Regional residents can help shape the future of their district by completing the Living in the Regions 2016 survey, available now online.
Made possible by Royalties for Regions, the survey is a safe and convenient way for regional residents to contribute thoughts about their region.
Member for Moore Shane Love MLA said the survey was a great opportunity for residents to share their perceptions and experiences of living in WA’s regional communities.
“Royalties for Regions is transforming regional WA through the provision of essential infrastructure and services,” Mr Love said.
“Finding out more about residents, what attracts them to live in the regions and what they like best about their region, are simple but crucial elements that are instrumental in supporting the ongoing sustainability of our regions.”
Mr Love said it was anticipated government agencies, private organisations and community groups will use the survey findings to support decision-making and policy development across regional WA.
More than 10,000 people responded when the West Australian survey was last conducted in 2013, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the country.
“Three years ago, out of those surveyed, the Wheatbelt and South West regions ranked the highest for the sense of community in their area, and the Great Southern ranked the highest for the percentage of people residing there for over 20 years,” Mr Love said.
“I am looking forward to seeing what this year’s results will show.”
Regional residents will also receive the survey in the mail, with 50,000 copies distributed at random across regional WA. The survey will remain open until 30 November 2016 and results are expected to be available mid-2017. Results from the 2013 survey are available on www.drd.wa.gov.au.
The survey, conducted by the Department of Regional Development via Ernst & Young, is available online at www.drd.wa.gov.au/Regions2016.