My first document

Community Stakeholder Engagement Report

Prepared by Flagship Communications Pty Ltd for Clouston Associates – A division of Beveridge Williams

August 2023

Author: Bill Pickering. BA, MA (Comm-Org Comm), MPRIA. LtCol (Retd)

Clouston Associates - A division of Beveridge Williams

65-69 Kent Street

Sydney NSW 2000

+61 (02) 8272 4999

sydney@clouston.com.au

www.clouston.com.au

Flagship Communications Pty Ltd

ABN 85 092 839 177

PO Box 3691,

Parramatta, NSW, 2150

1300 963 796

Bill@flagship-communications.com

www.flagship-communications.com

Executive Summary

This Community Stakeholder Engagement Report is the result of 208 submissions or responses from 147 individuals to a campaign designed to obtain feedback to help guide the development of the Master Plan and Plan of Management for the future of the Concord Parklands Corridor for the City of Canada Bay Council. The Corridor comprises Edwards Park, Greenlees Park, Jessie Stewart Reserve, Rothwell Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and Goddard Park (see map on page 2).

A relatively even mix of males and females were surveyed with most respondents aged 50 to 54 and a significant number aged from 35 to 49. Nearly 60% lived near the parklands corridor with most using it a few times a week for up to an hour, and usually accompanied by their children or by themselves, or with an organised club or group. They usually walked to the parks to play organised sport, used the playgrounds or walked their dog.

From the beginning, few respondents saw the six individual parks as part of one parkland corridor largely due to separation by residential roads.

Suggestions to link the parks ranged from planting trees along the Corridor boundaries, providing linked pathways and cycleways that lead potentially to the Exile Bay area as a destination, to providing designated crossings (including traffic calming measures) between the parks, and better signage.

Feedback strongly supported the planting of more trees and biodiversity to provide shade throughout the parks – including areas surrounding sportsgrounds

The main issues reported were lack of toilets and amenities (such as changerooms for sports groups –particularly women) while the lack of seating throughout the parks was also a concern. Often mentioned were concerns that toilets were locked and not available to the public unless there was sporting event underway.

There was strong support for extensive lighting of pathways - a big concern for personal safety particularly at night. Queen Elizabeth Park attracted most comments on the need for lighting.

Other amenities suggested by park users included more children’s playgrounds (noting that many were particularly impressed by the playground at Queen Elizabeth Park), BBQ areas and tables, while submissions from cricket organisations and players proposed a set of three (3) cricket nets be built at Goddard Park (preferred) or Queen Elizabeth Park. Sports users also commented on the need for more sportsground lighting, better drainage, levelling and upgrading of fields for multiple use, provision of all-weather/artificial grounds and improved amenities such as toilets and changerooms.

Aside from organised sports users, a significant number of respondents indicated a need for passive recreational areas or space where active informal activities can be undertaken. Examples included fenced off-leash dog areas and associated amenities (widely mentioned), an outdoor gym and water fountains, basketball courts or shooting practise rings

In terms of council’s management of the Corridor, most respondents were largely satisfied with maintenance and services, but concerns were expressed about overfilled rubbish bins and collection after sporting events, and the need for dog waste bins and bags.

Survey responses also pointed to car parking as an issue when sports fixtures are played. Some cited the need to reopen a council carpark at Rothwell Park.

Another concern was the old Council depot within the Concord Parklands Corridor which acted as chokepoint and presented as an eyesore. Suggestions were made to place play areas at this site.

Aboriginal Heritage.

An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study prepared by GML Heritage Pty Ltd is at Appendix H The study shows much of the Concord Parklands Corridor presents little or no archaeological potential. However, there is potential to engage with Aboriginal people in the planning, management and presentation of Aboriginal history, heritage and culture in the Corridor.

Introduction

Flagship Communications, a specialist stakeholder engagement company, was engaged by Clouston Associates to lead the community consultation process to guide the development of a Masterplan and Plan of Management for Concord Parklands Corridor for the City of Canada Bay Council.

A stakeholder engagement period from 7th June to 9th July 2023 was open to residents and stakeholders to provide their feedback on parks in the existing parklands and what their thoughts are for the future of the Corridor

The engagement period was promoted through Council’s dedicated ‘Collaborate’ page, email, an internal council brief, direct phone contact, emails, social media and DL flyers to targeted stakeholders and residents, intercept surveys and posters in the park.

Stakeholders had many opportunities to provide their feedback including an online and hand-written survey, stakeholder interviews, via email, intercept surveys and drop-in sessions.

A dedicated phone number and Council’s email address were also promoted as methods for stakeholders to provide input to the project.

Significant online survey feedback was received from more than 180 contributions from 133 unique contributors including residents, park users and relevant council staff. More than 30 hand-written survey submissions were received (accounted for in the 180 survey contributions), six (6) comments were received from the City of Canada Bay’s social media sites, four (4) people commented verbally to a project representative, three official letters/emails from user organisations were submitted, and one (1) member of the public sent comments to council via email. In total, 208 submissions were made as part of the community engagement process from 147 individual respondents

Engagement interaction included about 250 one-on-one interactions at the six drop-in sessions with comments provided by participants either by directing them to the online survey or by completing handwritten survey forms (usually the result of intercept surveys of precinct users). Verbal responses were also received from four (4) people. Three (3) persons contacted a project team member through the 1300 number to request information about drop-in centres and one (1) formal direct briefing was conducted with 17 relevant City of Canada Bay Council staff members

Figure 1. Contributions from respondents

Consultation

The parks have some differences in both their physical attributes and their use, but generally have a strong focus on organised sport which was reflected in the feedback received throughout the engagement process. The feedback was collated into key themes which were identified during the stakeholder engagement process. These themes included:

• Thoughts on the site

• Getting to the site

• Parking and traffic

• Sports requirements

• Passive recreation

• Amenities and clubrooms

• Seating

• Picnic and BBQ facilities

• Shade

• Landscaping and habitat

• Lighting

• Heritage

• Park size

• Events

• Drinking water

• Maintenance

• Identity

Background

The City of Canada Bay Council (CCBC) delivers a wide range of sport and recreation services to both its residents and visitors. It is a major regional centre for sporting organisations and clubs.

The Crown and Community Land for this project comprises Edwards Park, Greenlees Park, Jessie Stewart Reserve, Rothwell Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and Goddard Park.

The parklands corridor has a range of recreational and community uses including passive use parklands, sportsgrounds, cycle and pedestrian paths and walkways, and playgrounds. It also contains a remnant turpentine forest and stormwater and floodplain management infrastructure.

Mission

The Council’s stated mission is that: ‘the PoM (Plan of Management) and MP (Masterplan) will provide a holistic framework for the ongoing management and use of the Concord Parklands Corridor as well as reconciling competing interests and identifying priorities for up to 10 years for the allocation of resources to maintain and upgrade the open space consistent with identified community need’.

A critical element in the project was the development and implementation of an effective Community Stakeholder Engagement Plan (CSEP) undertaken by Flagship Communications Pty Ltd along with GML Heritage (who focussed on the engagement with CCBC local First Nations groups and the Aboriginal Land Council) on behalf of Clouston Associates. *GML Heritage’s report is at Appendix H

The results of the CSEP are provided in this Community Stakeholder Engagement Report and will inform and guide the Masterplan and Plan of Management for the Concord Parklands Corridor.

Stakeholders

The main stakeholders listed by CCBC include the general community, CCBC staff, sporting users, bush care groups, heritage groups, scouting bodies, school users and relevant utility infrastructure providers (e.g. Sydney Water).

The Council also listed the following groups where engagement has been undertaken if possible including indigenous communities engaged by GML Heritage, Culturally and Linguistically diverse communities (CALD), LGBTQI community and socially vulnerable groups, people of all ages, all ability levels, and different genders.

Consultation objectives

The overall goal of the Flagship team during the consultation phases of this project was to work with stakeholders to ensure they were informed and engaged, potential issues were identified, and effective two-way communication was developed and maintained throughout the project.

The objectives were to:

• Create stakeholder awareness of the design and the associated consultation process.

• Encourage stakeholder participation in the consultation process.

• Establish and maintain effective two-way communication between the project team, City of Canada Bay Council and stakeholders.

• Ensure stakeholder issues are identified and recorded.

• Ensure appropriate consultation tools and activities are used, taking account of demographic elements such as language, literacy, disability, and access to the internet.

• Provide timely feedback to the stakeholders about engagement outcomes.

• Ensure opportunities are identified and recorded.

Engagement Timeline

The following provides a summary of the timeline for this project from preparation through to the delivery of this Community Stakeholder Engagement Report detailing outcomes and key findings.

Post-Engagement Report

Following the submission of this report for consideration by Clouston Associates and the City of Canada Bay Council, Clouston Associates will develop a comprehensive Masterplan and Plan of Management for the Concord Parklands Corridor.

It is anticipated this process will take several months to complete with first drafts of both plans expected in September with a completion date by the end that month.

Engagement Approach

Principles

The City of Canada Bay Council requires open, transparent, and active relationships between Council and the Community.

The approach taken to community engagement fostered meaningful engagement opportunities whereby community feedback was sought and considered as part of the decision-making process.

The engagement principles below were adhered to throughout the engagement process.

➢ Be informative.

➢ Provide clear and accurate information in a timely manner.

➢ Be collaborative.

➢ Ensure all views are recorded and acknowledged.

➢ Understand what would help the community enjoy the site even more. Different users use the area differently.

➢ Understand the range of community priorities and expectations to help prioritise and plan for the future of the site. It is unlikely that all current and future users of the site will agree on priorities for the site.

➢ Be sensitive.

➢ Understand the needs of the local community.

➢ Determine how what is already offered on this site can be improved. For some, the current site may not meet their needs at all.

➢ Inquire whether there are facilities the community expects to be able to use at this site that they cannot use.

➢ Understand what the community values about the existing site.

➢ Be flexible.

➢ Respond to community needs.

Expectations

To establish realistic expectations, stakeholders were advised clearly about what influence they would have in the decision-making process and how their input would be considered or addressed in the masterplan and plan of management.

The following was communicated wherever possible:

‘By ‘Masterplan’ we mean the visual renditions of community feedback which shows the relationship of all the physical components with each other within the site and how the site is placed regarding neighbouring sites’.

‘The masterplan will provide a means for reconciling competing interests and identifying priorities for up to 10 years. The site will continue to evolve during this time’.

‘There are constraints on what the City of Canada Bay Council can do with the site. The masterplan will be developed in accordance with Council’s allocation of resources to maintain and upgrade the open space consistent with identified community needs’.

Engagement Methods

Stakeholder identification by group and engagement level

The following engagement techniques and tools were applied for the Concord Parklands Corridor to help guide the development of the Masterplan and Plan of Management.

Engagement Tool Stakeholder

Overview Considerations

Stakeholder Engagement Plan Project team CSEP outlining approaches, stakeholders, engagement tools and techniques.

Stakeholder Engagement Report Project team, Elected Council, Council staff Report containing information on the methodology and result of the engagement processes and how the information will be used to inform the strategic plan and Masterplan development.

Stakeholder database Project team

Stakeholders involved in the consultation are encouraged to provide contact details so they can be added to the project stakeholder database and receive additional information.

Briefings Project team Briefings will be held to ensure Council’s key project team are informed and kept up to date on the engagement process.

Communication items developed in accordance with CSEP.

Privacy considerations: be clear with stakeholders as to how the collected information will be used.

Can assist with anticipating future issues and constraints.

Engagement Tool Stakeholder Overview Considerations

Direct phone contact Council and Flagship Council’s list of stakeholders using the parks provided to Flagship to allow direct phone contact to encourage participation in survey

Stakeholder drop-in sessions. All

Casual drop-in sessions at varying times will allow stakeholders to have one-to-one time with the project team to provide their thoughts and ideas.

Ensures park users are aware of engagement campaign

Promotional materials All

A DL flyer, poster, park signage, letterbox notice, email and social media posts will provide opportunities to promote the project and engagement opportunities for all stakeholders.

Stakeholder interviews All Interviews are recommended for current major users of facilities via either a phone call or the drop-in sessions.

Council website All

Provision of a website banner on the main council website to promote the project and lead traffic to the ‘Collaborate’ website.

This may be combined with intercept surveys in a highly visible space at the site to attract more participants.

Engagement Tool Stakeholder

‘Collaborate’ website All

Overview Considerations

Dedicated website for engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. The site will include context for the project with background information, images of the existing site, survey, details of engagement events and reference to a dedicated 1300 number and email address for any enquiries or feedback.

Allows for provision of information and stakeholder feedback via surveys or an online submission form.

Information line and email. All

A dedicated 1300 number will be provided exclusive to the project. The number will be operational 9am -5pm weekdays with a message-bank for out of hours calls.

Council’s main email address will be used for the purpose of this project.

Council will be responsible for providing Flagship Communications with any feedback provided that is relevant to the project via email.

Media release All

A media release for the project may allow for greater promotion of the project through traditional media Channels.

Social media All Project promotion through Council’s social media pages and 3rd party sites at discretion of Council

Media releases are at the discretion of the City of Canada Bay Council.

Council will be responsible for updating Council social media pages where appropriate.

Engagement Tool Stakeholder Overview Considerations

Survey All

A survey will enable the project team to get standardised information from all participating stakeholder groups. Options for survey to be on Council’s ‘Collaborate’ page, used at stakeholder interviews, and dropin sessions.

Project Promotion

A range of methods were used to promote the engagement period and the opportunities for engagement available to stakeholders:

Method

DL flyer

Stakeholders

Residents within a 500m radius of the precinct.

Distribution/Reach

Letterbox delivery to 3000 Residences

Direct contact (by phone) Park users list provided by council 29 calls made on 9thJune, 2023. 20 calls answered or responded to later. 28 Emails sent.

Park signage

Displayed within parks in the Corridor.

Various locations during six drop-in sessions.

Website

Council website contained information and survey, along with opportunity for comments.

Online. See *Specific Results below.

Social media

Council conducted social media and messaging.

Online. See *Specific Results below.

Internal CCBC briefing

Council staff briefed on project and invited to provide comments.

Attended by 17 Council staff members: •Open Space Operations (7 attendees) •Open Space Planning (3 attendees) •Roads & Traffic (3 attendees)

•Building Assets Services (4 attendees)

•Strategic Asset Services & Innovation (3 attendees) •Sustainability & Waste (1 attendee) •Place Management (2 attendees). Briefing conducted by a Clouston Associates representative and two CCBC senior staff members See *Specific Results below.

Drop-in Sessions

Six sessions conducted. See *Specific Results below.

Email reminder Reminder sent to users on list provided by Council.

28 emails sent on 29th June, 2023. Three (3) responses received.

Online survey Park users and residents encouraged in all instances (drop-in sessions, direct phone calls, emails etc.) to complete the online survey.

Handwritten surveys

Surveys forms completed by hand by respondents (usually during drop-in sessions or by intercept surveys)

Online. See *Specific Results below.

Direct feedback

Respondents who provided comments recorded by project representative (rather than complete the survey)

54 handwritten survey submissions and 34 mapping submissions received.

Four (4) residents provided direct comments. See *Specific Results below.

Direct email/letter responses from stakeholders.

Stakeholders who send direct commentary/responses via email or other methods

Three (3) formal emails/letters received (attached at Appendix C). See *Specific Results below. One (1) email sent direct to Council.

Figure 2. Poster

Figure 3. DL Flyer

Engagement Results

The following provides a detailed record of outcomes of the community stakeholder engagement process.

‘Collaborate’ . A dedicated web page with information about the project and online survey was accessed with:

• 988 page views,

• 906 unique visits,

• 719 unique public or end-users,

• 183 contributions (responses or feedback),

• 133 contributors (the unique number of Visitors who have left feedback or contributions) and,

• 20 followers (the number of Visitors who ‘subscribed’ to the Concord Parklands Corridor project.)

Of those who accessed the website, only 13.91% made at least one contribution, 42.16% stayed at least one minute, with 32.56% of those who visited the site taking at least two actions. See Appendix B for Online Survey Data.

Contributions were received largely via the web form (124 contributions or 67.76%) with the Social Map attracting 59 contributions from 14 contributors (or 32.24%) *Contributions via the website include responses imputed manually from respondents who chose to fill in survey forms in writing.

Acquisition. Respondents reached the ‘Collaborate’ site using:

•Direct URL: 455 - 62.50%, •Social Media Map: 200 - 27.47%, •Search Engine: 39 - 5.36%, and •Other Websites: 34 - 4.67% See Appendix C for Survey Acquisition Information.

Social Media (Facebook). A Facebook message was posted on Council’s Facebook page attracting 495 online users (clicks) with six (6) comments recorded, 35 reactions and eight (8) shares.

Figure 5. Facebook message

Figure 4. Contributions by activity.

Comments. Provided on Council’s Facebook reflected a similar theme – not to do anything to the parks with an emphasis on retaining the green space in the Concord Parklands Corridor. This reaction is at odds with responses received in the online survey and written submissions and is not regarded as representative. Examples of Facebook comments are provided below:

Drop-in sessions. Six drop-in sessions were held between June 17th and June 25th, 2023. These were conducted at Edwards Park playground, twice at Queen Elizabeth Park playground, Goddard Park pavilion, Rothwell Park pavilion, and the Jellicoe Street Plaza.

These sessions attracted an estimated 250 one-on-one interactions.

Representatives actively targeted respondents to complete intercept surveys or to go online to complete the survey. Of the 183 online contributions provided, 54 were handwritten survey submissions received through intercept surveys (and imputed manually later).

A further four (4) provided direct comments to project representatives (see below), and one (1) sent comments via email

Figure 6 Sample Facebook comments

Goddard Park

Queen Elizabeth Park playground

Internal Council. An internal brief was conducted with 17 staff members with the City of Canada Bay Council who have diverse responsibilities for the management and future of the Concord Parklands Corridor. Feedback was also received from these attendees.

Those present included: Open Space Operations (7 attendees) •Open Space Planning (3 attendees) •Roads & Traffic (3 attendees) •Building Assets Services (4 attendees) •Strategic Asset Services & Innovation (3 attendees) •Sustainability & Waste (1 attendee) •Place Management (2 attendees). The briefing was conducted by one Clouston Associates representative and two senior Council staff members

The following is a summary of key matters identified in the formal briefing conducted with City of Canada Bay Council staff:

Continued population growth increasing demand on parks.

There are no major hot issues between existing stakeholders.

The community takes the leftover space from organised sport.

There is a need to get greater passive use of the space.

Heavily contaminated Council Depot adjoins the bottleneck neck area.

A need to improve the biodiversity and continued the forest canopy – Green grid corridor

Enhanced public access and connectivity needed.

Existing recycled water is drawn from the east of the site for the irrigation of the parklands.

Key Issues:

No overall Connecting with Country Strategy. Lack of diversity of the activities in this corridor and sport dominance.

Environmental – a need to improve the biodiversity and continuity of existing forest and canopy coverage.

Parts of the Corridor are flood prone - 1:100, and there are water holding points.

Hot spot - Urban Heat Island effect during the summer season and minimal shade.

More amenities and public toilets needed. Enhanced public access and connectivity required.

The Urban Forest strategy needs to be developed.

Not enough resourcing for environmental maintenance from the Council environmental team for the biodiversity strategy

Lack of walkable and cycling connections to town centres, destination and general residential areas

A lack of walkable/cycling distances to parklands

Direct Comments. The following summarises direct comments (concerns only) provided to Crosbie Lorimer at the Rothwell Park drop-in session on 22nd June, 2023. These have not been included in the online survey For the full report see Appendix F

Residents reported concerns that a fenced-off council carpark at Rothwell Park has not been reopened and that car parking is an issue when sports fixtures are played. Beaconsfield Lane is blocked during rugby games, and vehicles are parked on the grass to the north of the oval - knocking down trees Street parking is always at full capacity

Other comments highlighted that the old Council depot is an eyesore and causes dust issues and should be demolished. Lighting is particularly needed on the northern side of the Rothwell Park oval and along the cycle path.

One resident felt that Queen Elizabeth Park safety at night needs to be examined, particularly with the lack of well-lit walking paths. Pathway links are also missing from Edwards Park to the foreshore. They don’t lead to anywhere special (e.g. to the river).

Responses included the need for more cycling paths in the Corridor generally, an improved path connection to the northern side of Rothwell Park and that the promised copper logs at the southern end of Rothwell still have not been delivered. A play area should be considered for the park.

Lighting on pathways

More playgrounds

More connected cycling paths

Comments covered the need for better access and upgrades required to toilets in Edwards Park, Goddard Park and Rothwell Park, and concern that there were no toilets and amenities at all at Jessie Steward Reserve and Greenless Park. Toilets being open only when a sports field is being used and not the public at other times caused concerns.

BBQ amenities were needed in Rothwell Park along with the park being included as part of a walk into the Parklands Corridor to the Bay

Other matters included maintenance issues such as tree branches falling onto street, the unsatisfactory nature of off-leash dog areas and the generally old and poor condition of facilities

The lack of storage in the Rothwell Park pavilion and change facilities (Rugby, Briars Netball - insufficient storage) particularly for women’s team was noted.

Respondents also referred to drainage being an issue after storm events for outside playing fields impacting on training and that some lighting is not working properly

Greenlees Park should be more user friendly for training for nonsport users.

Email sent to Council. One resident sent an email direct to Council highlighting concerns with the upkeep, maintenance and cleanliness of parks in the Corridor, specifically citing the Broughton Street side of Queen Elizabeth Park. Comments were made about the need for more bins, standard of footpaths, badly maintained poles and empty landscaped areas.

Also identified was the need for water points, doggy bags near bins and that the Queen Elizabeth Park Memorial plaque and surrounding area are unkept, unmaintained and dirty

The resident suggested a cafe/kiosk in Queen Elizabeth Park would attract families and that there should be a closed-off area for dogs in both Queen Elizabeth Park and Edwards Park. Below are some of the images attached to the email:

Demolish T T T

T T

T

T BBQ area T

Responses to online survey

(Key Findings). While a large majority of online survey participants and those who completed survey forms at drop-in sessions or intercept surveys are resident in the Canada Bay LGA, many others were from other Sydney metropolitan and nearby regional areas. This is most likely due to the regional sporting nature of the numerous parks in the Parklands Corridor that attract sporting teams from a greater area. Key findings are below:

Demographics

➢ The survey was completed by a relatively even mix of males (44.35%) and females (50.81%) with 4.84% preferring not to provide their gender.

➢ Only three people identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and four as someone living with a disability

➢ Most respondents were aged 50 to 54 years (20.97%), but there were significant number aged from 35 to 49 (42.13% collectively) Respondents ranged in age from 10 to 84 years.

Usage

➢ Respondents described themselves as a resident near the Parklands Corridor (58.87%) with a total of 91.13% saying they used the parks in the Corridor.

➢ The most popular park in the Corridor is Queen Elizabeth Park with 82.26% of respondents using this park. Edwards Park at 66.94% was the next most popular but all parks received good usage (ranging from 44.55% to 51.61% of respondents).

➢ Just over 50% of respondents used the Parklands Corridor a few times a week followed by those using it once a week (18.55%) or daily (14.52%).

➢ The typical time spent at a park was 31 to 60 minutes per visit for 28.23% of respondents, closely followed by 61 - 90 minutes (25.00%).

Figure 7 Age of respondents

Figure 8 Parks by popularity

Figure 9. Time spent at parks

Respondents also indicated 16 - 30 minutes or more than 120 minutes (both 16.13%) as time spent

➢ Nearly half of all respondents reported they went to the Concord Parklands Corridor with their children (49.19%). Others said they went by themselves (38.71%), as part of a club / organisation (37.90%) and with family & friends (35.48%) 32.26% said they went with their dog.

Activities

➢ The two most popular activities undertaken in the Concord Parklands Corridor are playing organised sport (45.97%) or using the playgrounds (37.90%). Also popular were walking the dog (34.68%), watching sports events (33.87%) or meeting with friends (33.06%).

➢ Informal sports, riding a bike or scooter, and using the picnic areas, barbeques and toilets also were recorded.

Access

➢ Most respondents accessed the Corridor by walking (75%) and/or by car (50%). A smaller number reported using a bicycle (16.13%), Scooter/skateboard (8.87%) or bus 4.84%

Most respondents who drove their car to the parks stated that there was little that would encourage them to use an alternate form of transport. Some cited that they lived too far away, they had too much equipment to carry, there was not enough time to take an alternate form of transport or their children were too young to walk.

For those who would consider an alternate form of transport, improved public transport to the site, the opportunity to take their dog on buses, improved and safer paths surrounding the sites, bike facilities or reduced equipment to carry were likely to be the main opportunities for change.

Carparking can be an issue during intensive usage of sports fields with specific comments that a fenced-off council carpark near Rothwell Park should be reopened.

Figure 10. Purpose/companions

Figure 11. Activities undertaken

Figure 12. Transport to parks

Organised Sport

Most respondents to this survey said they did not play organised sport (52.42%). Those who did, play the following sports: Soccer (football)

33.06%, Cricket 15.32%, Rugby League

12.10%, Other 6.45% and Rugby Union

5.65%.

Parks used were overwhelmingly Edwards Park 87.50% and Greenlees Park 75.00%. This was followed by Queen Elizabeth Park 50.00%, Jessie Stewart Reserve and Goddard Park (both 37.50%) and Rothwell Park 25.00%.

Satisfaction Level

Below is a summary of responses to the level of satisfaction with facilities and amenities on offer at the Concord Parklands Corridor.

• Respondents are generally satisfied with the availability of sporting facilities across all parks in the corridor.

• While most were happy with the availability of passive/informal recreation opportunities in the corridor more than 16% reported being not at all satisfied or not satisfied.

• Sportsgrounds. A clear majority were satisfied with the sportsgrounds available, but many saw the need for improvements.

• Lighting of sportsgrounds was generally considered satisfactory, but nearly 13% were not satisfied.

• Lighting of pathways attracted significant dissatisfaction with more than 43% not happy with the current situation. This is across the board with all parks in the Corridor.

• Playgrounds met with a wide level of satisfaction with most existing facilities but there was a significant call for new playgrounds or upgrades at all parks in the Corridor. Some safety issues were raised.

• Close to 30% of respondents reported dissatisfaction with the provision of seating, picnic facilities and barbeques at all parks.

• More than 35% were not happy with the provision of toilets/amenities buildings across the parks in the Corridor. Many (30.65%) also reported being only ‘somewhat satisfied’.

• Walking and bike paths were satisfactory according to most respondents, however more than 25% were not satisfied with current paths, and about 18% with pathways generally.

• Interestingly, most respondents were happy with entrances to the various parks.

• Car parking was a problem for nearly 18% of people, however traffic flow was not an issue.

• Overall, a clear majority (more than 80%) reported general satisfaction with the Concord Parklands Corridor including trees, bushland/natural areas and biodiversity (over 90%).

• A matter often raised was the need for an off-leash facility for dogs.

• Stormwater, runoff and drainage was considered an issue for about 28%. This was particularly noted in Greenless Park and sporting fields in Queen Elizabeth, Rothwell and Edwards Park

• The survey showed general satisfaction with turf and ground maintenance and garden areas, but 22% reported dissatisfaction with waste and rubbish collection.

• Those involved in the reporting of issues, park bookings, consultation and community interaction with Council were generally satisfied.

Figure 13. Sports played

Facilities needed

The biggest number of respondents cited the need for more toilets/amenities (46.77%), closely followed by the lighting of pathways (40.32%). Next was the need for/improvement of walking and bike paths 36.29%.

Other facilities wanted included more sports fields (29.84%), seating 26.61%, lighting of sports fields/sports courts 21.77%, informal outdoor areas for young people and playgrounds (both 18.55%), and picnic facilities and barbeques (11.29%).

Priority

When asked to list desired facilities by priority, there was a clear call for more toilets/amenities (70.97%) and pathways (70.16%). This dropped down to 32.26% for parking facilities and improved entrances to the corridor (20.97%).

Environmental priorities

Respondents listed more trees as their greatest priority ( 62.10%) with better drainage and run-off also a big priority at 54.84%. This was followed by biodiversity (50.00%) and water efficiencies and storm water harvesting (49.19%)

Park Maintenance

Toilets were listed as the main facilities that need improved maintenance (56.45%), while maintenance of waste and recycling 39.52% was also important. Maintenance of playgrounds and passive recreational areas needed upgrading (37.90%) followed by sportsgrounds (34.68%), lawns (33.06%) and gardens (30.65%).

Communication

Survey respondents advised the following priorities for communication with council: Reporting issues 45.97%, community interaction with the City of Canada Bay Council 43.55%, consultation 36.29% and park bookings 13.71%

Selected comments

The following provides a selection of comments provided in the online survey, in written responses and on the social map: *See Annex G for a full list of comments.

*More garbage bins please, every time there is a sports event, we are left with garbage all over the park! Clothing, plastic wrappers, fast food packaging, coffee cups, mouth guards, etc etc.

*There should be a small venue hire here up for up to 100 people for community events and private kids’ parties.

* Make Edwards Park Playground larger, so many kids come here also on the weekend from sports.

* Please put in a safe crossing here for people. It is also not safe for cars getting out of Addison Ave onto Gipps because Gipps is so busy.

* Please provide a footpath around Goddard Park.

* Consider putting in exercise equipment for adults next to the playground. There are also no basketball courts at all nearby or shooting practise rings which should be remedied.

* Consider one or more all-weather fields.

* Lots of void space to install well-placed seating, playground, community space.

Figure 14. Facilities needed

Figure 15. Priority facilities

* CJSC supports any request to instal/upgrade amenities blocks as there are not enough across the corridor.

* There is potential to add seating around this area that will allow parents to supervise both children and pets (if the suggested on-leash dog area is installed).

* Consider pedestrian crossing on Greenlees Ave between Greenlees Park and Jessie Stewart Reserve.

* CJSC supports installing pedestrian crossing on Wellbank Street between Briars' entrance and Edwards Park.

* Complete upgrade of existing turf fields including laser-levelling, re-turfing, advanced drainage to benefit both football and cricket as well as general community use.

* There is a potential to create a small on-leash dog enclosure in this area.

* Upgrade to lighting that meets requirements for night games, to expand junior and women’s twilight competitions Solar powered lighting and/or battery storage, to reduce burdensome lighting costs for community clubs.

* Briars Sports supports reinstating a fenced children’s playground at Rothwell Park, which was removed by Council during Pavillion construction.

* Briars Sports supports the opportunity for safety and accessibility improvements: Paved, ramp providing direct access for wheelchairs/prams to the lower level of Rothwell Pavilion and the sportsfield

* Proper, dedicated cycling tracks

* Rest areas along the way for the children to stop and take a break

* Easier access between the parks and majors bay road and public transport link

* Connecting wide paths that allow for bikes as well as pedestrians at the side of all parks. Well lit, and ensuring public toilets are always available to the public across the weekends.

* More playgrounds and new playgrounds like Putney and Marrickville needed.

* No access to carparking.

* I think that the Canada Bay Council could try to encourage other people by adding bike racks and a path for scooters/skateboards/bikes.

- More frequent bus routes, more bus stops close to the park, more lighting around the park and bus stops in the evening.

* Better footpaths

* Provide free local use of public transport

* Public transport that allows large dogs

* Provision of sheltered facilities

* Connected cycleway, separated from cars. Safer crossing of Crane St.

* Better street lighting and pathway lighting. Fix the footpaths.

* Wider footpaths to accommodate two-way traffic, more shaded rest spots

* Walking in the area is fine I wouldn’t feel safe unless there was a designated cycle lane to cycle

* Secure bicycle storage, more transport options “

Appendix A. On-line Survey

Concord Parklands Corridor - Survey

Current Usage of Parks

Which of the following best describes you? Please tick all that apply.

User of Concord Parklands Corridor

Resident nearby Concord Parklands Corridor

Which of the following parks do you use?

Edwards Park

Greenlees Park

Jessie Stewart Reserve

Rothwell Park

Queen Elizabeth Park

Goddard Park

How often do you visit these parks?

Daily

A few times a week

Once a week

Monthly

Rarely - once or twice a year

Never

How long do you typically spend at these parks during a visit?

(Word document)

Who do you typically go to these parks with? Please tick all that apply

By myself

With my dog

With my children

As part of a school group

With family & friends

As part of a club / organisation

Other (please specify)

What are the main activities you and / or those you are with do at these parks? Please tick all that apply

Play organised sports

Use the sportsground (for cricket, football, Frisbee, etc) on a casual basis where there is no formal organisation of a competition or fee

Use the playgrounds

Use the picnic areas and barbeques

Watch sports events

Do scouting activities

Meet with friends

Use the toilets

Ride my bike / scooter

Bushcare activities

Walk my dog

Other (please specify)

How do you typically travel to these parks? Please tick all that apply

Car

Motorbike

Bicycle

Scooter / skateboard

Train

Bus Walk Ferry

Other (please specify)

Organised Sports and Community Groups

What organised sport/s do you and / or those you are with play at these parks? Please tick all that apply

I do not play organised sports

Rugby Union Soccer (football)

Cricket

Rugby League

Other (please specify)

If you are a member of a group that uses one of the parks regularly, tell us the name of that group and which park you use? This can be non sport relate groups e.g. mothers groups, bushcare etc.

Current Satisfaction with Park Management

The following questions relate to the current management and maintenance of Concord Parklands Corridor.

How satisfied are you with the following area - Park use?

Appendix A. Concord Parklands Corridor – Survey continued …

Availability of passive / informal recreation opportunities at these parks

Which park/s do your answers refer to?

Which park/s do your answers refer to?

Edwards Park

Greenlees Park

Jessie Stewart Reserve

Rothwell Park

Queen Elizabeth Park

Goddard Park

How satisfied are you with the following area – Environment? Not

Trees, bushland / natural areas and biodiversity

Which park/s do your answers refer to?

Edwards Park

Greenlees Park

Jessie Stewart Reserve

Rothwell Park

Queen Elizabeth Park

Goddard Park

How satisfied are you with the following area - Park Maintenance?

Which park/s do your answers refer to?

Edwards Park Greenlees Park Jessie Stewart Reserve Rothwell Park Queen Elizabeth Park

Goddard Park

How satisfied are you with the following area – Communication? Not at all satisfied

Reporting issues, park bookings , consultation and community interaction with Council

Which park/s do your answers refer to?

Edwards Park

Greenlees Park

Jessie Stewart Reserve

Rothwell Park

Queen Elizabeth Park

Goddard Park

Overall, how satisfied are you with the Concord Parklands Corridor?

Not at all satisfied Not very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Satisfied Very satisfied

Level of satisfaction overall with the Concord Parklands Corridor

Priorities for Future Facilities and Services Onsite

The following questions relate to what you feel are the most important areas for the future management and maintenance of the Concord Parklands Corridor. Please select your top three priorities for each of the following areas.

Facilities. Please select up to three priorities

Sports fields

Sports courts

Lighting of sports fields / sports courts

Lighting of pathways

Informal outdoor areas for young people

Playgrounds

Seating

Picnic facilities and barbeques

Toilets / amenities

Walking and bike paths

No priorities

Other (please specify)

Access. Please select up to three priorities

Pathways

Parking

Entrances to the site

Signage

Toilets / amenities

No priorities

Other (please specify)

Environment Please select up to three priorities

Trees

Biodiversity

Runoff / Drainage

Water efficiencies and storm water harvesting

No priorities

Other (please specify)

Park Maintenance. Please select up to three priorities

Lawns

Garden areas

Waste and recycling

Toilets

Playgrounds / passive recreation areas

Sportsgrounds

No priorities

Other (please specify)

Communication Please select up to three priorities

Reporting issues

Park bookings

Consultation

Community interaction with the City of Canada Bay Council

No priorities

Other (please specify)

Feedback on the Concord Parklands Corridor

Please provide your written feedback in this section. Please be specific about the location of your suggestions and ideas. What do you like most about the Concord Parklands Corridor?

What do you like least about the Concord Parklands Corridor?

What park upgrades would encourage you to make greater use of the Concord Parklands Corridor?

Any other comments? About

Suburb

Gender Female Male Transgender

Non-binary/non-conforming

Prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

Do you identify as: Select all that apply

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Someone living with a disability

Stay in touch

Thank you for participating in this survey. If you wish to be updated on the progress of the Masterplan and Plan of Management for the Concord Parklands Corridor, please leave your contact details below.

Email: Submit

The City of Canada Bay is a local government area in Sydney. We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in particular the Wangal people of the Eora nation, as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

Contact

Appendix B. Online survey data

The Online Survey. (Note: this survey data includes data imputed manually from 54 written responses provided by respondents at Drop-in centres).

Appendix C. Survey referral information

From: Brian Breakspear

<secretarycandscricket1903@gmail.com>

Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 3:41 PM

To: collaborate <collaborate@canadabay.nsw.gov.au>; James Murray-Prior <James.MurrayPrior@cricketnsw.com.au>

Cc: Marshall, Bob <bmarshall46@yahoo.com>; daniel legge-nicholls <legman2250legman@yahoo.com>; David Stanley <davidstanley35@gmail.com>; d_m.mayes@bigpond.com; Craig Hilton <clubsportkid@hotmail.com>

Subject: Fwd: Yaralla Cricket Club Goddard Park Green space master plan submission

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please report all suspicious emails to helpdesk@canadabay.nsw.gov.au

Dear Coordinator, Parklands Corridor Project -

Thank you for your phone call last Friday, 9 May '23 regarding the subject matter. I have completed the Parklands Corridor Project survey I have forwarded to you for information, the email of Yaralla C.C. member, Daniel Legge-Nicholls. It is regarding a proposal for the installation of cricket nets to be located adjacent to the western boundary of Goddard Park near the vicinity of the neighbouring Scout Hall. Further, Daniel's submission is supported by Mr. Bob Marshall, Secretary of Yaralla C.C. and Mr. David Mayes, qualified Architect who has to his resume' credit, the design of Cricket NSW Training facility at Moore Park. David has kindly attached three images for your information and consideration.

As Secretary of the City & Suburban Cricket Association and on behalf of the President and the membership, I support the proposal as outlined in Daniel's email for the installation of cricket practice nets as aforementioned. I will attend on behalf of the C&SCA, the proposed meeting at Goddard Park on the 20 June 2023.

I have also Cc'd in my email, Mr. James Murray-Prior of Cricket NSW for his information.

Looking forward to staying in touch.

Sincere regards,

Brian Brteakspear Secretary, City

& Suburban Cricket Association - 1903 Inc.

Forwarded message

From: daniel legge-nicholls <legman2250legman@yahoo.com>

Date: Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 9:02 AM

Subject: Yaralla Cricket Club Goddard Park Green space master plan submission

To: Brian Breakspear <secretarycandscricket1903@gmail.com>, Bob Marshall <bmarshall46@yahoo.com>, Craig . <clubsportkid@hotmail.com>, David Mayes

Appendix E. continued … Formal Email and written Contributions

Forwarded message

From: daniel legge-nicholls <legman2250legman@yahoo.com>

Date: Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 9:02 AM

Subject: Yaralla Cricket Club Goddard Park Green space master plan submission

To: Brian Breakspear <secretarycandscricket1903@gmail.com>, Bob Marshall <bmarshall46@yahoo.com>, Craig . <clubsportkid@hotmail.com>, David Mayes <d_m.mayes@bigpond.com>, David Stanley <davidstanley35@gmail.com>, Dorny Mayes <dorny.mayes@gmail.com>

Hi Brian - I have edited my original message to assist you with the clubs submissions that you mentioned you would make. We would much prefer the nets to be at Goddard Park rather than Queen Elizabeth and David Mayes , Dorny Mayes , Mr Stanley, and I selected the most suitable location at the pavilion opening day. See below David Mayes has completed some aerial pictures in the required format for consideration.

. Please send this also to James Murray-Prior at Cricket NSW

To whom it may Concern

I am with the committee of Yaralla Cricket Club 1891 at Concord NSW and we would like to put in a submission for the upcoming Master Plan for Goddard Park Concord.

We play in the City and Suburban cricket competition - and as our name suggests - we have been playing at Goddard Park Concord for the last 130 years on turf.

We just had the official opening to our new pavilion at Goddard Park with Canada Bay Council on Friday 12th May 2023 and to compliment the pavillion, the missing piece is a set of 3 cricket nets.

We are aware that Canada Bay Council are presently in the early consultation stages with stekeholders of putting together a Masterplan for 6 open space sporting fields including Goddard Park.

. The benefit of having our clubs own nets - is that the nearby local large Cricket Club (Burwood Briars) has the largest cricket club / amount of teams in Australia and we have found it increasing difficult to get access to a cricket net over the last few summers.

. We have really noticed the explosion of ladies / women’s and girls teams and we believe adding a set of nets at Goddard Park would help cater for the popularity of women’s / ladies cricket in this large catchment LGA which has also seen an explosion in population.

. We have shared the club facilities with Shires cricket, grade cricket and women’s cricket and would love to do any work required to obtain this community asset as part of the Masterplan.

On behalf of our club - we will send a submission to the link and also have a club member or two come and meet the plan committee between 3pm and 6pm on Thursday 20th June .

For your consideration - we have identified a suitable location for the nets and attached is an aerial photo created by one of our club committee who is an architect ( David Mayes) David has to his resume that he creates the Cricket NSW training facility / HQ at Moore Park . Architect Reg Number 3190.

.

The location allows the facility to be utilised all year round and does not interfere with rugby league / football . Runs North / South which is a must for cricket nets. Takes up minimal space has access to electricity. See below

David Mayes B. Arch FRAIA Architect Reg. No 3190

10 Perkins St Denistone NSW 2114

E: d_m.mayes@bigpond.com

M:0418 220835

Kind regards

Daniel Legge-Nicholls

0449899636

2/17 Marlborough St Drummoyne, NSW 2047

Appendix F.

Direct comments to project representative

Appendix G. Comments from survey respondents

The following lists the comments provided on the on-line survey, in written responses and on the social map:

* More garbage bins please, every time there is a sports event here we are left with garbage all over the park! Clothing, plastic wrappers, fast food packaging, coffee cups, mouth guards, etc etc.

* There should be a small venue hire here up for up to 100 people for community events and private kids’ parties.

* Make Edwards Park Playground larger, so many kids come here also on the weekend from sports.

* Please put in a safe crossing here for people. It is also not safe for cars getting out of Addison Ave onto Gipps because Gipps is so busy.

* Please provide a footpath around Goddard Park. My young children currently have to cycle on the opposite narrow walkway to get around the park to get to the cycling path along Broughton Street.

* Consider putting in exercise equipment for adults next to the playground. There are also no basketball courts at all nearby or shooting practise rings which should be remedied.

* Good idea to upgrade the playground.

* CJSC supports the suggestion to convert this space to a more useful area for general community to use.

* Consider installing a mini field (all-weather?) that minimises/removes need for set-up during the season but is available for casual users all-year round.

* Consider one or more all-weather fields.

* Lots of void space to install well-placed seating, playground, community space.

* Consider relocating amenities block to provide open, safe and well-lit access for sports users as well as general public. It is too hidden away and not a safe environment.

* CJSC supports any request to instal/upgrade amenities blocks as there are not enough across the corridor.

* Sounds like a great use of the space (seating, outdoor gym etc) - CJSC supports this.

* Consider installing an amenities block that is available to sporting users as well as general public.

* CJSC supports installing as many all-weather fields as possible across the LGA.

* CJSC supports the need for an amenity block to be available to sporting users of the fields as well general public

* There is potential to add seating around this area that will allow parents to superviseboth children and pets (if the suggested on-leash dog area is installed).

* Consider pedestrian crossing on Greenlees Ave between Greenlees Park and Jessie Stewart Reserve.

* CJSC supports installing pedestrian crossing on Wellbank Street between Briars' entrance and Edwards Park.

* Complete upgrade of existing turf fields including laser-levelling, re-turfing, advanced drainage to benefit both football and cricket as well as general community use.

* There is a potential to create a small on-leash dog enclosure in this area.

* Upgrade current seating and add more seating that can be used by both football and cricket during games.

* Briars Sports supports lighting improvements: Upgrade to lighting that meets requirements for night games, to expand junior and women’s twilight competitions Solar powered lighting and/or battery storage, to reduce burdensome lighting costs for community clubs.

* Briars Sports supports reinstating a fenced children’s playground at Rothwell Park, which was removed by Council during Pavillion construction.

* Briars Sports supports the opportunity for safety and accessibility improvements: Paved, ramp providing direct access for wheelchairs/prams to the lower level of Rothwell Pavilion and the sportsfield.

* Proper, dedicated cycling tracks.

* Already mostly do safe bike paths

* Rest areas along the way for the children to stop and take a break

* Easier access between the parks and majors bay road and public transport link

* Smoother footpaths for strollers

* Connecting wide paths that allow for bikes as well as pedestrians at the side of all parks. Well lit, and ensuring public toilets are always available to the public across the weekends.

* Too far to walk from my place.

* Mostly we walk but sometimes drive if coming for sports and carrying gear

* Facilities need for older children.

* More bike paths for kids, Cycleway.

* I am already encouraged to walk and use public transport - usually depends on if I have an early start at the ground or late finish.

* Good proximity.

* I mostly walk there.

* More playgrounds and new playgrounds like Putney and Marrickville needed.

Appendix G Comments from survey respondents continued …

* No access to carparking.

* I think that the Canada Bay Council could try to encourage other people by adding bike racks and a path for scooters/skateboards/bikes.

* It’s easier to get around with my children via the car.

* Survey on behalf of Briars Sport, senior and junior usage of all parks across six senior and junior sports.

- Paths needed.

- A dedicated bike road from Russell Lea to Concord.

- More regular buses.

- More frequent bus routes, more bus stops close to the park, more lighting around the park and bus stops in the evening.

* Existing pathways and footpaths are sufficient to meet our needs.

* I am time poor. I cycle if I have time but often this is not the case, and I am often bringing gear for the players so it is not practical to use other forms of transport.

* With 3 kids, it is easier to drive with all the footy gear

* I wouldn’t use my car If I lived closer and didn’t have to cart bags.

* Better footpaths.

* I live in Belfield and its too hard not to drive.

* Provide free local use of public transport.

* Easy connections with Public transport.

* Public transport that allows large dogs.

* Increased bike paths away from or separate to roads.

* Provision of sheltered facilities.

* If you were allowed dogs on public transport.

* Connected cycleway, separated from cars. Safer crossing of Crane St.

* Better street lighting and pathway lighting. Fix the footpaths.

* Unfortunately, the distance takes too long for public transport and it is too far to walk or cycle.

* Students always walk to and from the park. We only use cars when transporting equipment down to the fields for schoolbased events.

* I live some distance from Goddard Park so car is the easiest mode of transport.

* Wider footpaths to accommodate two-way traffic, more shaded rest spots.

* Better seating facility.

* Better bike lane facilities.

* I have chronic pains and have difficulty walking more than 400 meters without pain.

* Better pathways and walkways for prams.

* Completion of new Metro Station on Parramatta Rd.

* Nothing. It works when maintained.

* Help with buying a bike.

* Walking in the area is fine. I wouldn’t feel safe unless there was a designated cycle lane to cycle.

* If it was cheaper or more convenient to get to parks.

* Secure bicycle storage, more transport options.

* That it is a vast open space enabling free play and creativity in children

* That I have to cycle on streets to get there

* Not wide enough to be an effective fauna corridor. Can it be linked to foreshore areas?

* Areas set aside for nesting birds Cat catchers especially at nights

* Connectivity, great open spaces and green amenity. These parks are some of what I love best about the suburb

* More biodiversity would be great, noting there are good areas Queen Elizabeth park.

* More trees and seating areas in the very open parks.

* The connectivity between all parks and fields

* Flooding and inability to use the facilities.

* Better drainage and lighting

* They are close together and form a core heart of Concord and when in use make the area feel alive and we are lucky to have these parks

* Disconnect between Queen Elizabeth Park and Goddard Park and Rothwell park, the main roads are not easy to cross over on bikes or for pedestrians so the park is by passed and not utilised fully

* Linking of the parkland corridor especially at end of Majors Bay road and and in Gipps St. Would encourage flow into Majors Bay rd. Similar to Edwards park

* Edwards park on the Brewer st is set up for pedestrians bikes and parking safely and in shared zones to access the park however the link between this park and the rest of the corridor is not as assessable? No pedestrian crossings between the parks or clear visibility and cars go past to quickly so children and elderly need to be very careful when going from one park to the other?

* The grassed areas are always cut and very well maintained. Paths are always clear from eco waste. Overall council does a great job with cleanliness and our parks are always very well maintained.

* The playground designs are quite unsafe compared to other council areas. Queen Elizabeth park playground is extremely unsafe (trenches, boulders, bark under equipment instead of rubber). The play area has multiple trip hazards and flows on

Appendix G. Comments from survey respondents continued …

different ground levels. I've personally seen a lot of children injure themselves. We visit the play area weekly but I'll often opt to go to another council district playground for safety reasons (Strathfield, Ryde). The playground/picnic area at the end of Burwood road is also very outdated. Excessive sand makes it difficult for small children to navigate the area.

* Playground and picnic area upgrades. Please make the play area designs and layouts safer.

* It’s a lot of green space for families to enjoy.

* It’s not well lit and connected for a walking/running track and toilets are often not open or non-operational. Goddard Park has a lot of wasted space along John St. A playground next to the sportsfield would be great (current one is dangerous with splinters and not enjoyable fir children). Gore Hill park is similar size and fantastic.

* Possibly a bike path for young kids that doesn’t require road use and also linking up bike paths to Rhoses without needing to feel unsafe on the road.

* Please fix Goddard Park. There is so much space and potential to better use the green space for sanities. The playground is rubbish and there is no path all the way around. There is too much wasted space along John St. do something the community will use e.g better playground like Livy’s Place at Five Dock and improving the path. Possibly a fully fenced dog park.

* Community access to open green space. Essential for physical and mental health, and of increasing importance as our area becomes more high density.

* The ability to move safely from one park to the next can be tricky, a mixture of pathways, lighting and access, as well as crossing busy roads between them.

* Consistent maintenance of all spaces throughout the year. Clean and available public toilet facilities that are open.

* Parking Availability

* Parking, and more seating

* Love all the green parks we have and the pathways

* The lack of lighting in the pathways between Jesse Stewart and Rothwell Park

* Lighting is an issue Esp parkway around and in Queen Elizabeth and Goddard

* Better lighting.

* Lots of options so there is almost always space for an informal play/run etc.

* Drainage and pitch quality is extremely poor at Edwards Park. Ron routely as an example is far superior.

* Better drainage.

* Better drainage and better/more level grounds at Edwards Park.

* The ability to safely walk and ride through the corridor without needing to walk near roads The Turpentine Forrest and natural areas in Queen Elizabeth Park.

* Lack of lighting through Queen Elizabeth Park

* Nice free area to meet with family and friends with decent picnic areas

* Inconsistent pathways and ground a bit rough to skate on with roller-skates

* A skate area that is suitable for all ages and all abilities would be nice. Maybe a nice water feature or pond to attract some ducks or other Australian natives

* The variety in each area

* Pathways are not consistent and are difficult for Roller-skating

* Add a skate friendly area

* You guys are doing a great job, keep it up!

* Proximity to facilities.

* Lack of variety in facilities.

* Separate Cycling and walking paths (bike lanes) for safety, convenience, flexibility. This also needs to be done for all trails within Council, especially the foreshore route (which has many chokepoints)

* Great parks

* Seal off Majors Bay Reserve.

* Lucky to have the spaces for the community to use.

* Edwards has a problem with drainage even after many attempts to fix it. Lighting is poor for evening training

* Better lighting.

* Green space that should be kept that way. No Uber development

* A bit shabby in places

* Synthetic soccer pitches at Edwards Park

* Lots of green-space and sporting fields in close proximity across a number of different sporting codes yet still providing opportunity for general community use.

* Limited toilet blocks available in the corridor

* Access to multiple parks for community to utilise

* Open fields for people to actively participate in organised and casual sporting activities Lots of space

* Good space for dog walking and all are local to where I live. Can choose to go to a different park each day or walk from one to another easily.

* That the playgrounds are joyful for everyone in our family with a bunch of new facilities.

* Great public space for Concord communities.

* The playground is always clean and caters to all ages

* Canada Bay is extremely lucky to have such high quality sports fields for use by the local community. Briars Sports is a major user of the sporting fields within Canada Bay and the maintenance team does a fantastic job in all seasons and weather.

* Open

* A great green space to walk around and through.

* They get used by lots of young children. Even by the schools have their sports events.

* Good trees and play equipment

* Sporting fields and parking convenience, excellent condition, variety

*Native vegetation areas.

* I enjoy using the sports fields for Sunday games and training during the week.

*The quality of the sports playing surfaces are excellent and well managed. Some newer facilities are great for their primary purpose.

* Extensiveness of public access to areas Bike and pedestrian pathways

* Wonderful to have so much green space on our doorstep, particularly now that the footpath works have finally provided path access from east of Ian Parade to Majors Bay Road, in the vicinity of Briars and the corner of Ian Pde and Greenlees Ave.

* The fact the council has spent time on the corridor bringing it up to date. The Corridor connects the half a dozen parks so a cycle way won't be difficult to link them all.

* The big open spaces encouraging kids to play

* The amount of parks / recreation areas

* Presentation, maintenance and lighting

* It’s a nice area with lovely green areas

* Upkeep

* Lots of parks. Beautiful areas.

* Unique opportunity for preserving and enhancing the original Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest.

* So much parkland

* It is a place for Wildlife to feel secure and to breed and to be enjoyed by everyone.

* I like riding my bike and walking with my family/dog on a daily basis. It is a great walk/path. I also enjoy playing sports and using the green areas.

* Great open spaces.

* It's very expansive and the playground and Queen Elizabeth Park is great.

* That it is a protected corridor

* The open space and ability to walk with being near a road.

* Love the new QE park

* How green it is. That it is multipurpose. That it is relatively cool on hot days and a good mix of sporting and informal recreation areas and a mix of shady and sunny.

* Love the connecting foot path

* Well kept and lots of variety, is one of the main reasons why I chose to live here.

* I love the fact that I can walk the path that joins the parks in relative safety during the day. It also takes me away from the main shopping area and gives me freedom to complete a circuit.

* Peaceful

* Wonderful to be able to walk through connected green space

* The different sports catered for

* Brings the community together, large space, open, sporting fields

* It's green, beautiful, pleasant to walk through, especially during hot days

* Diversity of trees and native plants

* The bushland regeneration in Queen Elizabeth Park

* Open green space and playing fields.

* Available for use by local schools and community groups.

* Very lovely corridor with potential to offer more to the community.

* Corridor has lots of grounds for different sports (e.g., cricket, football, rugby). It is generally well kept and clean.

* That it exists.

* Great for walking the dog.

* The existence of the Parkland Corridor provides an excellent opportunity for residents, visitors and sporting bodies to facilitate the outdoor areas. Comments apply to Edwards, Greenlees, Jesse Stewart and Rothwell.

* Wide paths

* Grass is mown regularly

* All the new trees that have been planted

* Not much litter

* Connection for important habitat. Beautiful birds are spotted including king parrots, kookaburras, musk parrots, black cockatoos. Space to calm the mind in nature.

* Having close access to parkland is an important means of improving the health of individuals and communities. This includes promoting the benefits of outdoor activities as well as the benefits of interactions with nature.

* They provide sporting facilities for summer and winter sports as well as recreation areas for those that just want to enjoy the outdoors or do their own exercise

* Trees and other vegetation

Appendix G. Comments from survey respondents continued …

* Connected landscape

* Ease of connectivity on foot/bike

* Recent increase in plantings

* Bushcare opportunities (even though I don't contribute myself!)

* Tree signage

* Queen Elizabeth Park - protected areas, logs surrounding the space that minimise habitat disturbance.

* Native trees in Queen Elizabeth Park. Large size of park.

* Shade, seating and playground equipment.

* Fields are close by to schools. Decent fields. Easy to book.

* The fact you can walk continuously through the park lands. Need some more off leash areas in this corridor.

* Amount of park options

* Cleanliness.

* Nice open area with some areas with shaded seating and BBQ/picnic facilities. I like the tree canopy at Queen Elizabeth. I have lived in the area for over 50 years, not much has improved over the years.

* That it exists. It brings communities together. It is versatile and changes are consulted with nearby residents and users of the green space. This is a positive way to make changes through community consultation.

* Queen Elizabeth playground is fantastic! Understand this is a large project but better shaded seating in all parks with some shaded BBQs would be fantastic

* The connected pathways

* They are a great facility for us to continue our sporting tradition and obligation to the local community

* It's such a large dedicated area that is incredibly accessible for children

* That it allows pedestrian passage and green space

* It exists and is easily accessible.

* Beautiful area.

* The parks provide a green space to be enjoyed by all

* Natural habitat and particularly the trees in Queen Elizabeth Park

* That it endeavours to keep improving the environment as a whole whilst continuing to provide facilities for locals.

* Lot of green area to not only organise sparts but also general recreative facilities.

* It provides a pleasant recreational walking and cycling corridor along the eastern side of Concord. The revegetation areas are increasingly impressive.

* That we have greenspace available

* The fact that so much green space exists in the area

* I love the green space

* It has a great bike path strategy

* Lots of greenspace

* The variety of uses and cleanliness

* Limited toilet blocks available in the corridor

* The drainage needs to be fixed. Sport regularly cancelled with minimal rain. Edwards and Queen Elizabeth known for this. Kids miss out.

* Lighting when walking my dog after dark

* No level soccer fields, holes, dead grass or soggy areas

* Not maintained properly, we have seen big holes sometimes.

* Shortage of waste bins, dog waste bins and water stations, bench seating & toilets.

* That there are no bins in Elizabeth park and we can’t put our rubbish anywhere, so we have to bring it back home. Soggy grounds after rain, no proper club house for the local club (Russel Lea) and no rubbish bin available in QEP.

* No comment here, improvements can always be made, however, once again, the Club feels very lucky to have such great facilities for our sports to utilise.

* Seating.

*Needs a better mix of sporting use and casual recreational use such as approved use for off leash areas for dogs at certain times.

* Not enough secure play areas for toddlers especially Goddard Park

* Limited toilets

* Would like more trees and pathways

* Queen Elizabeth Park gets boggy and drains poorly

* Limited toilets

* The toilets are old and not very accessible and should be updated at QVP, noting that many mothers and women access the field.

* The topography of the corridor means a lot of water runoff goes through the corridor meaning that grounds get closed due to weather.

* There are limited public facilities along the corridor for use outside of sporting events

* Night-time lighting for all hours usage of pathways and bike ways

* Organised sport taking over most days, the undesirable crowd that Saturday soccer seems to attract at Edwards Park, and the noticeable increase in Edwards Park being used for school sports carnivals. The worst aspect is the amplified noise -

Appendix G Comments from survey respondents continued …

some parent or teacher on a megaphone, or parents screaming from the sidelines. I live about half a kilometre away from Edwards Park as the crow flies, and have today had to put up with listening to every word of every announcement at a school carnival. Would be excellent if users had some restrictions put on them in terms of noise and respect for local residents.

* Parking at Goddard Park is sometimes near impossible on training nights and Sundays.

* The parking especially on game day.

* Lack of parking, seating and lighting at a few, in particular Goddard Park

* Parking.

* Queen Elizabeth Park on the eastern side, pathways and facilities are not very updated, it’s just lots of trees, but very little way to appreciate them, maybe more signs an description of the trees, clear pathways.

* Lack of parking

* Not enough amenities.

*Not enough consideration of Wildlife issues and the needs of the Elderly viz. recreation & socialising areas with equipment suited to their age group for exercise purposes as is provided in Beijing and other countries - see "Exercising like a Beijing LOCAL!! Could you do this at 80?" on YouTube

* Mostly good overall, but could be better.

* Public toilets non-existent in Jessie Stewart and Greenlees.

* Toilets also poor and not all marked in Queen Elizabeth Park.

* QE park has a very narrow soccer field. Surely a solution can be found to make it full width.

* Would be great if the kiosks were open on the weekend perhaps at Queen Elizabeth Park. Would be good to have a kiosk destination at one of the parks.

*Lack of toilet facilities outside of spiting events and water bubblers

* Water drainage

* Parking.

* It doesn’t drain well near the Majors Bay Road roundabout.

* There is no designated times for off-leash dog area

* There is a lack of lighting and I have noticed flooding at times near Rothwell Park and the unused field near Beaconsfield Lane (which also seems unsafe to me and my family at night-time).

* I sometimes find as an older resident that the delineation of walking vs bike path needs some upgrade in areas and that bike riders need to be more aware of using their bell to warn people. The only part I don't like is the strip between Rothwell and Jessie Stewart which is a bit dark and doesn't present well with the empty land which is quite unsightly. I know there are plans to do something to relieve this in the future. It accumulates rubbish easily.

* Queen Elizabeth park pathways are sometimes a bit dangerous after a storm with fallen branches etc.

* Wet ground after rain

* Lack of toilets for those playing cricket matches at Jessie Stewart and Greenlees

* Lawn man

* Lack of picnic tables, BBQ facilities, 24 hour toilets, outdoor gym, Aboriginal signage and flags

* Poor drainage at Edwards Park, have experienced years of cancelled sporting matches due to the fields being too wet to play on.

* Bad drainage. QEP is turned into a pond during heavy downpours. My children walk to school through QEP and come home with muddy shoes when there is rain!

* Disconnect from Rothwell Park through to Queen Elizabeth Park to Goddard Park

- The complete lack of lighting along the central footpath through Queen Elizabeth Park.

- The way that the commemorative garden and stonework in Queen Elizabeth Park near the intersection of Broughton and Gipps Street has been left to fall into ruin.

- The fact the golfers and drone pilots are frequently in Queen Elizabeth Park endangering other users.

- Too many off-leash dogs and dog poo, crossing busy Crane St; damaged pathway at Rothwell Park

- Some footpaths have not been maintained for over 35 years - I gave an example - Gipps street edge of Queen Elizabeth Park.

* Vacant land on Beaconsfield Lane is unused, looks dangerous, and wasted space.

* The open and unused land on Beaconsfield Lane. It is an eye sore (and the ugliest and least utilized part of Concord), the land should be turned into a park to serve the Concord community and increase the general safety through the corridor.

* The drainage and flood risk near Rothwell Park and Beaconsfield Lane.

* There is no lighting on the footpath around Rothwell Park (near the toilets section), it is quite dangerous at night.

* That parking is not timed. People leave their cars all day and catch a bus to where they need to go.

* The C&SCA does not have any negative points regarding the Concord Parklands Corridor. All comments apply to Edwards, Greenlees, Jesse Stewart and Rothwell.

* No proper water stations

* Not enough bins

* No dog poo bins

* Where there are bins, they are only in a central location rather than spread around the parks

* Not enough seating or picnic tables, particularly near the playground equipment in Edward Park

* No seating at all in Jesse Stewart and only one seat in Greenless.

* Old council depot is an eyesore.

* No public toilets at Greenlees or Jesse Stewart.

* People that ruin the property/infrastructure that council has put in place for the community eg Rothwell Park grandstand seats were always damaged, rubbish left behind around picnic chairs.

* The corridor is a valuable resource for the community. Lighting and toilet facilities could be increased to ensure the safety at night-time.

* Limited uptake of opportunities to enhance the area for people and nature - please see park upgrades comment below:

- Areas that need more shade, soft fall that has lifted because of tree roots (Kendell Reserve)

- Jessie Stewart and Greenlees don't seem to have full soccer fields on them.

- The way people leave their rubbish around.

- Stormwater drainage inadequate

- Seating and benches for breaks in walk. Will help spend more time

- All our parks need more shaded area in form of larger trees with large canopy. More areas for BBQ and picnics.

- I'm not a fan of parking spaces turning into bicycle lanes or being reduced for traffic slowing barriers. Although I have a temporary disability car permit currently I am worried about reduced parking on Broughton St where I live and not being able to safely get my child safely home as they still run off when restless.

- Need more shaded seating in all parks

- Lack of seating and dog facilities like poo disposal and no fenced dog park

* They have developed significantly over the past 40 years and are very respectable facilities. If there was anything I'd say not enough permanent garbage bins in certain areas but that is minor

* The Queens Road and Major's Bay Road intersections are too busy to cross easily with children

* The amount of discarded trash people throw out along the greenway and paths (no garbage bins = people being pigs)

* Quality of the grounds for playing football.

* Connectivity of the pathway to use as cycleway, it gets disconnected between each parks so technically it isn't a corridor, just a few parks sort of next to each other.

* Not enough drinking fountains. Footpath quality could be improved.

* Funds being focussed on sports to the detriment of the passive areas, specifically the monument garden commemorating the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in Queen Elizabeth Park.

* Dog poo left on paths.

* This is a difficult question as I love parks and think they’re an essential component of any thriving community space. My only answer could be perhaps that they could be more obviously connected to each other by various opportunities like walking, skating, cycling etc

* The civic neglect of the stone garden in QE park near the corner of Gipps Street and Broughton Street.

* As a single female, lighting could be better. I walk in daylight only

* Often the parks don’t look cared for. Not enough seating.

* The rubbish sometimes left on the parking area

* Not enough trees

* Parking near certain facilities can sometimes be limited. Need more BBQ or picnic areas.

* CJSC uses Edwards for game days and Greenlees Park, Jessie Stewart Reserve and QEP for training nights in winter season. We support installing as many all-weather fields as possible. At Edwards, I would like Council consider the following:

- Move Mini 2 so that it closer to Mini 1 and Half fields to make game day operation across the younger age groups safer and more efficient

- Move Edwards 2 a little bit across towards Edwards 1 and down towards the roundabout to create more room between the top of Edwards 2 and the Half field - when games are run simultaneously it can be quite unsafe for children playing on the Half field

- At minimum, re-turf, laser-level then and add advanced drainage to all fields to decrease the number of times the park is closed due to wet weather. There are plenty of examples of more resilient fields in other LGAs.

- Move the cricket pitch orientation so that it lies between Edwards 1 and Edwards 2 (not across) to increase safety as well as decrease changeover impacts between football and cricket.

- Consider converting the relocated Mini 2, Mini 1 and Half fields into all-weather fields - happy to leave Edwards 1 and Edwards 2 as turf fields (albeit upgraded as per point 3 above)

- Add seating especially along the Brewer Street side of Edwards 1 - this will benefit spectators at football and cricket as well as provide comfort to general community users

- Consider adding enclosed cricket training nets at the bottom of the newly relocated Edwards 1 (where the Mini 2 field takes up most space now)

- Consider adding an enclosed on-leash dog area adjacent to playground

- Consider adding covered seating around the playground/on-leash dog area so parents can supervise both children and pets

At Jessie Stewart/Greenlees:

- During football season, add goalposts at both ends of the field

- Add suitable amenities block including toilets

- Consider installing an all-weather field

At QEP:

- Consider installing all-weather fields

- Provide more seating along fields but also in the void beyond the Half field

- Relocate amenities block to make them more publicly-accessible - at the moment they are tucked up high on the hill and hidden which creates a dangerous space for anyone wanting to use the facilities

* More lighting around parks and bigger and better playgrounds like other suburbs have

* A fenced in dog park, picnic shelters with bbq facilities, toilet amenities and drink stations. And a cafe on site.

* You could upgrade the grass and add new plants.

* Improve the club house for the local soccer club, with proper toilets.

* Would be great to have dog-friendly space (fenced area) to allow for local pet dogs to socialise in a safe environment.

* Rubbish bins available to manage waste.

* Improve drainage in the park to allow safer fields to play sports on after rain.

* Upgrades of the public toilet facilities at Rothwell Park

* Upgrade to the lighting at Rothwell Park

* Greenlees Park to become an all-weather surface would help our sports. Briars Sports would like to be involved in this process

* Redeveloping the disused council depot (Beaconsfield Lane, between Rothwell Park and Jessie Stewart Park) to provide an all-weather training ground and facilities (gym)

* Seats

* Designated times for off leash dog use.

* BBQ facilities and children’s play area needed in Goddard Park

* More toilets open longer. Cafe/coffee cart

* Bike roads from nearby suburbs to the parks

* Greater lighting on the pathways at night-time, better pathways too Thanks for consulting! Overall, the QVP is a beautiful area but could always do with improvements.

* All-weather ground at Greenlees Park would mean training is never cancelled due to inclement weather, and there is no longer risk of damaging grass at Rothwell Park, with costly restorations.

* If Greenlees Park is upgraded to an all-weather ground, a small amenities block would be needed to provide toilets, storage and change rooms. This would also be an opportunity to provide public toilets at a location in the ‘Concord Parkland Corridor’ where they are needed. Currently, there are no public toilets in this section of the Corridor and it is some distance to the nearest amenities blocks. Alternatively, redeveloping the disused council depot (Beaconsfield Lane, between Rothwell Park and Jessie Stewart Park) to provide an all-weather training ground and facilities (gym) will increase field space in the area and may create opportunities for summer sports (e.g. rugby 7s), reducing competiton for Rothwell with cricket.

*At Rothwell Park, upgraded public toilets are desperately needed. The existing public toilets are very old and do not meet modern accessibility standards. They are also only open on game days - leaving the community without basic amenities. An upgrade of this toilet block could include an opportunity for improved storage facilities for local sporting clubs.

*Lighting improvements:

- Upgrade to lighting that meets requirements for night games, to expand junior and women’s twilight competitions

- Solar powered lighting and/or battery storage, to reduce burdensome lighting costs for community clubs Opportunities for safety and accessibility improvements:

- Paved, ramp providing direct access for wheelchairs / prams to the lower level of Rothwell Pavilion and the sportsfield

- Pedestrian crossing between Briars Sports Club and Edwards Park on Wellbank Street, providing a better connection through the Parklands Corridor

* Amenities (toilets) for Jesse Stewart and Greenlees Parks

* Evening lighting at Rothwell improvements

* Happy the way it is for passive use. The noise that is permitted to come from Briars late at night when they have a function on the premises is completely unacceptable. It cannot possibly comply with whatever the rules they are meant to operate under.

* Not necessarily the whole corridor, but more parking for Goddard park. I have 2 suggestions.

- Take a 5-metre strip off the park land at the west end of Goddard park all the way along John St and put in 90 degree parking. I'm sure the house owners would be happy and it would make it much better for parking during high use of Goddard park. ...and or

- Put in 60 degree parking along Park Ave, on the park side of Goddard Park - increasing parking capacity by about 30%. Limiting Parking time is NOT a solution to the parking problems at Goddard Park. During Training nights and Game day, parents/ people need to be at the park approx. 1 hour before their child's game and they then often buy and consume some food after their game...this means the absolute minimum time someone may be parked there would be 2.5 to 3 hours. I am there on game day from early morning to Dark...If I got busy working on the BBQ or Ground Managing and could not move /forgot to move my car it would be extremely annoying to get a parking fine. The fact that the council have sent this survey out is a positive move indicating that the council is genuinely interested in improvements and interested in their residents needs and ideas on the Canada bay parks.

*A car park near Goddard oval as on training nights (tues and thurs) and home games on a Sunday is nightmare to park. There is unused parkland next to the bottom oval at Goddard that could be utilised for parking.

* More parking spaces

* Install seating for spectators and the elderly

* Better lighting around the grounds - playground areas, pathways etc. It is pitch black and dangerous

* Canada bay council has one of the best kept parks in Sydney. A good example would be to make it like Burwood park.

Appendix G. Comments from survey respondents continued …

* More Parking

* More and cleaner toilets

* Toilets, bins

* Would love a fully enclosed dog park

* Areas where the elderly can meet and overcome isolation and enjoy suitable facilities and relax and enjoy Nature. I do appreciate the great efforts that Council is making to make places available for the community to enjoy and escape some of the high-rise confinement that is prevalent these days. many thanks

* Convert the unused space on Beaconsfield Lane into a green space so we can all use it to play and enjoy. It would be a great addition to the Corridor. It is ugly, looks dangerous and makes me and my family feel unsafe. It is strange why it has been left unused and in its current state for so long, especially as Council said they would upgrade this area in the past. It can't be that hard to take the fence down, put some grass down and some benches or a playset.

* When I walk around Rothwell Park at night time, there is no lighting on the pathway (on the toilet side of the ground).

* I have noted when I am riding, that the bike path alongside Rothwell Park is quite dangerous when it is raining. Better drainage here would be great.

* Toilets in all Parks - Greenlees, Jessie Stewart and better toilets in Queen Elizabeth

* There is not a lot of sun protection at Edwards Park.

* Toilet facilities and water drainage

* More BBQs.

* I already make good use of it. Please be sparing in your use of artificial playing surfaces going forward. They make everything so hot. I know they are needed to keep fields accessible, but don’t let the balance tip too far.

* Have designated times for off-leash dog play Outside of late afternoon / evening sport training and weekend sports the parks are mostly empty weekdays. Having designated times for off-leash dog play would increase the use of these parks. My main suggestion is the expansion of the corridor by converting the unused field at Beaconsfield Lane into a green space. My second suggestion is addressing lighting and flooding issues around and near Rothwell Park. Toilets at Edwards Park could do with an upgrade.

*As a long-time resident we have been delighted with the many upgrades over the time. More seating would be appreciated for spectators around the sports fields especially as you get older. I might stop longer if there was seating. I want to thank you for this opportunity to comments and for the work done so far over many years. We have a suburb to be proud of.

* Drainage

* Toilets at Jessie Stewart to save cricket players having to take a long walk mid-match.

* More focus on bindi removal, at times we cannot walk our dog on the grass on the hill at Queen Elizabeth Park.

* The fields at QEP are not level/have dips in the surface. It would be great to have simple benches/shade for spectators on the western side of QEP

* Outsource lawn maintenance Remediate and sell the old Concord depot

* Outdoor gym, more picnic tables and BBQs More Aboriginal signage and flags are required. We are on Wangal Country and should respect traditional owners

* It would be great to have a basketball court in QEP. There are so many soccer fields, cricket but no outdoor basketball court. Keep it green. Grass, trees shrubs...maybe flowering trees/shrubs??

* As a local resident with young children residing on Addison Avenue opposite Queen Elizabeth Park we would like to see a walkway/cycleway running through Queen Elizabeth Park to Goddard Park - similar to that currently between Rothwell Park to Jessie Stewart Reserve, Greenlees Park and beyond.

* The walkway/cycleway should run parallel to Addison Avenue as many people walk on the roadway, not on the grass. The walkway/cycleway would also benefit young children riding push bikes, scooters etc. in a safe and flat surface away from the road.

* Queen Elizabeth Park in particular could do with additional park bench seating along Addison Avenue with the addition of rubbish bins, as when weekly sporting events are held there is excessive rubbish left behind as there is one bin currently for the entire park near the groundskeepers shed.

* Lighting of footpaths.

* Easier crossing busy Crane St Thank you for asking for comments

* More lighting please.

* Upgraded toilet blocks

* Convert vacant land on Beaconsfield Lane into a green space for community to use.

* Upgrades that need to be made to the Concord Parklands Corridor:

- The open and unused land on Beaconsfield Lane should be used to create a new park. It is an eyesore (and the ugliest and least utilized part of Concord), this will better serve the Concord community and increase the general safety through the corridor. This will increase my and my kids use of the Concord Parklands Corridor.

- The drainage and flood risk near Rothwell Park and Beaconsfield Lane should be improved for when it rains.

- Lighting should be installed on the footpath around Rothwell Park (near the toilets section), it is quite dangerous at night.

* Better lighting of pathways.

* Timed Street parking - 3hrs would cover a sports game.

* Seating around the soccer fields. Move cricket from Edwards Park to Jessie Stewart like it used to be 30 years ago. Leave Edwards for soccer so the fields can be maintained properly without a cricket pitch running across 2 soccer fields. Alternately, build a synthetic soccer field at Edwards.

Appendix G

* Facilities block closer to sports fields at Queen Elizabeth.

* Fenced, off-leash dog area. We have a lot of parks in Concord, and very few fully fenced off-leash areas for the many dogs in the area. Please can we get one in the Concord Parklands Corridor?

* Yaralla CC and the City & Suburban Cricket Association support the installation of outdoor cricket nets adjacent to the western boundary of Goddard Park. Particularly, with the growing depths of Women's Cricket and the local cricket community.

* Sporting improvements to the Queen Elizabeth Park western side is essential. This could beby way of public toilets, a suitable change room facility and suggested attractive environment design enclosure, to encourage soccer players and alike from unauthorised occupation of Goddard Park (fenced off) during the Summer/Winter months. The upper area of Goddard Park could be more attractive with fencing to assist to alleviate the unwanted occupancy. The concept of examining the Concord Parkland Corridor allows wider community scope to embrace logical and sensible ideas to enhance the greenbelt area as identified. All comments apply to Edwards, Greenlees, Jesse Stewart and Rothwell.

* More seating and picnic tables

* Toilet block at Greenlees and Jesse Stewart.

* More water stations

* More trees

* Bins in a variety of locations, particularly at both the entrances to the pathways to each of the parks. This would encourage the people to use them when returning to their cars.

* Dog poo bins at the entrances to pathways.

* Drainage is still a problem at Edwards despite extensive work having already being done. It is a vast improvement to what it was previously though.

* Drainage at Jesse Stewart adjacent to the pathway could be improved as could the drainage between Jesse Stewart and Rothwell, near the old council depot.

* Would love to see signs at the entrances to the pathways with the park name and welcome to the Concord Parklands Corridor.

* Greater/increased regular monitoring of parklands and clean-up of rubbish etc Love our open spaces and variety for use of space to meet diverse community purposes.

* Upgrades are currently being undertaken particularly at Goddard Park. We are active users of both Goddard Park and Queen Elizabeth Park for school-based events. The improvement to drainage of the fields has resulted in less closing of the fields due to impact of rain. Increased seating options across the parks would be beneficial for all users. Toilet availability is always a major priority for large events - cleanliness and size of bathrooms is very important.

* Cricket nets at Goddard Park would encourage our club, and perhaps other clubs in our Association, to make use of these during the week, but also to encourage young local boys and girls to play cricket

* I believe there is a great opportunity to improve biodiversity of the area e.g. by increasing connectivity within patches, creating buffers (transitional vegetation zone) adjacent to habitat, construct ecological features that provide habitat for a range of plant and animal species, incorporate structural complexity (ground cover, shrubs/midstorey, upper storey) in habitat, retain and enhance understorey, incorporate habitat walls, create bird friendly habitat, create pollinator friendly habitat.

* Where structural complexity of vegetation needs to be balanced with other consideration such as visibility for people safety, consider low plantings that provide pollination habitat (this could be further enhanced with interpretive displays about pollination and engagement of community in citizen science events such as pollinator week). In addition, encourage naturenature interactions (e.g. pollinator) and human-nature interactions (e.g. bird week activities and other citizen science opportunities)."

* Dog waste bins with free bags

* Footpaths well maintained with lighting.

* Diversity of native trees to encourage native birds and animals.

* More and safer, better maintained toilet facilities

* Upgrade of equipment at Kendell Reserve and fix the flooring- it is a hazard and children are always tripping over its legged tree roots

* More covered seating and BBQ areas

* More seating and general exercise + play areas for kids in Rothwell Park

* Trees, shade, picnic areas, more seating

* We are already making more use of Edwards Park and Queen Elizabeth Park especially since the recent upgrade.

* Shaded seating in all parks

* Fenced dog park and more poo bins and bubblers

* Please build a fenced dog park that accommodates a separate area for small and large dogs with poo disposal and water bubblers.

* Decent toilets at QEP

* An AstroTurf developed ground at Greenlees Park supported/co-funded with Briars

* Upgrade of toilets at Rothwell Park

* Larger fenced play area for children of all ages

* We’ll maintained walk/cycle ways Parking is still a major issue especially when netball & football season starts and overflows to surrounding streets even with the current upgrades of Concord Oval and Cintra Parks

* Well lit, with amenities to relax and watch sport/play + convenience of snacks, food, bar, toilets. Appreciate what is there, and the efforts made by the groundskeepers.

* Better connectivity on path, pedestrian/bicycle priority over road traffics.

* Better paths and lighting. Better drainage at Elizabeth Park.

* Outdoor Fitness Structures

* Repair the QEII monument garden and properly maintain this important local historical site. Improve the maintenance of the garden areas in all the parks for passive users instead of only focussing on sporting fields Reports I have made by email to Council have been ignored.

* I love walking through these parks - particularly after the additional tree planting. Thank you CCBC and Bushcare team in particular!

* Keeping a separate space for women and men’s toilets so that women feel safe. Also, maybe providing facilities for older people to help in keeping them fit and in turn would provide a meeting place to stay active and chat. Thank you for the opportunity to voice our opinions. We are very lucky to have the beautiful parks we do. Please keep providing shrub areas for small birds. I hear fewer finches, wrens etc every year. We need to encourage them to stay around by providing safe spaces for them to thrive.

* Suggest some more social amenities such as tables with covers/roofs. Possibly barbecue areas in some sections. Basketball half court. Keep the green and make it a more social area than just sport fields

* Better lighting of pathways.

* Better maintenance of the diagonal path in QE Park. The “improvements “ to Goddard Park have made it more difficult to walk across it from the pedestrian island in Gipps St to the gates of the park on the corner of Park and Broughton…an old short cut to Burwood. I don’t see this park as part of the corridor because I can’t easily incorporate it into my walk. I have occasionally used the cycleway.

* Better walking and bike paths. Better seating and lighting.

* More maintenance and more seating. Council tends to favour “new projects” over ongoing maintenance. The council tends to favour PR opportunities rather than properly maintaining the existing facilities. In other words, if there isn’t a grant available or a photo op for the Mayor, it’s not a priority.

* Better toilet in Queen Elizabeth Park. Concord is the parkland suburb.

* Perhaps make the bike and walking paths a little better - they are getting tired.

* More trees, more paths

* More BBQ and/or picnic areas.

* Some suggestions for the Concord Parklands Corridor are:

- The regular and general upkeep of cleanliness and maintenance around the parks. One particular area which looks unkept and dirty is all along the Broughton Street side of Queen Elizabeth Park. There are not enough bins and as a result rubbish is thrown along the footpaths and bushland. The footpaths are not maintained or cleaned and this is a very busy foot path with a lot of foot traffic, visitors and dog walkers. (I have attached photos which show the messy footpaths, badly maintained poles and empty landscaped areas)

- Doggy Bags There are a lot of dog walkers and having the convenience of doggy bags near bins and also water for the dogs would be beneficial and help ease the dog mess left around.

- Queen Elizabeth Park memorial. This is a very important park. Queen Elizabeth 11 visited the park in 1954 and despite this event the area and plaque have been left unkept, unmaintained and very dirty. This area should be maintained and cleaned up so people can visit and sit and enjoy the historical event which resulted in renaming the park. Maybe some shade and sails could also be erected in the area to ease the amount of leaves that fall and entice more people to pass through.

- A cafe/kiosk is another suggestion in Queen Elizabeth Park. There are many families that picnic, use the playground and the constant sports competitions throughout the year and there is no cafe or kiosk for coffee, snacks, refreshments etc...

- There should be a closed off area for dogs in both Queen Elizabeth Park and Edwards Park. Dogs are a big part of life and especially through Covid. Having a sectioned area would benefit dog owners and the general public.

Appendix H.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study

(Prepared by GML Heritage Pty Ltd)