The topic of climate change will be taken to the Port Macquarie-Hastings community as part of a regular survey that gauges the community's satisfaction about Council's performance, services and functions.
The Micromex Community Satisfaction Survey surveys a randomly-selected, demographically-representative number of residents on a range of topics, and will give the community further opportunity to provide feedback on climate change and where they value it in the broader context of Council's functions.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has been very active in its engagement with the community on climate change, most recently illustrated through its Climate Change Response Policy.
The Policy was placed on exhibition during late March to early May, following a decision by councillors at the Ordinary March meeting proposing to rescind it.
The results of this consultation were due to be reported at the June meeting, however they will now be deferred to September pending the upcoming community-wide feedback survey which will include climate change as a key theme.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Director Community, Planning and Environment, Melissa Watkins, said it was important that Council heard directly from residents on a range of issues - including climate change.
"Anecdotally, we have seen a growing interest on the topic of climate change, driven by passionate community members who are invested in making a real difference in our region," Ms Watkins said.
"We value every single person's opinion on what we are doing well, and areas for improvement. It is therefore important that we hear directly from residents about what they value as being key to the future of our community.
"The feedback we receive in our survey will inform us on how we as an organisation can do better. We look forward to being able to report back on the results of our survey later in the year."
Micromex will contact randomly selected respondents to take part in the community satisfaction survey throughout July. There will also be an online survey that all community members can participate in.
Council is expected to report on both the Micromex Community Satisfaction Survey, as well as the community engagement feedback around the proposed Climate Change Response Policy rescission motion, at the September Ordinary Council meeting.
We will continue to keep the community updated before the September meeting, and invite residents to attend in person or watch the livestream on Council's YouTube channel.
