Residents of the Wollongong area feel a greater sense of wellbeing than the average Australian, a new survey suggests.
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The survey of 500 residents in the local government area, commissioned by Wollongong City Council, asked people about their wellbeing - such as their sense of safety, health and relationships - as well as aspects of their life in the city.
The survey scored the personal wellbeing of Wollongong residents at 79 out of 100, above the national score of 76.5, which was derived from a November 2020 study.
This score is also higher than previous surveys conducted in Wollongong in 2018 (78) and 2014 (78.8).
Wollongong residents scored higher than the national average on all eight markers of wellbeing, but particularly personal relationships, 'life as a whole', and what they were currently achieving in life.
"It's heartening to see on average our residents continue to be satisfied with their standard of living, what they're achieving in life and that they feel a part of the community," Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
Residents were asked to rate their agreement with 10 statements related to living in Wollongong.
Ninety-seven per cent agreed they would help if a neighbour called for assistance; 92 per cent said Wollongong was a good place to live; and 86 per cent agreed their neighbourhood was a good place to live.
Ninety-two per cent of respondents agreed it was a good thing for a society to be made up of people from different cultures and communities, but only 69 per cent agreed that cultural diversity and creativity were valued and celebrated in the city.
When asked whether new development met the needs of a growing city, 39 per cent agreed and 24 per cent disagreed (the remainder were neutral or could not say).
Thirty-one per cent of people did not agree that new development was sympathetic with the environment, while 30 per cent did agree.
"One of the questions asked in the phone survey was about residents' vision for the future and it was clear from the results that there are concerns about the amount of high density development that is occurring across the city... Our response needs to take a balanced approach to development that is supported by the provision of infrastructure such as schools, open spaces and sports and leisure clubs, and improvements to traffic management and parking,'' Cr Bradbery said.
He said the survey was helpful for council by providing an insight into the views of the community.
"The data collected through the survey can be used to guide our future planning including the upcoming review of the Community Strategic Plan and the goals within it," he said.
He said it also helped guide council on issues on which it could advocate on behalf of the community.
The full survey report is available online.
'We've got a good life'
The Illawarra Mercury asked a few Wollongong residents for their thoughts on life in the city. This is what they said:
Alan and Linda Alston, Wongawilli
How do you rate your wellbeing as a resident of Wollongong?
A: Pretty good.
Why do you enjoy life in Wollongong?
A: It's just everything, really; we're close to everything
L: [We've got] escarpment views.
A: We're quite happy.
L: We've got a good life... Living the dream.
Jan Walters, Figtree
How do you rate your wellbeing as a resident of Wollongong?
I did have a bad year last year... But this year's been great.
What do you enjoy about life in Wollongong?
[My husband and I] just love everything about it... Everything's convenient for us.
We're just really happy to be here
Elleni Meakins, Wollongong
How do you rate your wellbeing as a resident of Wollongong?
Maybe a six, as average.
What do you enjoy about living in Wollongong?
It's nice being by the sea, there's a lot of good aspects... Things are close together, that's convenient.
Is there anything that could be improved?
Maybe more parking, near the mall.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
