After being locked down for months and being ordered to stay close to home, plenty of people have new opinions on what improvements need to be made to their neighbourhoods.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A new survey has found local liveability is more important than ever to Victorians with most people putting a high importance of living in areas that allow them to be easily active.
Whether it's getting out for a jog, jumping on a bike or walking to the local shops, residents want options that allow them to avoid using the car while staying in their neighbourhood.
Safety and convenient access to fresh food also figured highly when the Heart Foundation asked people to rate the importance of 21 different neighbourhood design features.
The top 10 priorities for Victorians also included facilities being accessible by foot/bicycle, natural elements like trees and plants, close to parks and open spaces, availability of properties with back yards, council providing safe footpaths, areas that are suitable for all age groups, and being walking distance to public transport.
"COVID-19 restrictions forced Melburnians and regional Victorians to take stock of their health, homes and neighbourhoods," said Heart Foundation chief executive Kellie-Anne Jolly.
"Our data suggests that after essentials are covered - like convenient access to fresh foods and a sense of safety - Victorians place great value on easy, walkable access to local amenities, parks and public open spaces that allow them to be active in their daily lives."
Almost three quarters of respondents involved in the survey said they would be happy to see governments divert a higher proportion of road spending toward local walking and cycling tracks, and toward public transport initiatives to make public transport more accessible and to reduce the number of cars on the roads.
Ms Jolly said significantly more Victorians supported these measures than the national average, possibly because of the extended period spent in lockdown.
IN OTHER NEWS
"For many people, COVID-19 threw a spotlight on communities that failed to meet these needs," she said.
"We know the way our neighbourhoods are designed and built is closely connected to how much physical activity we do. Regular exercise and being active is one of the best ways to reduce your risks of heart attack, stroke and other chronic diseases."
Ms Jolly said the pandemic had provided an opportunity to fast-track healthy living initiatives. "From our survey, it's encouraging to see people are prepared to back government investment that supports them to be healthy, active and socially connected. We all have a role to play; from local councils, planners, government, public health bodies and individuals to ensure access to healthier environments."
.
