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SuStainability ViSion Summary report 2008-2033Ku•ring•gai to globalSeven generations of Ku•ring•gai residents planning for a sustainable future Ju
l08
this project has been financially assisted by the new South Wales government through its environmental trust and by the citizens of Ku-ring-gai through the environmental levy.
Front cover: Australia Day celebrations, 2008, Ku-ring-gai Council.
Ku-ring-gai would like to thank the residents, schools, Councillors and staff members who contributed ideas and knowledge and assisted in planning Kuring-gai’s
vision for the next 25 years.
Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033 1
summary
IntroductionKu-ring-gai to global is the first sustainability
vision report representing a continuation of
much of the past exceptional work of citizens
and the Council. Residents, volunteers,
Councillors and staff members have a long
history of caring for the local community
and environment. To assist in reinforcing
this position, the research for Ku-ring-gai to
global has captured resident’s concerns and
aspirations for the future and has provided a
strong foundation upon which sustainability
programs can be built.
Sustainability is a contemporary term that
encompasses past and present practices of
long term planning and management in all
sectors. An important aspect of sustainability
is accepting that natural and human systems
are interconnected and that environments
and resources support life on Earth. We now
have greater knowledge of the limits of Earth’s
resources and the implications of technology
on the future of the planet. It is imperative that
Ku-ring-gai adopts a sustainable direction
to secure the future for our children and
environment.
In Ku-ring-gai we define sustainability as:
The ability to maintain a good quality of life for
future generations, which relies upon a fair, just,
and dynamic community, healthy and diverse
environment, and an active and stable economy.
Ku-ring-gai’s aim is to address global, national
and regional issues with the main concentration
of efforts being locally based. Council has
committed to researching sustainability
strategies for Ku-ring-gai’s suburbs, which will
celebrate each suburb’s distinctive identity,
social and environmental attributes and address
the challenges. The following report includes a
summary of the findings from the community
sustainability discussions undertaken in 2007
and the vision, values and principles which will
guide Kuring-gai over the next 25 years.
Clockwise from top: Crowd at Australia Day celebrations, 2008; National Tree Planting Day, 2007; Young adult participants at the sustainability action planning forums. Ku-ring-gai Council.
2 Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033
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Community DiscussionsA series of discussion sessions, including
interviews, focus groups and public forums were
undertaken involving 264 residents. An important
part of this process was the application of
a new generational method. This provided
opportunities for children and young people to
plan their futures together with residents of all
ages. The age-based system recognises that
at different stages of an individual’s life their
ideas, priorities, interests and relationships may
change, hence providing a multi-dimensional
understanding of sustainability priorities and
assisting future planning, engagement and
participation in programs.
Clockwise from right: 7 generations of Ku-ring-gai residents, Stephanie Cooper photography; Sustainability focus group for primary school students, Ku-ring-gai Council; Blue Gum forest, a.Kwok.
Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033 3
“We should work to a level where children’s views are regarded just as important as any adults as we are the ones that shall be living the future and we are the ones who know what could make Ku-ring-gai and the world a better place…”Quotefroma10yearold
Ku-ring-gairesident
Key Issues
environmentthe majority of responses
indicated that the
bushland and open
space are Ku-ring-gai’s
biggest assets. residents
valued the healthy, clean
environment, easy access
to the city, relatively low
density housing and the
area’s biodiversity. they
were most concerned
about increasing urban
development and the
associated loss of bushland
and wildlife. Climate
change, traffic congestion
and public transport were
also prominent topics of
discussion in terms of the
environmental challenges.
societyresidents highly value the
friendliness and safety
associated with their
neighbourhoods as well as
educational opportunities,
shopping, sports and food
facilities within Ku-ring-gai.
While some residents saw
the integration of cultures
as a positive influence the
majority spoke negatively
about suppression and
acceptance of cultural
diversity. participants
were also concerned
with the lack of facilities,
overcrowding, loss of a
sense of community and
community spirit as well as
elitist attitudes.
economyresidents strongly
believe that they have the
capacity to reduce their
consumption patterns.
they were concerned that
affordability of housing
and the lack of business
would result in a stagnation
of Ku-ringgai’s economy.
encouraging the growth
of local small businesses
strengthens neighbourhood
shopping centres and was
seen as beneficial for the
community to become
more self-sustaining.
Governanceparticipants indicated that
Council needed to focus on
planning future community
facilities and public
transport and addressing
water conservation
issues. in doing so,
residents wanted to see
improved communication,
transparency and
representation. they
wanted to see sustainability
leadership which will
include incentive programs
and enforcing deterrents
particularly regarding tree
preservation orders.
4 Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033
summary
FindingsKu-ring-gai residents:
• highly value the regions natural environment
and sense of space. The area is defined by its
extensive bushland, endangered ecosystems
and low density residential development.
They described it as a sanctuary and stressed
the need to conserve Ku-ring-gai’s natural
resources.
• identified water as the most valued resource.
Participants were most concerned about the
availability and utilisation of water in the future
and supported measures that reduced water
consumption.
• aimed to minimise threats to their local and
global environments such as the effects of
climate change. Undertaking behavioural
changes, such as the adoption of ‘reduce’,
‘reuse’ and ‘recycle’ practices were
emphasised. This would help to conserve and
protect resources.
• requested that Council provide incentives and
deterrents when addressing sustainability to
encourage behavioural changes. Participants
were concerned about the impacts of the
consumer culture on the environment. They
acknowledged the need to act responsibly in
using resources.
• Described the capacity of residents to live
sustainably due to the community being
established and educated.
• reinforced the lack of local social and
environmental knowledge and the need to
improve this area of education for all members
of the community. They believed that it was
hard to start conserving aspects that are not
fully understood.
• were concerned about the social and
environmental impacts of medium density
residential developments. They feared the
character of Ku-ring-gai would be lost along
with the biodiversity and that the area would
become less ‘friendly’.
• felt a strong sense of belonging attributed to
their social and environmental connections.
They connected this with their neighbourhoods,
upbringing and environment and cared about
the space they share with others.
• wished to preserve the ‘safe and friendly’
atmosphere. They felt that the pressures of
population growth may result in a diminishing
community spirit. They wanted to cultivate a
greater sense of community and neighbourliness.
• stressed the need for community meeting
places. Participants felt that these areas would
facilitate community connections and create a
civic heart with vibrant, village type atmospheres.
• felt that residents’ age should be considered
when designing community and volunteer
programs. They indicated that people would
be more willing to volunteer for programs that
were aimed at their age group.
“…if anywhere’s got potential to be a sustainable suburb, I think this area does. The amount of wealth that’s in here, people have the capacity to make investments into sustainable living practices...”Residentfromthe25-39agegroup
From left to right: National Trust tree planting ceremony; Children with an echidna. Ku-ring-gai Council.
Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033 5
“I’ve really learned that you can’t
conserve what you don’t understand or you can’t love
what you don’t understand.”Residentfromthe
18-24agegroup
6 Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033
summary
“Policies should be communityinitiated and community-driven.”ForumParticipant
Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033 7
• wanted improved infrastructure particularly in
regard to the town centre developments and
neighbourhood shopping centres.
• highlighted the need for private and public
agencies to work in partnership with citizens
to address sustainability challenges. Residents
believed partnership programs between
Council, local businesses and residents were
the key to creating dynamic and healthy
communities. Joint funding and community
participation could achieve better building and
environmental goals.
• recommended increased community
participation in decision making processes.
Participants were enthusiastic about the focus
group and forum approach applied as part of
this research. Better outcomes and favourable
community opinions could be achieved from
increased efforts in community consultation
and involvement in decision-making processes.
Clockwise from opposite page: Filming of Aboriginal Heritage Office Staff, D.Wilks; Tulkiyan House, Gordon; The Gordon Centre, Gordon; Students from a Watercolour class at Ku-ring-gai Art Centre, Roseville. Ku-ring-gai Council.
“It’s remarkable that in a large city and country that there was the foresight however many years ago to designate these areas of bushland and to preserve them because if you go to the other countries it just doesn’t exist.”Residentfromthe
40-59agegroup
8 Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033
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8 Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033
Ku-ring-gai will be a
creative,healthyandliveable place where people
respect each other, conserve the
magnificent environment and society for the children and
grandchildren of the future.
What our words mean Creative: opportunity
for innovation and
creative expression
with facilities that
are vibrant and meet
the needs of all
generations.
Conserve: protecting
our natural resources,
environment and
society by minimising
consumption.
Healthy: ecological,
social and emotional
wellbeing.
Liveable: safe,
friendly, easy to
get around, areas
to shop, play and
recreate which create
a sense of belonging.
respect: equity and
access for people of
different genders,
ages, abilities and
cultures.
VisionKu-ring-gai’s
overarching 25
year vision was
developed through
the community
visioning processes
and is as follows:
The following vision, values and principles will guide both the residents of Ku-ring-gai and the Council from 2008 - 2033 as we work together for a sustainable Ku-ring-gai.
Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033 9
magnificent environment Ku-ring-gai will be a place:
of extensive bushland with native flora and fauna which
we highly value and protect
where our open spaces are enhanced
progressively reducing its consumption of resources, leading
in recycling and reuse
addressing and responding to climate change
Creative and liveableKu-ring-gai will be a place:
that is safe, friendly and accessible for all people
that is vibrant and celebrates its rich cultural and environmental heritage
with infrastructure and planning systems that accommodate the
identity and needs of each suburb
with opportunities for local businesses and employment
with a strong and stable local economy
that prioritises knowledge, learning and information that benefits
sustainability
that embraces innovation and technology, to assist in finding solutions
to the issues which face us
HealthyKu-ring-gai will be a place:
that cares for its environment and society to achieve physical,
mental, ecological and social wellbeing
that provides access to medical services and resources
striving for healthier lifestyle practices
respectKu-ring-gai will be a place:
where all people are valued
supporting and promoting local stewardship and
community participation
engaged in partnerships with local, regional, national
and global sectors
1
234
Vision statementsTo further assist in achieving Ku-ring-gai’s vision the following statements reflect future aspirations. additionally these have been divided into social, environmental, economic and governance sectors to assist their implementation.
Opposite page: Walkers in the Upper Lane Cove Valley. Top to Bottom: Wahroonga Park; Festival on the Green, H.ta-me; St Ives rugby; Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony; Ku-ring-gai bushland. Ku-ring-gai Council.
Values Values are core beliefs that link to the vision and
are applied through the ways we conduct our
everyday lives, business and interact with people.
Ku-ring-gai’s values are to:
10 Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033
summary
Care for the local environment and people
respect the needs of future
generations Learn and share
knowledge
Behave ethically
Take responsibility for our actions
12
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45
6Lead in sustainability
Principlesthese describe our main aims which are
fundamental to achieving the vision.
Ku-ring-gai’s principles are to:
support cohesive, inclusive, diverse and dynamic communities
Protect the natural, social, cultural and built heritage
Decrease the consumption of resources
maintain a strong and stable local economy
Balance health, work and personal commitments
Ku-ring-gai Council has additional principles which reflect its role as the Local Government authority, these are as follows:
Lead through example
encourage active citizenship and work in partnership with citizens
Deliver sustainable services that meet current and future needs
Practice open and ethical decision making
responsibly manage Council’s people, assets and finances
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2
3
3
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5Opposite page: Acacia longifolia Top to bottom: Darwinia
fascicularis; Tai Chi at Echo Point Park, Roseville; The playground at Barra Brui Oval.
12 Ku•ring•gaiCouncil–SustainabilityVisionSummaryReport2008-2033
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Future stepsA Sustainability Reference Group has been
formed to advise Council and oversee the next
phases in development of this vision report. This
group of 15 community representatives ranging
in age from 12-80+ years offer a broad range
of knowledge and experience and will work
closely with Council’s internal staff Sustainability
Reporting Team. Integrating sustainability in
Council’s Management Plan and Annual Report
commenced in 2007 and will continue to be
phased in as a priority. Policy development and
action planning will be undertaken during 2008.
Sustainability strategies will be progressively
developed on an annual basis for each of
Ku-ring-gai’s suburbs commencing in 2009.
Clockwise from this picture: Stoney Creek, Gordon; Chinese performers at the Australia Day celebrations, Bicentennial Park, West Pymble; Local community water tank small grants. Ku-ring-gai Council.
Ku•ring•gaiCouncil
818 pacific Highway, gordon nSW 2072
locked bag 1056, pymble nSW 2073
T 02 9424 0160
F 02 9424 0880
www.kmc.nsw.gov.auDes
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“We should work to a level where children’s views are regarded just as important as adults as we are the ones that shall be living the future and know what could make Ku-ring-gai and the world a better place for children.” 10 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “We’re 20 minutes walk to the station and there are no buses during the day after say 9 o’clock... the suburb’s kind of hard to get out of.” 17 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “it’s far enough away from all the big events and what’s happening in the city but also close enough to be part of it.” 24 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “I hope that in 25 years we won’t even dream of building a house without solar panels, rainwater tanks... double glazing and things like that. That would be wonderful.” 31 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “i do hope we don’t lose too many of our native trees – they’re our biggest asset. they are our real heritage and australians need to recognise and appreciate what they have. trees get chopped down and we lose what is inherently beautiful and in a way spiritual about this place.” 39 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “The feel of being in a village atmosphere where most days you happen to walk into the shops and you know the people around you.” 43 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “it’s the place i bought my little piece of australia and it made me feel like i belonged.” 56 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “We must see how much water we can save, don’t waste any of it. It’s too precious to waste.” 68 year old Ku-ring-gai resident. “the roads in my time were just gravelled... there are different shops, much bigger everything, because in 49 years, thing do change.” 99 year old Ku-ring-gai resident.