Renewing the Merri Creek and Environs Strategy - Community Survey

The Merri Creek begins in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range (around Heathcote Junction) and flows ~60km south to meet the Birrarung (Yarra River) near Dights Falls in Abbotsford. Along the length of the Merri Creek, organisations, groups and individuals work together to manage the creek and its surrounding landscapes (environs).

The guiding document for the Merri Creek's management (The Merri Creek and Environs Strategy) was released in 2009. Since then, a lot of change has happened along the Merri Creek and in the surrounding landscapes - and more change is coming. It is vital we have a Strategy that responds to these changes, to help keep the Merri Creek and its landscapes healthy!

It is time for the Merri Creek Management Committee and partners to update the Strategy and we'd love to hear from you!

Your responses are anonymous and will help shape the renewed Merri Creek and Environs Strategy, to achieve a better future - for the Merri Creek, catchment and communities. Thank you for taking time to respond to this survey.

To learn more about the Merri Creek Management Committee, please visit: https://www.mcmc.org.au

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* 1. Where do you live?

Suburb/Town:

Postcode:

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* 2. What is your age?

100+

Clear

i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 3. What is the gender with which you most identify?

Female

Male

Non-binary

Prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Do you identify as First Nations/Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

Yes

Yes, with cultural/ancestral connection with Merri Merri

Prefer not to say

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* 5. Do you have a culturally or linguistically diverse background or family environment?

Yes

Prefer not to say

If yes, please let us know more

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* 6. Do you identify as living with a disability? This will help us understand more about your needs and what the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape provide...

Yes

Prefer not to say

Please feel free to share how the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape provide for these needs...

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* 7. Are you a carer for a person living with a disability, who accesses the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape in your role as carer? This will help us understand more about your needs and what the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape provide...

Yes

Prefer not to say

Please feel free to share how the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape provide for these needs...

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* 8. Where do you live in relation to the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

I live in the northern section of the Merri Creek (e.g. near Wallan, Whittlesea)

I live in the central section of the Merri Creek (e.g. near Cambellfield, Fawkner, Lalor, Thomastown)

I live in the southern section of the Merri Creek (e.g. near Brunswick East, Westgarth, Fairfield, Clifton Hill, Dights Falls)

I do not live in the area

Other (please specify)

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* 9. Do you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

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* 10. If yes, how often do you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

Daily

A few times a week

Weekly

A few times a month

Monthly

A few times a year

Annually

Every few years

I rarely visit

I never visit

Other frequency

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* 11. If you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, for **how long would you typically visit?**

	Day	Evening	Both
Less than one hour	Less than one hour Day	Less than one hour Evening	Less than one hour Both
1-3 hours	1-3 hours Day	1-3 hours Evening	1-3 hours Both
4-5 hours	4-5 hours Day	4-5 hours Evening	4-5 hours Both
5-8 hours	5-8 hours Day	5-8 hours Evening	5-8 hours Both

Other (please specify)

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* 12. What distance (kms) do you typically need to travel to visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

0 km - I live adjacent to the Merri Creek corridor

100+ kms

Clear

i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 13. If you typically need to travel more than 100km, do you live interstate?

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* 14. How do you travel to the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? Please choose all that apply.

Walk

Run

Ride a bicycle

Ride a motorised scooter or bicycle

By car

By bus

By train

By tram

I get a lift (e.g. with family/friend, taxi, Uber) in a car

Other (please specify)

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* 15. What is your interest/engagement with the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? Please select all that apply.

I visit the Merri Creek and its surrounding parklands for recreation (e.g. walking, running, cycling, group exercise, organised sports)

I visit the Merri Creek and its surrounding parklands for quiet time (e.g. contemplation, meditation, writing, drawing, painting, etc.)

I work in the area

I use the shared trails along Merri Creek and surrounding landscape for commuting

I volunteer in the Merri Creek parklands

I work for a local Council that includes part of the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape

I work for a local Council and my work includes work within the surrounding landscape of the Merri Creek

I work for an agency that works within the Merri Creek surrounding landscape

I am a tourism operator operating within the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape

I own a local business

I have childhood/historical connections with the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape

I have an interest in conservation projects

Other (please specify)

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* 16. If you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, which of the following areas/features do you visit and utilise? Please select all that apply. If all apply, please choose 'all of the above'.

Open, mowed spaces (e.g. for sports, games, exercise)

Picnic tables, BBQs and shelters

The creekside 'green' spaces (e.g. for quiet time, sitting with friends and family)

Conservation areas ('green' areas that are not mown - e.g. bushland areas, natural grassland areas)

Trails/paths

Wheelchair or other accessibility features

Scenic lookouts

Toilets

Off-leash dog areas (with a dog)

On-leash dog areas (with a dog)

Sports facilities

All of the above

Other (please specify) or anything you would like to share...

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* 17. What activities do (or would) you enjoy when visiting the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? Please choose all that apply. If all apply, please choose 'all of the above'.

Appreciating nature

Appreciating First Nations - Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung - culture

Appreciating scenic views

Meeting/enjoying time with friends and family

Meeting/enjoying a cuppa or meal with friends and family

Children's play

Picnics

Walking

Running

Cycling

On-leash dog walking

Off-leash dog walking

Birdwatching

Seeing the wildlife (e.g. swamp wallabies)

Looking at the plants

Education (including self-education e.g. botany, conservation management)

Conservation volunteering

Photography

Swimming

Disc golf

Playing sports/games with family and friends in the parks

Playing sports/games with a team in sporting facilities

Learning about First Nations - Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung - culture (e.g. talks about First Nations land management, bush tucker, and more)

All of the above

Other (please specify)

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* 18. How important to you is the health of the Merri Creek?

Not at all important - I don't notice the health of the Creek and don't care much anyway

Somewhat - I notice the health of the Creek but don't care much about the health and don't really think about it

Hugely important - the health of the Creek is something I care about very much!

Clear

i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 19. How important to you are conservation/natural areas along the Merri Creek?

Not important

Slightly important

Moderately important

Important

Very important

I do not know what conservation/natural areas there are along the Merri Creek

Not important

Slightly important

Moderately important

Important

Very important

I do not know what conservation/natural areas there are along the Merri Creek

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* 20. How important to you are large parks and open spaces along the Merri Creek?

Not important

Slightly important

Moderately important

Important

Very important

Not important

Slightly important

Moderately important

Important

Very important

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* 21. Do you have knowledge of the biodiversity and ecology of Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

Yes

No, but I'd love to learn more!

Please provide any comments...

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* 22. If you do have knowledge of the biodiversity and ecology of Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, are there any important places or knowledge you would like us to consider in the renewed Strategy?

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* 23. Are you a volunteer who helps care for the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

Yes, I currently volunteer to care for the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape

No, but I am interested in volunteering

I volunteered previously but am not volunteering at the moment

If you currently or previously volunteered to care for the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, please share which group(s) you work/worked with and anything you'd like us to consider in the renewed strategy.

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* 24. What features or elements within the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape are most important to you, that you think should be cared for and looked after in the renewed Merri Creek and Environs Strategy? Please choose all that apply. If all apply, please choose 'all of the above'.

First Nations - Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung - history and cultural values

Biodiversity values

The Merri Creek

The Merri Creek catchment/surrounding landscape

Wetlands or water features

Native grasslands

Revegetated areas

Natural bushland

Wildlife corridors

Wildlife habitat support (e.g. nest boxes)

Children's nature-based play spaces

Children's playgrounds

Public furniture

Educational signage

Picnic areas

Lookouts/views

Quiet reflective spaces

The health benefits nature provides to visitors

Well-defined trails with signs

Longer trails and circuits for walking around the surrounding landscape of the Creek

Nature trails

All of the above

Other (please specify)

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* 25. The Merri Creek and surrounding landscape are deeply connected with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and other First Nations people. How would you like to learn more about this relationship between First Nations people and the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? Please select all that apply. If all apply, please choose 'all of the above'.

Bush tucker talks

Bushfood and community gardens

Indigenous ranger programmes

Talks

Signage describing First Nations people's connection with Country (e.g. wildlife, plants, landscape, water, and more), culture and history

QR codes on signs for more information

School and workplace educational talks and workshops

Hearing First Nations voices and leadership in the ongoing management of the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape

Learning (through talks or signage) First Nations language for places, features, animals, plants

First Nations people's artwork/installations

Demonstrations of First Nations people's management of the landscape

All of the above

Other (please specify)

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* 26. Based on your relationship with the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, what would you most like us to consider when we are renewing the Strategy?

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* 27. What is special about the local community that we should consider when renewing the Merri Creek and Environs Strategy?

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* 28. When thinking about safety and accessibility, are there any features we should consider in the strategy to make the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape safe and accessible for all abilities and ages?

Safety and security:

Accessibility:

Maintenance and management:

Other:

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* 29. When thinking about Cultural and Linguistically Diverse engagement, are there any features we should consider in the strategy to make the Merri Creek more enjoyable and accessible for people from diverse communities?

Signage:

Cultural representation:

Access:

Education:

Other:

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* 30. Do you have any other comments you would like to provide to help us plan for the future of the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? For example...

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and other First Nations culture:

Connectivity to surrounding areas:

Services and infrastructure:

Local ecosystems:

Creek health:

Catchment health:

Community health:

Other:

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* 31. Would you like to be added to the Merri Creek Management Committee's newsletter for updates on the Strategy and to hear news about the Merri Creek? If yes, please provide your name and email address.
(We will never spam you nor share your details - and you can unsubscribe at any time).

Name:

Email address:

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* 32. Thank you for taking the time to respond to this survey.
We appreciate learning your perspectives and experiences in relation to the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape!
Please feel free to share any last thoughts...

Renewing the Merri Creek and Environs Strategy - Community Survey

Question Title

* 1. Where do you live?

Question Title

* 2. What is your age?

Question Title

* 3. What is the gender with which you most identify?

Question Title

* 4. Do you identify as First Nations/Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

Question Title

* 5. Do you have a culturally or linguistically diverse background or family environment?

Question Title

* 6. Do you identify as living with a disability? This will help us understand more about your needs and what the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape provide...

Question Title

* 7. Are you a carer for a person living with a disability, who accesses the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape in your role as carer? This will help us understand more about your needs and what the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape provide...

Question Title

* 8. Where do you live in relation to the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

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* 9. Do you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

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* 10. If yes, how often do you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

Question Title

* 11. If you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, for how long would you typically visit?

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* 12. What distance (kms) do you typically need to travel to visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

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* 13. If you typically need to travel more than 100km, do you live interstate?

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* 14. How do you travel to the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? Please choose all that apply.

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* 15. What is your interest/engagement with the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? Please select all that apply.

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* 16. If you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, which of the following areas/features do you visit and utilise? Please select all that apply. If all apply, please choose 'all of the above'.

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* 17. What activities do (or would) you enjoy when visiting the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? Please choose all that apply. If all apply, please choose 'all of the above'.

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* 18. How important to you is the health of the Merri Creek?

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* 19. How important to you are conservation/natural areas along the Merri Creek?

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* 20. How important to you are large parks and open spaces along the Merri Creek?

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* 21. Do you have knowledge of the biodiversity and ecology of Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

Question Title

* 22. If you do have knowledge of the biodiversity and ecology of Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, are there any important places or knowledge you would like us to consider in the renewed Strategy?

Question Title

* 23. Are you a volunteer who helps care for the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape?

Question Title

* 24. What features or elements within the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape are most important to you, that you think should be cared for and looked after in the renewed Merri Creek and Environs Strategy? Please choose all that apply. If all apply, please choose 'all of the above'.

Question Title

Question Title

* 26. Based on your relationship with the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, what would you most like us to consider when we are renewing the Strategy?

Question Title

* 27. What is special about the local community that we should consider when renewing the Merri Creek and Environs Strategy?

Question Title

* 28. When thinking about safety and accessibility, are there any features we should consider in the strategy to make the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape safe and accessible for all abilities and ages?

Question Title

* 29. When thinking about Cultural and Linguistically Diverse engagement, are there any features we should consider in the strategy to make the Merri Creek more enjoyable and accessible for people from diverse communities?

Question Title

* 30. Do you have any other comments you would like to provide to help us plan for the future of the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape? For example...

Question Title

* 31. Would you like to be added to the Merri Creek Management Committee's newsletter for updates on the Strategy and to hear news about the Merri Creek? If yes, please provide your name and email address. (We will never spam you nor share your details - and you can unsubscribe at any time).

Question Title

* 32. Thank you for taking the time to respond to this survey. We appreciate learning your perspectives and experiences in relation to the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape! Please feel free to share any last thoughts...

* 11. If you visit the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape, for **how long would you typically visit?**

* 31. Would you like to be added to the Merri Creek Management Committee's newsletter for updates on the Strategy and to hear news about the Merri Creek? If yes, please provide your name and email address.
(We will never spam you nor share your details - and you can unsubscribe at any time).

* 32. Thank you for taking the time to respond to this survey.
We appreciate learning your perspectives and experiences in relation to the Merri Creek and surrounding landscape!
Please feel free to share any last thoughts...