The Kallangur Community Survey was part of an integrated prevention and early intervention
approach to existing and emerging issues in Kallangur and the northern growth corridor. It
provided an opportunity for respondents to identify those things that would make Kallangur a
healthier, better, more convenient and safer place to live: the local determinants of health and
wellbeing, nominated by the residents of Kallangur themselves.
A questionnaire was designed to elicit information under five broad headings: About You,
About Your Community, Parks and Open Spaces, Activities and Services, and Safety. The
questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers over a one month period at a number
of key sites and through local groups and organisations, including shopping centres, library,
service clubs, community and church groups, sporting and social clubs, playgroups and child
care centres. Each interview took between five and twenty minutes, with an average of ten to
fifteen minutes.
Despite intensive efforts, and the use of multiple strategies to encourage people to complete
the survey questionnaire, the survey group was not a representative sample of the Kallangur
population. 70% of respondents were female; 51% were over 56 years of age. Most younger
people had constraints on their time that made it difficult for them to participate in the survey;
it was difficult to find places where younger people, who might have time available,
congregate; older people were the most willing to talk and give their time.
The process returned 287 valid surveys. These surveys were analysed thematically, and any
significant relationships in the responses explored. The responses were largely positive: over
50% rated their health as “good” (although some added the qualifier “for my age”); 84%
would recommend Kallangur as a place to live; 37% feel “very much” part of their
neighbourhood; most believe they could call on a neighbour for help, and the majority have
helped a neighbour in the last year; 70% have friends in Kallangur with whom they socialise;
84% of respondents live within walking distance of a park (although only 37% use it on a
regular basis).
People were able to access a range of services in Kallangur, but also went outside Kallangur for
shopping (23%), health care (13%), recreation (13%), dining (11%) and government services
(9%). The survey group had a lower rate of volunteering than is average for Queensland: 21%,
compared to approximately 35% throughout Queensland.
The findings from the data analysis were presented at an open community forum, where the
issues and suggestions for action arising from the survey questionnaires were further
discussed, refined and prioritised. Participants in the survey and in the community forum
consistently identified a number of issues which they feel warrant attention: a greater police
presence to address safety concerns; improved tracks and parks; improved transport; more
activities for youth; better and healthier food options; more communal and social activities and
groups; better town planning and improved maintenance. There was little indication that
people were willing to take ownership of any of the proposed suggestions for improvement,
with most recommending that the information be referred elsewhere for action.
Key recommendations include the creation of a skate park for youth; the development of a
localised neighbourhood plan for Kallangur; providing the survey findings re crime to
Queensland Police; providing the survey findings re public transport to key stakeholders; a
similar recommendation about food issues, and parks and open spaces; and the establishment
of a multi-function community space in Kallangur.
Kallangur REPORT 09