Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report

Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan 2015-2025 Community Consultation Report October 2015

This report has been prepared by City of Gold Coast. The research data has been analysed and the information prepared herein reflects the responses received during the consultation period. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 2

Table of contents Table of contents... 3 1. Executive summary... 4 1.1 Key findings... 4 2. Introduction... 5 3. Public display and community consultation objectives... 5 4. Scope and timing... 6 5. Key messages... 6 6. Stakeholders... 7 7. Engagement tools... 7 7.1 Have Your Say page at www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr... 8 7.2 Mayoral Listening Post consultation days... 10 7.3 Public display of Draft Plan... 11 7.4 Media and public relations... 12 7.5 Emails to GC Have Your Say database, Mayoral consultation database and City of Gold Coast staff database... 13 7.6 Direct mail... 13 7.7 Social media... 13 8. Overall consultation response... 14 9. Community consultation results and findings... 15 9.1 Survey... 15 9.2 Written submissions... 32 9.3 Social media response... 33 9.4 Online discussion forum... 34 9.5 Online poll... 34 9.6 Interactive map of favourite nature based recreation locations... 35 10. Conclusion... 37 11. References... 38 Appendix 1: Media and public relations... 39 Appendix 2 Survey questions... 46 Appendix 3 Discussion forum... 53 Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report May 2015 3

1. Executive summary The City of Gold Coast (the City) conducted a public display and community consultation program from 15 December 2014 to 27 February 2015 to determine the community response to the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan 2015 2025 (Draft Plan). During this time the Draft Plan was placed on public display, and a media campaign was undertaken to encourage community awareness and feedback on the Draft Plan. 399 contacts were received including written submissions, survey responses, online poll votes, discussion forum posts and social media interactions (Facebook and Twitter). The Draft Plan will be amended and finalised using the feedback gathered during the community consultation, and then presented to Council for adoption in its final form. 1.1 Key findings The majority of responses were supportive of the plan. The main factor that limits respondents abilities to participate in nature based recreation is a lack of knowledge of where trails and facilities are located. There is strong support for the provision of maps and promotion of places for nature based recreation, including a phone app. There is support for the protection of the City s natural areas against the potential impacts of nature based recreation, and for more sensitive areas to be set aside for very low impact recreation only (e.g. bushwalking and nature study). Bushwalking is the most popular form of nature based recreation, with horse riding the least popular. Respondents indicated that they think more amenities/ services are needed for mountain biking and ecotourism. Respondents voted the following locations as favourites for nature based recreation: 1.Springbrook (includes Apple Tree Park)/ Springbrook National Park; 2.Nerang/ Nerang National Park; 3.The Spit/ Philip Park/ Federation Walk Coastal Reserve; and in equal fourth position; Currumbin Beach/ Alley and Estuaries; The Broadwater; and Wavebreak Island. There are mixed views about the provision of nature based recreation by commercial operators. There is good support for low impact activities (nature study, bushwalking) to be provided commercially, or by non-commercial groups (including the City). When asked to select activities to be provided commercially, the top three activities were canoeing/ kayaking, ecotourism (includes rope courses, 4WD tours, guided walks and mountain bike tours) and mountain biking. When asked to select activities that could be provided through a City program, the top three activities were bushwalking, canoeing/kayaking and nature study. Feedback on mountain biking was mixed. It was voted the second favourite activity in the online poll, yet it ranked eighth out of 11 activities when respondents reported what activities they had actually participated in over the last two years. A high proportion of mountain biking participants did so frequently (i.e. weekly). Mountain biking was one of only two activities for which respondents indicated that more amenities and services are needed, as indicated in the survey. When given the opportunity to add further comments to the survey, a common theme was a request for more mountain bike tracks. In written submissions a common theme was a concern about the environmental impacts of mountain biking. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report May 2015 4

2. Introduction City of Gold Coast is developing a Nature Based Recreation Plan, which is a framework for the management of various types of nature based recreation throughout the City s natural areas. Types of recreation in the plan include bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding, day use (including picnicking, swimming, and nature study), canoeing, kayaking and fishing, orienteering/geocaching/trail running/adventure racing, ecotourism/commercial use and camping. The plan applies to the Gold Coast s 13,000 ha or so of City managed natural areas, and makes some broad recommendations about other areas where trails cross into adjacent lands, or management is cooperative. It does not include the City s beaches or ocean headlands, which are covered by other planning documents. The Draft Plan is a Strategic Action of the City s Nature Conservation Strategy. It was developed by pooling and prioritising the recreation information and actions from the City s Conservation Reserve Management Plans, which have been through various stages of public consultation. The Draft Plan has four outcomes: 1. Diverse nature based recreation opportunities are available and accessible. 2. The community connects with nature through participation in sustainable nature based recreation. 3. The environment is protected through well managed nature based recreation. 4. There is community awareness of the cultural heritage significance of the City s natural areas. This Draft Plan was placed on public display from 15 December 2014, with broader community consultation subsequently commencing 15 January 2015. The public display and community consultation period finished 27 February 2015. This Community Consultation Report provides a description of the public display and community consultation undertaken and feedback received. 3. Public display and community consultation objectives The objectives of the public display and community consultation were to: promote the City s outstanding nature based recreation opportunities and build anticipation and excitement about the activities in the Draft Plan; give the broader community and interested stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the Draft Plan; promote informed feedback from the community; utilise valuable feedback to inform the planning process; ensure an open and transparent process adopted by the City; ensure accurate information is communicated through multiple channels direct to the audience; inform the community and stakeholders about the Draft Plan; Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 5

challenge any perception that the City s reserves are locked up or inaccessible; and reinforce that the entire community is a stakeholder in the future of nature based recreation in the City s reserves and that their feedback is valuable. 4. Scope and timing Table 1. Major consultation activities and timing Date Activity 15 December 2014 Draft Plan on public display. Draft Plan available online and members of the public able to register their interest in the consultation at www.gchaveyoursay.com.au. Draft Plan also available at City service centres, libraries, or by mail when requested. 18 December 2014 Letters mailed out to targeted recreation, environmental and community groups advising of the public display and consultation opportunity, and how to access the Draft Plan online. 15 January 2015 Online community consultation commences. Survey, discussion forum, poll and interactive map of favourite recreation locations live at www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr 16 January 2015 Mass email sent to the gchaveyoursay registered participants database, the Mayoral consultation database, and City of Gold Coast staff database advising of consultation opportunity. 19 January 2015 Marketing campaign commences. Media and public relations is outlined in Section 7.4 and Appendix 1. 24 February 2015 Reminder email sent to gchaveyoursay registered participants advising consultation and public displays due to close. 27 February 2015 Community consultation and public display period closes. 5. Key messages Key messages developed for the program included, but were not limited to: The City s 850 conservation reserves have to be one of the city s best-kept secrets, but this is set to change with the City s Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan The Draft Plan will reveal where these reserves are and what sorts of tracks, trails and other recreational facilities are available. Did you know that just a short 15 minute drive of Surfers Paradise is Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area where you can see wallabies and koalas in the wild? Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 6

The City wants visitors and locals alike to visit our reserves and to connect with nature and the cultural heritage in our natural areas. The plan aims to increase opportunities for activities such as bushwalking, kayaking, mountain bike riding and other healthy and fun activities. One of the four outcomes in the plan is the protection of the environment. After all, it is the natural environment that people come to see in the first place. High impact activities will be kept out of sensitive areas and long term monitoring will ensure that our precious biodiversity is protected. Many of our mountain bike tracks and waterways are potential training grounds for athletes preparing for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. There could be opportunities for ecotourism and commercial operators to offer activities in the reserves, provided the uses are environmentally sustainable. The Draft Plan is set to go on public display following Council endorsement on 15 December 2014 for 8 weeks, so register your interest by heading to www.gchaveyoursay.com.au or phoning 5581 6984 or email parks@goldcoast.qld.gov.au 6. Stakeholders Community and industry stakeholders targeted included: Gold coast residents and visitors nature based recreation groups such as bushwalking, horse riding and mountain bike groups environmental organisations including wildlife carers, flora and fauna interest groups, environmental advocacy groups, etc cultural heritage groups and organisations local businesses including ecotourism operators media. 7. Engagement tools The following tools were used by the project team during the public display and community consultation period: a Have Your Say page at gchaveyoursay.com.au Mayoral listening post consultation days in February 2015 Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 7

public display of Draft Plan at locations including City of Gold Coast Administration Offices, City Libraries and Councillor Offices. media and public relations emails to GC Have Your Say Database, Mayoral consultation database and City of Gold Coast staff database direct mail to targeted stakeholders social media including Facebook and Twitter Further details on each of these tools are given below. 7.1 Have Your Say page at www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr Figure 1. Screenshot of Have Your Say web page for the Draft Plan, including link to survey Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 8

A Have Your Say web page was available at gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr from 15 January 2015 to 27 February 2015. The page included links to: a survey. A copy of the survey questions is in Appendix 2 of this document. The survey asked questions along the following themes: o o o o what types of nature based activities are people currently participating in, and at what frequency? what limits people from participating in nature based recreation? are there nature based recreation activities that people would like to see provided by commercial providers or through City programs? demographic information. an online discussion forum which asked What, if anything limits your ability to participate in nature based recreation? an online poll inviting people to vote for their favourite nature based activity from the following: o o o o o o o o o o canoeing/kayaking eco-tourism (including ropes courses, 4WD tours, guided walks and mountain bike tours) fishing orienteering/geocaching picnicking camping nature study trail running, adventure facing and/or endurance challenges mountain biking bushwalking an interactive map for people to add their favourite nature based recreation locations, as shown in Figure 2. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 9

Figure 2. Interactive map allowing people to tag their favourite locations for nature based recreation 7.2 Mayoral Listening Post consultation days Staff attended two separate Mayoral Listening Post consultation sessions (each session approximately 1.5 hours long) to distribute copies of the Draft Plan and to publicise the consultation opportunity to the general public. The sessions were on the 9 th and the 13 th of February at road side locations in Nerang (corner of Cayuga Street and Mortensen Road) and Mudgeeraba (corner of Hardys Road and Wallaby Drive) respectively. These were attended by Mayor Tom Tate who was consulting on a range of City issues and projects relating to the budget at each Listening Post session. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 10

Figure 3. Draft Plan on public display at a Mayoral Listening Post consultation event 7.3 Public display of Draft Plan The Draft Plan was available to the public from 15 December 2014 until 27 February 2015. Copies of the Draft Plan were available at City of Gold Coast Administration Offices, City libraries, online and at Mayoral listening post consultation days and through Councillor Offices. Members of the public were also able to request copies of the plan by contacting the City directly. Figure 4. Hard copy of Draft Plan and online Have Your Say page at self help desk at City of Gold Coast Administration Office Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 11

Figure 5. Poster publicising Have Your Say opportunity at City of Gold Coast Administration Office 7.4 Media and public relations The Draft Plan was publicised through a variety of channels. A media release highlighting the key messages was issued on 5 December 2014. An article highlighting the key messages and consultation opportunity was published in the City News section of Local Newsletters (e.g. Divisional Newsletter) on and around 20 January 2015. The Draft Plan and associated consultation was featured in the City s Community News e- newsletter on the 13 January 2015, 23 January 2015 and 6 February 2015. These emails were opened by a total of 3,970 people with 60 clicks on the story itself. Information about nature based recreation and a link to the City s Have Your Say page were provided in a More Gold Coast feature article at http://www.moregoldcoast.com.au/ from mid January onwards (still available at http://www.moregoldcoast.com.au/discover-rediscover-goldcoast-hinterland-park-areas ) The Draft Plan and consultation was reported in the City News radio on 23 January 2015. An article based on the key messages and giving details of community consultation was published in the Friday Flyer in editions on 2 January, 9 January and 6 February 2015. A media opportunity and subsequent media release was done, resulting in the Draft Plan being publicised on Nine Gold Coast News on 17 February 2015 (footage also available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6eutemt2ty). Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 12

The Draft Plan and consultation was featured in the City of Gold Coast telephone on hold message for the month of February 2015. Examples of media and public relations are provided in Appendix 1. 7.5 Emails to GC Have Your Say database, Mayoral consultation database and City of Gold Coast staff database Emails were sent out advising of the Draft Plan consultation opportunity, and how to participate. Three large databases were emailed: database of gchaveyoursay registered participants (2,970 people) Mayoral consultation database (5,800 people) City of Gold Coast staff database (3,831 people) 7.6 Direct mail Direct mail to targeted stakeholders was sent out (via email and/ or post) just after the Draft Plan was placed on public display to advise of the consultation opportunity and how to participate. Stakeholders included recreation groups, environmental groups, cultural heritage organisations, community groups, adjacent landholders/ managers and environmental and recreation advocacy organisations. 7.7 Social media City of Gold Coast used Facebook and Twitter to publicise the public display and community consultation around the Draft Plan. Facebook posts were made as follows: 19 January 2015 (8am). There s a world of nature based adventure in our 850 conservation reserves and our Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan is about encouraging people to go out and explore these spectacular areas. Don t miss your chance to have your say. Visit www.gchaveyoursay.com.au 6 February 2014 (6pm). There are so many things to do so close to home! How do you plan to get out and about this weekend? Tell us more at gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr # greatoutdoors # gcsummer # exploreyourcity # getamongstit # gold coast 9 February (8am). We had some good weather over the weekend, did you get a chance to explore the Gold Coast? Tell us what outdoor activity you got up to by pinning it to our map on gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr # greatoutdoors # gcsummer # exploreyourcity # getamongstit # gold coast Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 13

14 February (8am). We have some pretty amazing waterways on the Gold Coast, do you plan to head down to one this weekend? Tell us what else you like to do in our great outdoors at gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr # waterlife # morewaterwaysthanvenice # goldcoast 16 February (8am). We have over 850 reserves on the Gold Coast, that s a lot of greenspace to explore! Are there any hidden gems that you like to discover in your spare time?tell us your favourite nature based activity at gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr # secretspot # exlporethegreenbehindthebue # goldcoast # exploreyourcity. Figure 6. Example of Facebook post about the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan The City of Gold Coast tweeted the following using Twitter: February 12-3.20pm. Mayor Tom Tate is calling on Gold Coasters to get out and re-discover the green gold at their fingertips: http://bit.ly/1djcmcw January 19-8.40am. Don t miss your chance to have your say on our Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan. Visit http://gchaveyoursay.com.au 8. Overall consultation response The project team recorded a total of 399 contacts during the public display and community consultation period. This included: 22 written submissions received by email and/ or mail 4 online discussion forum posts 61 responses to the online snap poll which was available at gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr 54 tags on the interactive map of favourite places for nature based recreation activities on the Gold Coast Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 14

of 5 Facebook Posts, 4,677 people commented on, liked or shared the post or did the same to shares of the original post. Only the 76 comments on the original post could be tracked for the purposes of this report, so the comments on reshares are not presented here of 2 Tweets, 1,694 people were reached, and 24 people were engaged (i.e. they retweeted, replied or favourited the original tweets). Unfortunately it is not possible to trace the Twitter replies and retweets, so those results are not analysed in this report 158 survey responses from members of the general public There were 1222 unique visitors to the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan Have Your Say website landing page (http://www.gchaveyoursay.com.au) during the community consultation period. Figure 7. Consultation responses received through various consultation channels 9. Community consultation results and findings 9.1 Survey 158 respondents provided answers to the survey comprising of 24 questions. The survey required users to register at www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr. Whilst the survey was made available in hard copy (at selected City offices, and at community consultation events), no responses were received in this format. All responses were received electronically. As of 2014, the Gold Coast had a population of 546,067 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2014). With a survey sample size of 158 respondents, this is not a large enough sample to be representative of the Gold Coast population. The data is however, valuable feedback on the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan and has been used to produce a finalised plan. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 15

9.1.1 Type, frequency and location of current nature based recreation Survey Question 1: Have you participated in any of the following identified nature based recreation activities in the last 2 years in the Gold Coast; and how often do you participate? Figure 8. Responses to survey question 1, sorted by number of responses for each activity 156 survey respondents answered this question while 2 skipped it. The most undertaken activities (in order) were (i) bushwalking; (ii) picnicking (iii) camping, (iv) nature study; and (v) canoeing/ kayaking. The least undertaken activities were orienteering/ gecocaching, horse riding and other (see below). Where respondents did not answer the question or responded they never participated in an activity, these figures are not shown in Figure 8. Where respondents indicated participating in other activities, they were asked to specify what the activities were. The most common answers could be broadly grouped into beach activities (surfing, swimming, diving, paddle boarding, beach walking, etc), bird watching and nature study. It is notable that whilst fewer respondents reported participating in mountain biking than a number of other activities, this activity had the highest number of respondents participating on a weekly basis. The results from question 1 can be compared with the results of the online poll (see Section 9.5), which was a little more subjective in that it asked people to nominate a favourite activity. The poll results showed that the top five favourite activities (in order) were (i) bushwalking; (ii) mountain biking; Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 16

(iii) trailrunning, adventure racing and/ or endurance challenges; (iv) nature study; and (v) camping. The least number of votes for favourite activity went to horse-riding. Survey Question 2. Do you have a favourite place in the Gold Coast to participate in NBR? (include all known information). Figure 9. Results of survey question 2 (favourite locations for nature based recreation) Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 17

120 survey respondents answered this question while 38 skipped it. Question 2 was a free text field that allowed respondents to type in the name and address of their favourite nature based recreation destination. Corrections of spelling and some interpretation of data was required in order to categorise the survey data for analysis. This was because some respondents voted for more than one location (in which case, both locations were counted in the tally), and some park names were spelled incorrectly, or only an address was given (no park name). The top five locations named as favourite were: 1. Springbrook/Springbrook National Park 2. Nerang and Nerang National Park 3. The Spit/Philip Park/Federation Walk Coastal Reserve 4. Burleigh Heads National Park 5. The Broadwater. Some of these locations aren t specifically within the scope of the Draft Plan, e.g. Springbrook National Park, Nerang National Park and Burleigh Heads National Park (which are not City managed land). The plan does, however make recommendations about many parks close to these areas including Apple Tree Park (Springbrook), Springbrook Conservation Area, parks along the coastal strip of the Broadwater, etc. The results showing a high number of favourites going to National Parks could indicate that these places are better known about than City Parks, and that the City needs to better promote its parks. Some City parks are very similar to National Parks, although many are located closer to the City s urban areas. The results of survey question 6, Facebook comments and discussion forum posts show that there is a low level of knowledge of where City managed natural areas are located. To get an overall view of the locations people are using and enjoying for nature based recreation, the results of question 2 were pooled with the results of the interactive mapping (asking people to tag their favourite nature based recreation locations on a map). The results are shown in Figure 10. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 18

Figure 10. Pooled results of interactive online map and question 2 of survey showing respondents favourite nature based recreation locations Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 19

9.1.2 Nature based recreation user group profile information Survey Question 3. The last time you participated in a NBR activity, who participated with you? Figure 11. Chart showing results of survey Question 3 (who do people participate in nature based recreation with?) 152 survey respondents answered this question while 6 skipped it. As can be seen in Figure 11, the vast majority of respondents participate in nature based recreation together with family and friends. Only a small percentage of respondents undertake such activities alone or with work colleagues. Survey Question 4. The last time you participated in a NBR activity, who participated with you? Table 2. Responses to survey Question 4. Average 5.05 Median 3.50 Mode 4.00 116 survey respondents answered this question while 42 skipped it. The average result was 5.05, but there was a very large answer of 99 (probably a commercial or sporting event), with the next largest answer being 30. Therefore, the median and mode may be a more accurate representation of group size for people undertaking informal type recreation activities (as opposed to events which might involve larger group sizes). A group size of 4 is considered to be fairly representative of this data, and would be consistent with the results of question 3, where 90 % of respondents indicated they were undertaking NBR with family members or friends. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 20

Survey Question 7. Overall, thinking about the NBR activities you participate in regularly, how much money do you spend approximately each year on these activities? (i.e. specialist clothing, shoes, tools, equipment and supports and training costs). Please enter whole numbers only (no letters or symbols) Table 3. Responses to survey question 7. Maximum $ 15,000.00 Minimum $0.00 Average $1,253.60 Median $500.00 Mode $500.00 131 survey respondents answered this question while 27 skipped it. The average spend per year for respondents who answered this question was $1,253.60. As can be seen by the maximum value of $15,000, some respondents are spending at the higher end, which is reflected in the median price of $500. 65% of respondents indicated that they spent $1500 or less per year. 9.1.3 What do nature based recreation participants want, and what limits participation? Survey Question 5. Do you think that the Gold Coast has adequate amenities/services for the following NBR activities? Figure 12. Does the Gold Coast have adequate amenities/ services for nature based recreation? Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 21

142 survey respondents answered this question while 16 skipped it. Question 5 revealed that for many activities, more respondents felt that there were enough amenities/ services on the Gold Coast than those who felt there were not enough amenities/ services. There were two exceptions: mountain biking, and ecotourism. For these activities, more respondents voted that there were not enough amenities and facilities, compared to those who felt there were enough. For camping, equal percentages of 37% of respondents voted that there were adequate amenities/services and not adequate amenities/services. Survey Question 6. Do any of the following limit your ability to participate in NBR activities on the Gold Coast? (select all that apply) Figure 13. Graph of responses to survey question 6 (factors limiting respondents ability to participate in nature based recreation activities) 128 survey respondents answered this question while 30 skipped it. The top two factors that respondents indicated limited their ability to participate in NBR activities were: 1. I don t know where trails and facilities are located (65 responses) 2. Lack of information about the levels of accessibility to NBR activities (58 responses) The smallest number of responses (11) was received for Locations are too remote. 26 respondents indicated that other factors limited their ability to participate in NBR activities on the Gold Coast. The other factors that respondents specified varied widely and included some out of scope comments. The most common other factors can be grouped into the following two themes: (i) Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 22

lack of maps, signs and information; and (ii) lack of tour guides and people to accompany the respondent. Whilst the online discussion forum (Section 9.4 and Appendix 3) only had four respondents, three of these respondents overtly requested more maps of locations for nature based recreation. The results of survey question 12 (see Section 9.1.5) also showed respondents supported more maps and more promotion of nature based recreation opportunities. Survey Question 8. If a free iphone and android app was developed for nature reserves and recreational activities in the Gold Coast, what would you expect to be included in that app (tick all that apply) Figure 14. Results of survey question 8 showing what respondents would expect in a phone app 143 survey respondents answered this question while 15 skipped it. Less than 20% of responses indicated they would not use a phone app. Greater than 70% of responses indicated that they would expect to see the Facilities available ; Map of all NBR activity trails and locations and levels of difficulty, and Important notices and seasonal reminders. 12% of responses indicated other things they would expect to see in a phone app. Of these, the two main themes that were repeated in numerous responses were: (i) info on trail difficulty, satellite connectivity, emergency procedures, water points, etc; and (ii) nearby nature based recreation providers including social groups and accommodation providers. Less common responses included showing information on flora and fauna; and not revealing nesting locations of fauna. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 23

9.1.4 Commercial operators/ organised programs Survey Question 9. Currently there are a small number of commercial operators offering nature based activities on the Gold Coast (e.g. abseiling, 4WD eco-tours and segway tours). For each of the nature based activities below, please tick whether you would like to see more of these activities provided by commercial operators on the Gold Coast. Figure 15. Responses to survey Question 9 asking which activities people would like to see provided by commercial operators 108 survey respondents answered this question while 50 skipped it. Of the 158 survey respondents, the average number of responses to each of the (optional) questions in the survey was around 133. In the case of question 9, only 108 people responded to the question, the lowest number of responses for any question (except the visitor question sub group in Section 9.1.7). This might reflect the fact that there was no option provided for people to say no commercial operators outright. The largest number of responses was for commercial operators to provide canoeing/ kayaking, followed by ecotourism (including rope courses, 4WD tours, guided walks and mountain bike tours), and mountain biking. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 24

Survey Question 10. City of Gold Coast s Active & Healthy Program provides over 170 free or low cost regular activities, getting thousands of city residents up and active every week across the city s parks and open spaces. While the Active and Health Program already includes some NBR activities, if these could be increased which activities would you use and how regularly? Figure 16. Responses to survey question 10 about the City s Active and Healthy program and which activities people might potentially participate in 134 survey respondents answered this question while 24 skipped it. This question showed that if any activity was to be added to the Active and Healthy program, the largest number of respondents would use bushwalking (at varying frequencies), and the least number of respondents would go horseriding. It is notable that if mountain biking were to be offered, a relatively small number of respondents indicated they would use this, however, 35% of respondents indicated they would do so on a weekly basis. This is the highest potential weekly frequency for any of the activities. It is worthwhile comparing the results of this question to those of question 1 ( Have you participated in any of the following identified nature based recreation activities in the last 2 years in the Gold Coast; and how often do you participate? ). Some of the types of recreation were not offered as responses to question 10 (e.g. picnicking), so are not able to be compared between the two questions. These options aside, the results of the questions were very similar, in terms of the number of respondents wanting to or reporting to have participated in such activities, and the frequency with which respondents were wanting to or reporting to have participated in those activities. There were fewer respondents to question 10 overall (134), but after having corrected for this, two activities can be Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 25

highlighted. For orienteering, more respondents indicated that they would undertake this activity as part of the Active and Healthy program (compared to the number of respondents participating in it of their own accord). And, for fishing and bushwalking, more respondents indicated that they would undertake this activity of their own accord (as opposed to participating in the Active and Healthy program). 9.1.5 Other comments from survey respondents Survey Question 12. Do you have any further comments to provide about the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan? Figure 17. Main themes in the other comments section of the survey 76 survey respondents answered this question while 82 skipped it. Question 12 was a free text field where respondents could give any comments about the Draft Plan. These comments were read, and six main themes were identified. The number of respondents who mentioned these themes in a positive or negative manner was scored, and the graph of this information is provided in Figure 17. The most common comments were positive suppport for the plan, followed by comments asking for more maps and promotion of nature based recreation locations and activities. Where respondents were reasonably satisfied with the plan, it may suggest that that they did not feel a need to give further comments. One might assume that where a respondent was particularly unsatisfied with the plan, this Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 26

would be the place such respondents would provide this feedback. Two respondents made comments showing a lack of support for the plan, mainly on the grounds that the respondent felt the plan was threatening to environmental protection. 9.1.6 Survey demographics Survey Question 11. Before starting this survey, did you read the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan? 143 survey respondents answered this question while 15 skipped it. The majority of respondents (70%) indicated that they had read the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan prior to filling out the survey. This somewhat increases the value of the feedback received in terms of it being used to amend and update the Draft Plan. Survey Question 13: Please indicate your age group Figure 18. Age groups of survey respondents 144 survey respondents answered this question while 14 skipped it. The largest percentage of respondents (45%) were in the 35-44 and 45 54 age brackets, with progressively fewer respondents of older and younger ages. There were no respondents under the age of 15 and very few over the age of 75. The median age of the Gold Coast population is 37 (City of Gold Coast, 2011). Out of the 144 respondents who answered this question, 128 were within the 45 54 age bracket or above, so the median age of the survey group is somewhat older than the Gold Coast median age. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 27

Survey Question 14. Are you male or female? Figure 19. Chart showing gender breakdown of survey respondents 143 survey respondents answered this question while 15 skipped it. There was a reasonably even split between the gender of respondents (male 44%, female 46%), with 10% of survey participants skipping this question. Survey Question 15. What is your approximate annual household income before tax? Figure 20. Approximate household income (before tax) of survey respondents Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 28

142 survey respondents answered this question while 16 skipped it. In 2011, the Gold Coast had a median household income of $61,048 before tax (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011). Whilst it is only approximate, the data range is considered reasonably consistent with such a median household income. Survey Question 16. How many people live in your household? (no letters or symbols) Please enter whole numbers only 143 survey respondents answered this question while 15 skipped it. Answers are summarised in Table 4 below. The average household size for respondents was 2.8 people. Table 4. Number of people living in respondent s household (survey question 16) Maximum 6 Minimum 1 Average 2.8 Median 2 Mode 2 Survey Question 17. Are you a Gold Coast resident or visitor? Figure 21. Proportion of survey respondents who are visitors versus Gold Coast residents 145 survey respondents answered this question while 13 skipped it. The results of question 14 show that the vast majority of respondents (86%) were Gold Coast residents, with 6% being visitors (8% chose not to answer this question). Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 29

Survey Question 18. What Gold Coast suburb do you live in?, and Question 19. Please provide the city, state and country you live in? 134 survey respondents answered question 18 while 24 skipped it. 9 respondents answered question 9 while 149 skipped it. This reflects the fact that the majority of survey respondents were from the Gold Coast, so they answered Question 18 instead of Question 19. All of the visitors were either from Brisbane or from regions directly adjacent to the Gold Coast such as Tweed and Scenic Rim. Gold Coast residents indicated that they lived in a very wide range of suburbs, as shown in Figure 22. Figure 22. Residential suburbs of survey respondents Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 30

Survey Question 24. How did you hear about this community consultation and survey? Figure 23. How respondents heard about the survey 132 survey respondents answered this question while 26 skipped it. The largest group of respondents (39%) heard about the community consultation via the email sent to all www.gchaveyoursay.com.au registered participants, with the smallest group of respondents having heard about it on the radio (2%). 9.1.7 Nature based recreation information about Gold Coast visitors The following survey questions were all designed to draw further information out of the sample of respondents who identified as being visitors: 20. How often do you visit the Gold Coast? (select the most appropriate option below). 9 survey respondents answered this question while 149 skipped it. 21. What other activities do you like to do when you visit the Gold Coast? (select all that apply). 8 survey respondents answered this question while 150 skipped it. 22. Thinking about your last trip to the Gold Coast, how many nights did you stay in the region? Please enter whole numbers only (no letters or symbols). 8 survey respondents answered this question while 150 skipped it. 23. Still thinking about your last trip to the Gold Coast, approximately how much did you spend on the following items while you were here? 7 survey respondents answered this question while 151 skipped it. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 31

Due to the very small number of respondents who were visitors, the results of these questions are not considered to be of a large enough sample size to present in this report. Address information showed that these respondents live within commuting distance of the Gold Coast (see Questions 18 and 19). The answers that these respondents provided to all other questions are still presented in the results, but are not separated out as a visitor sub-group. 9.2 Written submissions 21 written submissions were received by both email and post from a wide range of stakeholders. Each submission was read, and the main themes across the submissions were identified. The number of submissions that discussed each theme was tallied, including whether respondents had provided positive or negative feedback about it. Figure 24. Common themes in written submissions The most common themes in the submissions (in order) were: support or opposition to the Draft Plan. Of the 21 written submissions, eight were supportive of the Draft Plan, three were not supportive of the plan, and the rest did not express an opinion either way Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 32

information about environmental issues and how nature based recreation should be better managed to protect the environment requests for the City to reinstate the OSPL land acquisition program (out of scope for this project). Five submissions flagged negative issues around mountain biking and horse riding, and their potential impacts on the environment. 9.3 Social media response Facebook posts were used to publicise the consultation opportunity, and to allow people to give comment on the Draft Plan and associated issues. Figure 25. Themes identified in Facebook comments on City posts about the Draft Plan Of 5 Facebook posts, 4,677 people commented on, liked or shared the post or did the same to shares of the original post. Only the 76 comments on the original post could be tracked for the purposes of this report. Common themes in these comments were identified, and the number of times each theme was mentioned was tallied. Where one Facebook user mentioned the theme in successive comments, this was only counted once. As can be seen in Figure 25, the largest number of comments requested more maps and promotion of nature based recreation locations, including the locations of the photographs that were used in the Facebook posts. The second most common theme was asking for details of places of where people can and can t walk their dogs. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 33

9.4 Online discussion forum Four responses were posted to the online discussion forum question What, if anything limits your ability to participate in Nature Based Recreation? Three out of the four replies asked for more maps of locations for nature based recreation. Two replies emphasised the importance of protecting the environment. The full posts are presented in Appendix 3. 9.5 Online poll The online poll was available on the GC Have Your Say web page, and did not require users to register for an account or sign in. 61 people participated in the poll, and the results are shown in Figure 26. Figure 26. Graph of online poll results of www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/nbr The highest number of votes for favourite activity was recorded for bushwalking (33% of votes), with mountain biking scoring the second highest number of votes (28%), and trail running/ adventure Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 34

racing/ endurance challenges (11%) receiving the third highest number. The least number of votes was received for horse-riding (0%). The online poll was similar to survey question 1, although a bit more subjective in that it was asking people to nominate a favourite. These results are discussed further in Section 9.1.1 (Question 1). 9.6 Interactive map of favourite nature based recreation locations Figure 27. Results of interactive map inviting respondents to tag their favourite nature based recreation locations Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 35

54 tags of favourite nature based recreation locations were received on the interactive map. Where tags mentioned two distinct locations (in the free text field description), each location was taken as a separate favourite. The top five locations named as favourites were: 1. Currumbin Beach/Alley and Estuaries 2. Wavebreak Island 3. Springbrook and Springbrook National Park 4. The Broadwater 5. The Spit/Philip Park/Federation Walk Coastal Reserve Some of these locations aren t specifically within the scope of the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan, e.g. State managed land like Wavebreak Island and Springbrook National Park are State matters. The City s beaches and waterways such as Currumbin Beach/ Alley and The Broadwater are captured in the City s Ocean Beaches Strategy 2013-2023. Places such as Appletree Park, Springbrook Conservation Area, and Philip Park however, are broadly covered by the Draft Plan, and also sit within these top five categories. The results of this mapping data can be compared with Question 2 of the survey (in Section 9.1.1 Question 2 below), which asked Do you have a favourite place in the Gold Coast to participate in NBR? (include all known information)? Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 36

10. Conclusion The Gold Coast community and targeted stakeholders were given a range of opportunities to provide feedback on the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan. A total of 399 contacts were recorded during the consultation period (15 December 2014 to 27 February 2015). Feedback was generally supportive of the plan and key points include: The main factor that limits people s ability to participate in nature based recreation is a lack of knowledge of where trails and facilities are located. There is strong support for the provision of more maps and promotion of the locations for nature based recreation, including a phone app. There is support for the protection of the City s natural areas against the potential impacts of nature based recreation, and for more sensitive areas to be set aside for very low impact recreation only (e.g. bushwalking and nature study). Bushwalking is the most popular form of nature based recreation, with horse riding the least popular. Survey respondents indicated that they believe more amenities/ services are needed for mountain biking and ecotourism. Respondents voted the following locations as favourites for nature based recreation: 1.Springbrook (includes Apple Tree Park)/ Springbrook National Park; 2.Nerang/ Nerang National Park; 3.The Spit/ Philip Park/ Federation Walk Coastal Reserve; and in equal fourth position; Currumbin Beach/ Alley and Estuaries; The Broadwater; and Wavebreak Island. There are mixed views about the provision of nature based recreation by commercial operators, but widespread support for low impact activities such as nature study and bushwalking to be provided in this way, or by non-commercial groups (including the City). When asked to vote for activities to be provided by commercial operators, the top three activities were canoeing/ kayaking, ecotourism (includes rope courses, 4WD tours, guided walks and mountain bike tours) and mountain biking. When asked to vote for activities that could be provided through a City program, the top three activities were bushwalking, canoeing/kayaking and nature study. Feedback on mountain biking was mixed. It was voted the second favourite activity in the online poll, yet it ranked eight out of 11 activities when respondents reported what activities they had participated in over the last two years. A high proportion of mountain biking participants reported participating very frequently (i.e. weekly). Mountain biking was one of only two activities for which respondents indicated that more amenities/ services are needed in the survey. When given the opportunity to add further comments to the survey, a common theme was a request for more mountain bike tracks. In written submissions a common theme was a concern about the environmental impacts of mountain biking. Whilst the number of respondents surveyed was not large enough to be representative of the Gold Coast population, the City still considers the information gathered to be valuable feedback which was considered in the finalisation of the Draft Nature Based Recreation Plan 2015-2025. When this report is presented to Council, the Council agenda item will outline how this feedback was used to amend and finalise the plan. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 37

11. References City of Gold Coast, 2011. City of Gold Coast 2011 Census. Available from http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/documents/bf/gold-coast-census-2011.pdf (accessed 10 April 2015). Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 38

Appendix 1: Media and public relations Media and public relations coverage Table 5 provides coverage figures for the media and public relation activities throughout the public display and community consultation period. Table 5. Media and public relations coverage Method Measure Amount Nine Gold Coast News Reach 60,000 Gold Coast Sun Distribution 170,949 Global email to staff, intranet banners and public display of plan at City Customer Service Centres (Surfers and Nerang) Distribution 3,831 Friday Flyer editorial (2 and 9 January and 6 February 2015) Distribution 127,000 City of Gold Coast internet banner Average monthly visits 295,000 GC Have your Say website Visits 1,229 More Gold Coast website article Unique Visits 209 Community News e-newsletter Distribution 1,500 City News Radio Average listeners per 15 minutes; 8-8.30am breakfast show 1,800 City News (Divisional Newsletter) Distribution 148,677 City of Gold Coast Facebook 16 February 2015 Reach 17,808 City of Gold Coast Facebook 14 February 2015 Reach 6,704 City of Gold Coast Facebook 9 February 2015 Reach 5,252 City of Gold Coast Facebook 6 January 2015 Reach 16,080 City of Gold Coast Facebook 19 January 2015 Reach 4,822 Twitter 19 January 2015 Reach 745 Twitter 12 February 2015 Reach 949 Weekend Wrap Video Reach 292 Business direct mail Distribution 60 Community consultation database mail Distribution 2,970 Total 865,877 Examples of media and public relations activities Note that the following are examples of media and public relations activities that were used to promote the Draft Plan, and are not an exhaustive list of all activities undertaken. Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 39

Media release 5 December 2014 Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 40

Example of article published in the City News section of the Local Newsletter (e.g. Divisional Newsletter) Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 41

Example of article published in the Community News e-newsletter Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 42

Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 43

Example of article published at MoreGoldCoast.com.au Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 44

Example of article published in the Friday Flyer ( Nature Discovery ) Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 45

Appendix 2 Survey questions Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 46

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Appendix 3 Discussion forum Nature Based Recreation Plan Community Consultation Report October 2015 53