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Southern Beaches Plan: Planning a sustainable future - Community Survey

Sorell Council is preparing the Southern Beaches Plan, a long‑term structure plan that will guide land use, housing, infrastructure, services, the natural environment and community wellbeing across Dodges Ferry, Lewisham, Carlton, Carlton River and Primrose Sands.

We want to understand what matters most to you, the people who live in, visit and care about the Southern Beaches. This short survey is the first of many opportunities to share your experiences, values and priorities. Your feedback will help shape the early stages of the Plan and ensure it reflects local aspirations and lived experience.

The survey takes around 10 minutes. All responses are anonymous unless you choose to leave your details for project updates.

Thank you for taking the time to participate.
1.Which township do you live in or identify with most?
2.How long have you lived in or regularly visited the Southern Beaches?
3.If you moved to the Southern Beaches in the past 5 years, where did you move from, and why did you choose the Southern Beaches as your new home?
4.What is your connection to the area? (select all that apply)
5.Which age group are you in?
6.What is your gender?(Required.)
7.Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?(Required.)
8.Liveability - what matter most to you.
Please rate how important the following elements are to your experience of living in or visiting the Southern Beaches. This helps us understand what matters most to the community.(Required.)
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Local shops and essential services
Access to community facilities (schools, childcare, health, recreation)
Feeling safe
Access to and protection of natural areas
Walking and cycling paths
Quality and maintenance of local roads
Access to beaches and waterways
Sense of community and belonging
Attractive public spaces
Housing choice and affordability
Local character and village feel
Access to public transport
Managing natural hazards (coastal erosion, bushfire, flooding)
Opportunities for local business and jobs
9.Liveability: How are we going?
Please rate how well the Southern Beaches currently performs on the same elements. This helps us understand where the area is performing well, and where improvement is needed.(Required.)
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
Very Poor
Local shops and essential services
Access to community facilities
Feeling safe
Protection of natural areas
Walking and cycling conditions
Road safety and traffic flow
Maintenance of local streets and public spaces
Beach and waterway access
Community connection
Housing choice and affordability
Local character
Public transport options
Management of natural hazards
Support for local business
10.Which statements best reflect your vision for the future of the Southern Beaches? (choose up to five)(Required.)
11.In one sentence, what is your aspiration for the Southern Beaches in 20 years?
12.What should be the top priorities for the Southern Beaches Plan? (select up to five)(Required.)
13.Please tell us any specific places, issues or opportunities we should look at closely at.
14.How connected do you feel to your local community?(Required.)
15.How strongly do you feel a sense of belonging in the Southern Beaches?(Required.)
16.How would you describe the character of your township today? (for example, quiet, welcoming, coastal, changing, family-friendly)
17.What aspects of local character are most important for the area’s future?
18.How would you like to be involved in later stages of the project?
(Select all that apply)(Required.)
19.Where do you usually get information about local projects and engagement?
(Select all that apply)(Required.)
20.Would you like to receive updates about the Southern Beaches Plan?(Required.)
Thank you for completing this survey.

Your feedback is an essential part of shaping the Southern Beaches Plan. Everything you share helps Council understand what matters to you, what needs attention, and what you hope the future of your community will look like.

Updates, next steps and engagement opportunities will be posted on the Sorell Councils website and social media channels.

We look forward to continuing the conversation with you.