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Survey shows City of Armadale residents happy with direction despite a few concerns

Tim SlaterComment News

ARMADALE’S assets and opportunities outweigh it challenges and concerns, according to the results of one of the largest community consultation strategies undertaken by the City of Armadale.

The $25,000 Growing Armadale survey was carried out by consultants Research Solutions and was designed to provide feedback for councillors to make informed decisions on behalf of residents and ratepayers for their new strategic community plan.

More than 3000 people took part in the survey from October to December last year.

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The City sought to include hard to reach groups including young people, new residents, people from different cultural backgrounds, people with a disability and their carers, business owners and local service providers.

“They are proud to live in Armadale and want the media to carry positive stories about this district,” a council report said.

Key aspirations included value for money for rates, year round access to an indoor swimming facility, optimum quality of life for all citizens and improvements to parks and streetscapes.

The need for improved services and facilities for young people was a recurring theme and the City was also encouraged to consider the employment and education needs of future generations.

There was concern expressed about safety and anti-social behaviour in public spaces and railway stations.

One of the submissions read: “unfortunately there still seems to be many undesirable people who frequent the area making people feel unsafe. Although only a few, they do ruin it for everyone.”

Safety and anti-social behaviour was a major issue that residents across all suburbs wanted the city to advocate for reduced crime rates and improved police response times.

It was of major concern in Piara Waters (36.3 per cent), Hilbert (31.4 per cent), Seville Grove (27 per cent), Mt Nasura (21per cent) and Camillo (20.9 per cent).

There was also a call for a 24-hour police station in the Armadale centre and for police to be seen patrolling the streets.

Value for money from rates was particularly important to Harrisdale residents, with 38.2 per cent of respondents listing it as their major concern.

Construction of a youth centre was a high priority for the under 18 age group.

Other issues high on the community’s wish list included enhancing shopping centres, more public transport to the city instead of Cockburn Central, help for people to feel safe from begging, intimidating behaviour and verbal abuse, and enhance playgrounds and public open spaces.

“Residents believe Armadale has its share of problems but the research also uncovered a strong undercurrent of optimism, a genuine fondness for the City and sense that its assets and opportunities outweigh its challenges and concerns,” the report said.

“Above all, people believe Armadale should be a place where people choose to live.”

About 57 per cent said they would recommend living in the City of Armadale to a friend, relative or work colleague.

Armadale is experiencing sustained rapid growth; population forecasts the City to grow from 87,437 this year to 144,827 by 2036.