Undertaken by Greater Shepparton City Council as a means of learning more about the concerns of residents across the region, the data shows drug use (88 per cent), drug dealing (81 per cent) and domestic/family violence (74 per cent) are the top concerns for locals in regards to perceived safety and wellbeing.
Minor concerns include graffiti (61 per cent), public drinking (53 per cent) and youth engagement (47 per cent).
The data collected also shows that 66 per cent of respondents said they felt safe travelling alone in their neighbourhood during the daytime, compared with 30 per cent at night.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe was delighted to have more insight into the safety concerns of the community.
“Council strives to make all our residents feel safe in their home region, and this survey offers council a chance to see community safety through the eyes of the public,” she said.
Community members also highlighted six key topics and services that they wished to know more about. These included community planning groups, the council's Wipeout Graffiti program, Street Rider Night Bus Service, cultural inclusion, safe housing when experiencing homelessness, and Operation Star — which is a program aimed at improving the safety of community schools during the school holiday period.
Council plans to continue analysing the data received, with a goal of aligning the results to current actions within council strategies.
For more information about the survey and the topics and services mentioned above, visit greatershepparton.com.au or phone 5832 9700.
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