COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

“FITTER FOR WALKING” (FFW) GROUP CONSULTATION (Adams & Sherar, 2018)

This strategy was developed between 2008 and 2012 by a private-sector organization that aims to improve local neighborhood walking environment and encourage walkability via collaboration with local communities and residents (Adams & Sherar, 2018). Participants included local residents, local interest groups, ethnic groups, community centers and schools. Participants engage in discussions about interventions and activities that may improve walkability in Epping North-Wollert. Each discussion lasts between 45-60 minutes, with each consultation held once a week for a period of 3 months (Adams & Sherar, 2018). The focus groups were also tasked with identifying problems and issues with walking in the area, and 3 barriers to implementation were identified:

• Poor area regeneration and reputation

• Local community engagement

• Poor street design and conditions

In addition, the participants also identified 3 themes to improve walkability and implementation of strategies:

• local authority-led changes (i.e. removal of street furniture, implementing street lights and signage, curbs restoration)

• community-led changes (i.e. street cleaning, tree planting)

• coordinator or community-led promotional and awareness activities (i.e. street parties, communal walking activities to raise awareness and promote walking)

WALK SPOT 2017 & BIKE SPOT 2020 (City of Whittlesea, 2022)

The City of Whittlesea has conducted online and in-person surveys about walkability and cycle-ability issues, opportunities and threats from local community and residents. There were 114 submissions, and the following key issues with walking are identified (City of Whittlesea, 2022):

• Missing footpaths and links that discourage walking

• Speeding traffics issues that pose safety concerns for pedestrians

• Lack of pedestrian crossings around community-active centers such as schools and shops

Key issues identified with cycle-ability include:

• Low rates of cycling participation due to distance and road conditions

• Safety concerns with biking (i.e. lack of lanes, no parking spots)

• Lack of cycling infrastructures and maintenance

• Long distances between amenities and destinations, which are unsuitable for cycling