Raw data to shape the town

Community safety, education and the environment have been highlighted as priority areas in the Town of Port Hedland as the results of one of the most extensive engagement exercises ever undertaken by the Town are released.

Town staff took to the streets between October and December last year and collected almost 6000 direct community interactions and submissions as part of the Live It, Tell It campaign.

The process formed part of the State Government’s reporting requirement to review and update the Town’s Strategic Community Plan to outline its future direction and goals over the next 10 years.

The raw data revealed locals were proud to live in Port Hedland, enjoyed the relaxed lifestyle and sporting and cultural activities, were less concerned with building more facilities and wanted a focus on “working with what we’ve got”.

Challenges highlighted by respondents included community safety, attracting and retaining residents, leadership of the community, access to good education and health services and economic diversity.

Mayor Camilo Blanco said the campaign and community engagement process was delivered at a pivotal time for the town.

“This was so much more than a simple community survey or engagement process. Our goal was not only to talk to as many people as we could but more importantly, to listen,” he said.

“Over the past few years, our community has undergone significant changes. We’ve been challenged by a significant economic downturn and continuing social issues ...

the data collected will become our roadmap and a temperature gauge on our performance as a council and as a Town.”

The council will now take the raw data and workshop the 2018-2028 Strategic Community Plan.