Introduction

table of contents introduction

PAGE 2 Introduction 4 The Peninsula in Context 6 Our People 7 Placemaking Framework 9 Community Aspirations 7 Planning for the Future 12 Peninsula-wide 13 Community Precinct 14 Public Domain, Open Space and the Foreshore 15 Private and Commercial Space 16 ‘central park’ 17 Town Square 18 Brays Bay Reserve 19 Next Steps

The Rhodes Peninsula Place

Plan provides a holistic and integrated framework for action in the next 5 years as well as longer term strategic directions. The successful delivery of the Plan relies on the continued collaborative efforts between local residents, key stakeholders, government and non government agencies and the City of Canada Bay. The Place Plan identifies and analyses the things that make Rhodes and Liberty Grove a great place to live, both now and in the future. Community members have spoken about the Peninsula as a: • vibrant, interesting and dynamic community • place with quality open space and a range of community facilities • connected area with good access to jobs, services and infrastructure

•riverfront community that respects its unique setting. In understanding what ‘place’ means for its residents, the development of this Plan has considered placemaking and community building leading practice. This research has been applied, grounded and adapted to the unique circumstances of the Rhodes Peninsula through a comprehensive process of community engagement involving a range of stakeholders including community members, businesses, local community organisations, State Government and the City of Canada Bay. The delivery of the Place Plan will require that same partnership approach and a collaborative effort among those key stakeholders. Implementation and resourcing of the Place Plan will be subject to fluctuations in funding available and changing priorities of Council and other key stakeholders. The Place Plan is as an ‘evolving’ document recognizing that priorities may change as the area continues to grow and develop. In response to this regular updates with key stakeholders will be held to ensure that the Place Plan priorities remain relevant and responsive. Specific actions within the Place Plan are focussed on the Next 5 Years, beyond this timeframe Strategic Directions have been identified. This is in anticipation of continued significant changes in the Peninsula to the community, as we have seen over the last 5 year period.

Engagement methodology

More than 800 stakeholders participated in the consultation process for the Place Plan which focussed around the community values, vision, aspirations for the Peninsula. Consultation activities conducted included:

Rhodes Peninsula CommunitySurvey

A total of 245 residents, business people and visitors took part in this survey which was available online, in paper based format and was also conducted face-to-face. Community feedback was invited from Monday 13 February to Saturday 24 March 2012, with the closing date for the survey extended to coincide with Council’s Neighbour Day community event. The survey was made available in English, Chinese and Korean.

Focus group discussions

A series of focus group discussions were held with 52 local residents and business people to introduce the Place Plan and obtain community input. Discussions were held with: • Businesses

•Chinese community members • Korean community members • Liberty Grove Executive Committee • Rhodes Community Reference Group • Strata Residents’ Representatives • Rhodes Mums and Bubs Group, Rhodes Waterside Shopping

Centre

Council’s Neighbour DayEvent

This large scale community event involved a series of consultation activities focusing on key projects for the Peninsula. More than 500 people took part in Neighbour Day, and almost half of these (approximately 178 members of the community) participated in the consultation activities in the Community and Culture marquee. Community input to the Place Plan was sought through a range of interactive activities – with comments captured on feedback forms, post-it notes and flags. A further 30 people took part in a short faceto-face intercept survey to inform the Place Plan.

Stakeholder workshop

45 representatives of Local and State Government, business and the community sector were invited to participate in a Workshop held on Monday 28 May 2012. The purpose of the workshop was to explore opportunities to address community feedback obtained as part of the placemaking process to assist in the development of an Action Plan.

Research and demographicanalysis

Background research and analysis of current and trends based demographic date was undertaken to ensure the Plan reflects both the current and future population needs.

Professional knowledge and internal Council working groups

A multidisciplinary team provided knowledge, advice and input to the development of the Plan, including consideration of influences, constraints and opportunities for the Peninsula.