COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER VIEWS

The community was invited to participate in a survey using the City of Hobart website Your Say Hobart to inform the preparation of this master plan. The survey was promoted through social media and posters erected in the Waterworks Reserve. People were invited to identify what they value about the reserve, how they use it and what they would like to see in its future. The community was invited to visit the reserve if they wanted to chat face-to-face with City staff. Letters were also sent out to local residents and community groups in the neighbouring and nearby suburbs of Dynnyrne and Ridgeway.

Community Views

Detailed evaluation of the survey and engagement results can be sourced on request.

In summary:

• 409 people visited the project page.

• 175 people completed the community survey. Of these 48 surveys were completed face-to-face with visitors at the reserve over one weekend in September 2022.

• There was a mixed age ratio of visitors, with 39 per cent being aged 45-64 years old, 20 per cent aged 35-44 and 22 per cent 45-64 years old.

• Regular visits were dominated by those who visit two or more times a week (26 per cent), 21 per cent visit once a month, 19 per cent once every six months.

• The duration of reserve visits was highest for those who visited for 1-2 hours (42 per cent); 35 per cent visit for 30-60 minutes and 15 per cent stay for 2-4 hours.

• Four values stood out for reserve users – the Waterworks Reserve as a place to learn about the natural environment and local history; enjoy physical activity; relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity; and celebrate events with others.

• When asked about facilities respondents would like to see improved, the majority (63 per cent) want tracks and trails upgraded; 45 per cent would like improved toilets; 43 per cent would like more sheltered barbecue sites and 37 per cent improved play facilities.

More in depth qualitative information was obtained with the open question: “Is there anything else that you value about the reserve?”

• Responses to the first question reinforced results from the collected quantitative data with respondents stating they highly value the reserve’s natural qualities including its bushland setting (39); the presence of native fauna (30); the large native trees and orchids (10); proximity to water and views (6); and comments on how well the reserve is maintained (6).

• The peace and quiet of the reserve was also treasured (32); the track and trail network (20); proximity to the city (13) and connection to nearby suburbs (9); shelters and barbecues (13); being family friendly (10); and the ability to enjoy other recreational activities (9).

The survey question “Is there is anything else we should know?” generated considerable interest and contributions. The comments and suggestions ranged from issues of access and safety (31), improvements to the tracks and trail network (27), maintaining the tranquility of the reserve (20), modes of transport (18), improved signage (16), play facilities (16), bike infrastructure (13), inclusion of additional facilities and services (13), improved pest management (12), access for dogs (9), interpretation and protection of heritage (8), concern about commercialisation (7), improved toilets (7), shelters and barbecues (7) and fire risk (4).