Banyule Futures Project - Easy English guide open in new window

We have rich precinct-specific data from 60 completed surveys and 18 conversations at the Bell Street Mall pop-up on 7 June 2024. 6 children from St Hellier Street children's Centre in Heidelberg Heights drew pictures as part of their feedback. Additionally, 10 people from West Precinct participated in the Community Vision workshops.

What you told us

As part of this engagement we presented information about our understanding of West Precinct priorities, concerns, health and wellbeing. We then asked for your feedback and level of agreement.

We've captured and put your thoughts in the West Precinct findings report. A summary of key themes is featured below.

What you love about West Precinct

Go to the full survey and pop-up findings report and workshop findings report to find out more about what we heard in West Precinct and across Banyule.

West Precinct priorities

West Precinct concerns

Background

What we understand about West Precinct

Thinking and planning for precincts is about recognising the unique character, needs and priorities of different locations and the people that live there.

The following information highlights some of the things we understand about West Precinct.

*This information is taken from Banyule's Community Satisfaction Survey, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census, the Living in Place and Health and Wellbeing Survey and Banyule's Household Survey.

Who are we?
The image is titled West Precinct – Who are we. This image describes the West Precinct population. The West Precinct includes the suburbs of Heidelberg West, Bellfield and Heidelberg Heights. The population is 14,411 and is forecast to grow by 32.6% by the year 2041. There are 49.3% Males and 50.7% Females in West Precinct. The average age is 35 years with 29.9% people aged 50 years and over. 30.6% were born overseas and 31.8% speak a language other than English at home. The unemployment rate is 6.6% with an employment rate of 61.9%. The average weekly household income is $1,625 and the Socio-economic rating is 955, compared with 1058 for Banyule.
West Precinct Priorities
The image is titled – Top three liability priorities by importance. Natural environment is at the top of the list at 73%. Feeling Safe is second on the list at 69%. Public Transport is third on the list at 52%.
West Precinct Concerns
The image is titled – Top concerns and issues of importance. Inflation and cost of living on the top of the list at 56%. Housing and price of housing is second on the list at 47%. Crime, Law and Order and Violence is third on the list at 40%. Drug and Alcohol abuse is fourth on the list at 31%. Poverty and Inequity are fifth on the list at 26%.
Health and Wellbeing
The image is titled – Health and wellbeing in the West Precinct. When asked about their future physical health, the West Precinct rating is 7.1 out of 10 stars, while the Banyule wide rating is 7.3 stars. 12% of people in the West Precinct said their physical health will get worse. 54% of the people in the West Precinct said their physical health will stay the same. 35% of the people in the West Precinct said their physical health will get better. When asked about their future mental health, the West Precinct rating is 7 out of 10 stars, while the Banyule wide rating is 7.5 stars. 8% of people in the West Precinct said their mental health will get worse. 66% of the people in the West Precinct said their mental health will stay the same. 26% of the people in the West Precinct said their mental health will get better. When asked about their future social wellbeing, the West Precinct rating is 6.9 out of 10 stars, while the Banyule wide rating is 7.5 stars. 12% of people in the West Precinct said their social wellbeing will get worse. 62% of the people in the West Precinct said their social wellbeing will stay the same. 26% of the people in the West Precinct said their social wellbeing will get better.
Health and Wellbeing
The image is the second image titled Health and Wellbeing in West Precinct. 33.4% of people in West Precinct have one or more long term health conditions, compared with 33.4% in Banyule. 7.6% need assistance with core activities compared to 5.9% for Banyule. 11.2% report some form of voluntary work compared to 14.4% for Banyule. In 2021 63.8% of people in the West Precinct had completed Year 12, compared to 66.4% for Banyule.
Future projects
The image is titled – West Precinct Future projects. It is a summary of some of the major projects and activities planned for the West Precinct. This list can change, and projects confirmed as each annual budget gets developed. Project – Shelley Park Pavilion Refurbishment is planned for in the 2025 to 2026 funded by a government grant. Priority area – Advocating to expand supported playgroups for vulnerable families is ongoing. Project – Work with Banyule Community Health to improve the Buna Reserve Community Garden is planned for in the 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026 budget as part of the Community Infrastructure Plan. Project – Delivery of the James Reserve Play Space Masterplan is planned for in the 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026 Future Capital Works Program. Project area – Advocate for an integrated services hub in Heidelberg West is ongoing. Project – Construction lighting of the tan track at Ford Park is planned for in the 2026 to 2027 budget as part of the Future Capital Works Program. Project – Continue to work with Barrbunin Beek Gathering Place committee to develop and improve the building is planned for in the 2024 to 2025 and 2026 to 2027 as part of the Community Infrastructure Plan. Project – New playground at Narvik Reserve is planned for in the 2024 to 2025 Future Capital Works Program. Project area – Increase use and advocate for improvements to Olympic Leisure Centre ongoing. Project – Advocate for Government Investment in La Trobe Employment and Innovation Area ( Heidelberg West Business Park ).

  • Map of future projects

    Use this interactive map to see what projects and activities are planned for your area.

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