Between 13 April 2023 – 10 May 2023, we heard from 360 community members via online surveys and digital ideas board, written submissions, face-to-face advisory and reference group meetings, a walk with the Mayor and face-to-face community events about their views on the draft five-year strategy.

Participant feedback - Economic Development

Contributors identified the most effective business support initiatives currently being offered by Council were events and activations in shopping precincts; business advice and mentoring services for new and expanding businesses; and social media and marketing support for local shopping precincts.

Participants identified innovation, digital skills and technology; the brand and reputation of Bayside; and diversifying the economy, as the top three opportunities for economic development in Bayside.

Potential initiatives suggested for the draft Strategy included:

• Proactive Council coordination and liaison for B2B connections.
• Promotions and marketing.
• Continued business support from Council.
• Increased in-person Council engagement.
• Investigating easier permits and planning processes.

Participant feedback – Tourism

Participants identified more food and wine festivals; markets; concerts and musical performances, as the top three opportunities for Bayside tourism initiatives.

Suggested improvements for current tourism activities included providing more signage about activities and events; and promoting the features of Green Point, Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, and the Art Trail.

Ideas suggested for the draft Strategy included:

• Heritage and garden tours/events.
• Street festivals.
• More concerts, film and theatre events.
• Expanding offering of restaurants and cafes along the foreshore.

Participant feedback - Placemaking

Contributors identified cleanliness of public areas (bins and graffiti maintenance); landscaping and greening public spaces; and public spaces to sit, meet and gather, as the top three most influential placemaking initiatives in Bayside.

Most participants (67.6%) agreed that Christmas decorations should be concentrated in busier shopping areas for higher visual impact.

Ideas for new initiatives suggested for the draft Strategy included:

• Providing more parking spaces.
• Planting more trees and creating green spaces.
• Providing more seating and communal spaces.
• Pedestrianising activity centres.
• Ensuring public spaces are cleaned and maintained to a high standard.

Read the complete report on community engagement.

The draft Strategy will be developed between August-October 2023 through analysis of community and stakeholder feedback, review of existing related strategies, and incorporate local and national economic data and trends.

Community members and stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the draft in the second community engagement phase, during November 2023.