the current rates offer value for money. However, views of rate charges have become more positive since 2010 (at which time less than a quarter were satisfied), but satisfaction was still not as high as the 48% reported in 2008. Rate satisfaction was lower in the Blackwater/Duaringa and Springsure/Rolleston areas when compared to Emerald/Gemfields and Capella/Tieri areas, as was the case in 2010. When given the option though, most respondents would choose to remain with the status quo rather than reduce their services in exchange for lower rates. As in previous years, respondents generally felt that rural areas are the most disadvantaged by the current provision of services in the region, however this perception had diminished somewhat since 2010. Overall, the majority of respondents remain satisfied with the level of community facilities available to them. Those who are not satisfied state this is mainly due to a perceived lack of facilities and maintenance/repair needs being unmet. A high proportion of respondents (77%) are satisfied with their area’s general appearance and presentation, although this had declined somewhat from 2010. Suggestions for improving the appearance of towns in the region include beautifying town streetscapes and greenery, enhanced lighting and signage and upkeep/upgrade to roads and guttering. Satisfaction with Facilities and Services The current survey saw the addition of new questions aimed at exploring satisfaction with wide- ranging services of importance to the community. Respondents were asked to