Below is the blurb that has accompanied the latest ‘survey’ for Community Voice members. It purports to investigate how our public open space has been used during COVID and to provide an insight into potential future use.
The questions (only 3) for this ‘survey’ were:
Question 1 – Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have used parks or shared paths (not including street footpaths) in Glen Eira… (a) more frequently; (b) the same; (c) less frequently.
Question 2 – Do you anticipate that you will continue to use parks or shared paths (not including street footpaths) in Glen Eira more frequently than before the pandemic for the foreseeable future? …(a) yes; (b) no; (c) unsure
Question 3 – Is there anything you would like to add about Glen Eira’s public parks and paths? (Space provided for a comment)
If council really wants to know how to “plan for the changing needs” of the community then surely the very first set of questions that need to be asked are:
- How did you use parks during covid? – ie passive enjoyment? Exercise – walking? Walking the dog? Meeting friend(s)? Bike riding? etc.
- Were any of the above new to your previous use of parks?
- Which parks did you visit and why?
- Was the existing infrastructure adequate? (seats, barbecues, water fountains, toilets, shade? etc)
There are many, many more questions that could and should have been asked in order to come up with a ‘survey’ that is genuine, valid, and fully informative. We allege that this is merely another instance of ‘consultation’ that is not only meaningless but a waste of money and officers’ time. Yet it will undoubtedly lead to council proudly proclaiming how often and how well they ‘consult’ with residents. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Glen Eira Debates 
October 26, 2020 at 1:49 PM
During lockdown Council facilities such as BBQs water fountains, shade, seats were all off-limits so should not have been used! So why ask that question? Perhaps instead of venting here why not make the suggestions direct to Council – who knows perhaps some of your ideas might be useful!
October 26, 2020 at 2:27 PM
COVID restrictions of varying degrees have been in since March 2020. There was also a period of about 5 weeks when fountains, barbecues, etc. were not cordoned off. Toilets have been open all the time. Hence our questions are valid and important in order to determine why people come to parks; how parks are used and whether or not the existing infrastructure is meeting its purpose or whether other forms need to be introduced.
The essential question here is what this survey is likely to reveal and how valuable it will or could be in meeting the objective of good planning for our open space areas. Our belief is that this so called survey reveals nothing to assist in informing the stated objective.
October 26, 2020 at 5:48 PM
Well said, Glen Eira!
David Zyngier is a candidate wishing to serve as councillor in the City of Glen Eira.
Heaven help us if he gets in. He’s already introduced himself as a rude, arrogant resident.
With him in one of the nine chairs, there will be no change, in fact ratepayers might even have it much worse than it already is.
October 26, 2020 at 10:44 PM
Maybe not as rude and arrogant as you suggest, with or without David Zyngier things will get worse. Overcrowding will eventually ruin everything, human made or natural. At least The Greens are on the right track environmentally wise. I’m interested to see who you think would do better.
October 26, 2020 at 3:14 PM
Why survey? It’s obvious we need more green areas, trees and green recreational parks.
October 26, 2020 at 3:33 PM
Replying to David Zyngier
Despite enaction to Parkland use and facilities in these times, the task of constructing appropriate questions to enable as much valued opinion from the residents as is possible to engender responses is the job of the council. If consultation is invited it is a two way street. I believe that you would elicit more worthwhile response if your questions were more expansive and your prompts not so limiting when replying to this tight deadline.
October 26, 2020 at 4:21 PM
The answers you get depend on the questions asked. Lousy questions lead nowhere except where you want them to lead.
October 26, 2020 at 10:56 PM
These surveys just pander the status quo, they do not seek to change anything much. They may suggest changing the colour of a few seats in the parks and call that progress. The questions never get anywhere near the root cause of bad urban planning causing the residents discontent.
How about a question like – Do you think the current CEO should be replace because she has consistently failed to act the best interest of residents.
yes … or … no
October 28, 2020 at 8:43 AM
David Zyngier, thanks for your post and involvement in the discussion.
My view is that a huge opportunity existed to have meaningful discussion on GE open space provision as part of the Open Space Strategy “Refresh”. This did not occur and we now have a strategic planning framework for open space provision that was completed without appropriate community consultation. Why now then ask questions on this topic?