Rhodes Peninsula as a more active and vibrant place

Key issues focused on: • rubbish bins provided as parks and public spaces throughout the Peninsula are opened

• Council provides increased street maintenance, grass cutting and weed removal services as the area grows

• a more proactive approach to abandoned shopping trolleys (involving shopping centre and retailers)

• graffiti and abandoned cars are promptly removed

• more community education programs about littering, illegal dumping, responsible use of trolleys / dog ownership are provided

• dog tidy facilities in parks and public spaces are provided. ‘On Friday mornings, garbage bins block street access for pedestrians and cyclists. Can the garbage collection times be staggered to avoid this?’(Resident of Rhodes)

‘The 40% of people who do the right thing (owners) require extra assistance from Council to get the remainder of the community on board eg fines for illegal dumping, littering.’(Resident of Rhodes)

‘I downsized from my home in Haberfield. I’m disappointed about the change in interests / maintaining the amenity and look of the area. It’s important to make sure it is well maintained and kept attractive.’(Resident of Rhodes)

Rhodes Peninsula Rhodes Peninsula Rhodes Peninsula Rhodes Peninsula as as as as a more active and vibrant place a more active and vibrant place a more active and vibrant place a more active and vibrant place Another important theme was the desire for Rhodes Peninsula to be a more active and vibrant place. Some described it as being exciting and youthful. However many expressed a desire for a greater level of amenity and liveliness within the Peninsula. Many members of the community commented that while the shopping centre works well, more places are needed throughout the Peninsula to meet, shop, eat and socialise. Several commented on the current limited scope for going out at night, and the need for more restaurants, bars and buzz.

Key issues focused on: • important role of the Community Precinct as a community hub – a place for people to meet and to get involved in activities that appeal to them

• need for amenities such as a coffee cart, kiosk, gathering spots with shade and seating, outdoor fitness equipment, and dog park / off leash area in parks and open spaces – to assist in bringing people out of their homes to make the most use of the Peninsula

• important role of streetscapes in enabling activity at the ground level. Participants had mixed views on the height of new buildings within Rhodes Peninsula. Some expressed a preference for no more than five buildings of 25 storeys, while others were not in favour of new development over 8 storeys in height. Several discussed the importance of ‘getting community right at the ground level’ – ensuring multiple opportunities for active use of the public domain, with less concern about the height of new buildings as long as there are things to do and the place has a good vibe. Several had previously lived in cities including Shanghai and Hong Kong which are characterised by dense multi storey precincts, coupled with vibrant street life.

• large and growing size of the local population needs to be harnessed to create opportunities for fun and excitement – through activated spaces (eg markets, performances, kids water play), a wider variety of facilities and services (shopping, car share, shuttle bus), and a program of engaging events and activities (festivals, classes, fitness, talks, social activities and clubs).

‘…Activity is made possible with crowds. Bigger populations present an opportunity for a range of activities and a more vibrant Rhodes Peninsula. I’m excited about it!’(Resident of Liberty Grove)

‘…Rhodes shopping centre and the café at the northern end of Rhodes are okay, but there is nothing to bind these areas together. There are no shops or cafes in between.’(Business person)

‘…At the moment there is no good reason to hang around in Rhodes after 5pm, but Rhodes has got lots of potential…Encourage after hour’s vibrancy.’(Business person)

‘I’d like to see a community heart including a place for retirees to meet.’(Resident of Rhodes)

‘You feel “young” somehow being in Rhodes.’(Member local Chinese community)