Public Consultation

The City Plan and most of the strategies and policies summarised or listed above were produced using extensive public consultation.

In addition, consultation was undertaken in preparation for this document. Towards the end of 2002, a questionnaire was circulated to establish priorities and seek suggestions from residents.

Priorities were water quality, wildlife, cleaning up the river, and pedestrian and cyclist access. Of 110 responses:

• 91%    said buildings along the Avon River corridor should be designed to make the most of the river environment.
• 82%    said we should be working towards the highest water quality standards possible in an urban, central city area.
• 82%    said there should be more native birds and fish.
• 76%    said following the Avon River on foot or by cycle should be easier by making access across main roads more obvious.
• 73%    said businesses should not be allowed to extend on to the banks of the river.
• 70%    said planting should reflect the changing character areas within the Avon River corridor.
• 58%    said more recreation should be encouraged along the banks and in the water.
• 54%    said bank slopes should be modified to allow better access to the water's edge.
• 53%    said there should not be more ducks and fish.
• 52%    would like to see more areas like the Oxford Strip along the Avon River.
• 49%    said artwork is desirable on the river banks.