Poll reveals support for quick action to establish local green spaces

  • 2015-04-12
Survey results have highlighted major support for the immediate creation of open space within the City of Stonnington, including Prahran, Victoria.

In February this year, the council conducted a door-to-door survey of 599 randomly selected homes.

A total of 91% of respondents surveyed wanted authorities to act immediately to create open space, while the remainder opted for a 20-year timeline.

The creation of space is an important issue within the City of Stonnington, which currently ranks second to bottom, of all the council areas in Victoria, in terms of the amount of open public space it has per capita.

There are a number of options currently being considered by the council, according to Mayor Melina Sehr. They include the extension of existing green spaces, the establishment of underground car parks to provide parkland and open space above, and the encouragement and promotion of green roofs.

Some 65% of respondents regularly used local parks and gardens, and two-thirds of those were happy with the 20-year timeframe. Most of those who opposed it claimed two decades was too long.

The survey revealed ongoing support for the council’s initiative to establish more open spaces, according to the mayor, and such innovations could also be used for future promotions such as tourist brochure and postcard printing in the area.