RESEARCH REPORT:NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFESERVICE RESEARCH PROJECTURBAN WILDLIFE RENEWAL“GROWING CONSERVATION IN URBAN COMMUNITIES”

NOVEMBER 2002

CONTACT: IAN W OOLCOTTKARYN W ONGDANIELLE VERSCHOOR
Woolcott Research1

Published by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service November 2002.
Copyright © NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
ISBN 0 7313 6712 X
Material presented in this publication can be copied for personal use or republished for noncommercial purposes provided that the NPWS is fully acknowledged as the copyright owner.
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service.

TABLE OF CONTENTSFOREWORD

5.

OVERVIEW

7.

1. INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

17.

2. UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF W ILDLIFE RENEWAL

31.

3. THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVE41.

4. URBAN PEOPLE AND “THE OUTDOORS”

51.

5. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

55.

6. THREATS TO W ILDLIFE IN THE URBAN SITUATION

71.

7. URBAN COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING OF CONSERVATION CONCEPTS

75.

8. URBAN CONSERVATION W ITHIN THE BROADER RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONCERNS

83.

9. TAKING ACTION

95.

APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENT109.

APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

123.

Woolcott Research
3FOREWORD
Conservation outcomes in urban environments are influenced, in a large part, by the choices wemake as individuals - the plants we have in our gardens; the garden chemicals we use; and the way
our pets are managed. Community involvement in conservation includes people taking everyday,
local actions to help protect and conserve local native wildlife. The cumulative effect of individual
action can significantly contribute to the overall health of urban ecosystems and to the survival of
threatened species and conservation of biodiversity, maintaining that special “living” quality enjoyedin many urban areas of New South Wales.
To engage people and inspire positive action, education and involvement initiatives need to reflect anunderstanding of the current needs, attitudes and practices of the communities we are seeking toreach. A research-based approach can inform the design, implementation and evaluation of
initiatives and programs that can engage the broader community.
Research into community environmental understandings has informed education and involvement
programs for waste management, pollution and stormwater issues. However, little reliable
information about community understandings of conservation has been available.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with the support of the NSW Environmental
Trust, has undertaken new research which, for the first time, investigates the knowledge attitudes,
needs and practices in the community specifically relating to conservation of wildlife and theirhabitats in urban environments. The findings are a valuable tool, revealing key elements that areimportant to keep conservation initiatives relevant and meaningful to a mainstream audience.
NPWS is using the research to improve the effectiveness of conservation policy, education programs
and community involvement initiatives. A number of projects have already been undertaken in
partnership with local government, state agencies and community organisations to invite
communities to feel good about their actions to renew urban wildlife in cities, suburbs and towns of
NSW.
Other organisations are encouraged to use this important resource in achieving conservation
outcomes in urban areas of NSW. I commend this report to you in the spirit of conservation
partnerships.

Brian Gilligan
Director-General
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

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5OVERVIEW
1.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The central purpose of The Study was to investigate current community
knowledge beliefs, attitudes and behaviour with respect to urban wildlife.

The study results will inform the development of community education andinvolvement initiatives which can engage and involve the broader
community, to achieve enhanced conservation outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN
The brief required a study that was both exploratory in nature and capable ofestablishing baseline data. To achieve this the study combined both qualitativeand quantitative methodologies. The qualitative component comprised a series ofn=20 indepth interviews and n=10 mini group discussions. The quantitative
component involved a large scale questionnaire completed by l,006 people 18
years plus in NSW.

To discover a wide range of views both the qualitative and quantitative researchdrew respondents from urban areas of differing population density, that is highdensity city, medium density city, ¼ acre city, city fringe, large town medium town
and small town. Respondent segmentation for the qualitative component further
took into account attitudes toward fauna and native plant conservation. That iswhether they are committed, moderate or strongly against (see Appendix A
Qualitative Component for Recruiting Definitions).

2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWAL
Understanding human needs is crucial to developing effective strategies tochange the behaviour of the community in favour of contributing to urban wildlife
renewal.

The most important of needs to arise from this research tended tocentre around the need for independence and freedom and safety and security.

Also important are the needs for self-actualisation, social interaction and the need
to be a nurturing person.
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OVERVIEW

All human behaviour tends to be driven by the desire to satisfy underlying needstates. Participation is expected to be greatest when a program is felt to satisfy
needs and does not prevent other underlying needs being met.

3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVEThe “sense of place” that the surrounding environment brings to where people live
is important to understand in terms of the value placed on the living ecosystems
in an urban environment of which humans are part. In order to understand this,qualitative and quantitative research was conducted to ascertain people’s
construction of what was considered a “nice place to live”. Through the conscious
identification of elements which compose this construction, a current notion of a“quality of life” could be established. Relaxation, leafy surrounds and the sound of
birds were key elements to contributing to perceptions of having a “nice place tolive”.

In the quantitative study respondents were asked to indicate the importance that 9of these elements have in making somewhere a “nice place to live”.

The top four aspects were mainly centred around having peaceful and attractive
surroundings.
•“a place that’s leafy and green with lots of tree lined streets andparks” (61% “extremely/very important”),•“a place that’s not too close to busy streets or shopping centres” (53%“extremely/very important”),•“a relaxing place where you’d hear the sounds of lots of birds” (47%“extremely/very important”), and•“a place with parks close by where kids can play” (50% “extremely/very
important”).

Aspects that described wildlife and bushland more definitely were given lessimportance in contributing to a “nice place” to live despite being closely related tosome of the most important.

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OVERVIEW•“a place with lots of natural bushland close by (43% “extremely/very
important”), and

•

“a

place

where

you

could

live

close

to

nativeanimalsandbirds” (31%“extremely/very important”).

The least important in the choices given was;•“a place that’s close to lots of cafes, resturants and bars” (12%“extremely/
very important”) .

On balance a garden was preferred when it had a combination of lawns or paved
areas and garden beds. The garden beds could contain mostly Australian Nativeplants—”a native garden” or ornamental plants like azaleas, camellias androses— “a traditional garden”.

Words selected to describe an Australian native garden and a traditional garden,
were quite different. Australian native gardens were most often described as:•“right for Australia”,•“natural”,•

however also “relaxing”.

In comparison, traditional gardens on the other hand, were seen as:

4.

•“fashionable”,•“adding value”,•“neat” and “tidy”, and•“soft”.

URBAN PEOPLE AND “THE OUTDOORS”
Study participants expressed a liking for outdoor activities as they were perceived
to be healthy, relaxing, and something different to their usual workplace and/or
home. As such, sitting in the backyard, sport, picnics, fishing, and walking werevery popular. In terms of a fantasy outdoor setting, the most commonly describedsettings related to secluded beaches, rainforest, and riverbanks.
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9OVERVIEW

The most popular and regularly undertaken activities were those most easily
accessed or performed, such as walking along beaches or river fronts (88%“enjoy”), going to picnics (81%) and bushwalks though national parks (78%).

5.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS
The degree to which people were attitudinally positive to conserving wildlife andfelt that they were in a position to contribute tended to relate to dwelling type andlocation. Those living on acreages at the city fringe were more likely to showinterest in adopting positive behaviours with regard to the environment, than thosein houses or apartments/townhouses. Those in apartments were seemingly notagainst wildlife, although they perceived there was little they could do to help
encourage wildlife into urban areas.
In terms of the attitude statements relating to wildlife conservation, thosegenerating more than 50% strong agreement were:•“cats are a real threat to our native animals in our cities and towns” (agreestrongly - 69%),•“you can really feel at one with nature in an Australian bush garden (agreestrongly - 54%),•“I’d love to think that my back yard was suitable for lots of native Australian
wildlife” (agree strongly - 52%), and•“I would love to be able to feed native birds and animals in my own
yard” (agree strongly - 50%).

Within the qualitative phase of the study it emerged that people have a partitioned
concept of the world in which they conceive of areas that are considered “right forhumans” and others that are “right for wildlife”.

When asked if native animals should be encouraged into “local bushland” and“unspoilt bushland”, the majority of respondents believed that they should be
definitely encouraged (65% and 87% “definitely encouraged” respectively). When
asked if native animals should be encouraged into “suburban backyards” and“local parks”, 14% and 23% respectively felt they should “definitely be
encouraged”, and an additional 50% and 52% (respectively) felt this should be“encouraged to some extent”.
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OVERVIEW

Extent to Which Wildlife Should be Encouraged Into Specific Areas
Total
Encouraged%

Definitely
Encouraged%

Encouraged toSome Extent%

Not encouraged
at all%A. Suburban backyards

64

14

50

36

B. Local parks

75

23

52

25

C. Local bushland

93

65

28

7

D. Unspoilt bushland

99

87

12

1

All respondents – QA10

The circumstances where people were happy to encourage wildlife into their own
backyards tended to be when the animals were not dangerous, unattractive, dirtyorharmful and as long as the type of wildlife was felt capable of living

unthreatened in an urban environment. That is, so long as people’s need forsafety and security and their need for control and order were not challenged they
were open to encouraging wildlife into their area. Desirable attributes of animals
therefore were as follows:•cute appearance,•

good “image” or “reputation”,•

recognised positive contribution to the urbanised environment, and•perceived status value.

The types of animals that were selected as being the type that people would liketo have in their own backyards included, small birds, butterflies, lorikeets, earth
worms and kookaburras. Those that tended to not be liked by respondents were
snakes, spiders, moths and bats.

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OVERVIEW

6.

THREATS TO WILDLIFE IN THE URBAN SITUATION
From the research, it was clear that there was a strong recognition of the threats
to wildlife. To a large extent the major threat to wildlife was seen as urbanisation
itself, and as such there was little that people felt could be done to minimise thethreat, other than having wildlife “out of harms way”.

There was however

agreement that there could be greater controls on domestic pets such as cats andto a lesser extent, dogs.

The most commonly mentioned urban related threats included:•

The low tolerance of insects in an urban lifestyle leading to usage ofinsecticides.

•

Urban pollution.

•

Physical threats: from people themselves, cats, dogs and motor vehicles.

•

Lack of a suitable habitat: shortage of the right food, trees and othervegetation and living areas.

•

Introduced or dominant species.

Knowledge of endangered or extinct Australian animals seemed unreliable withsome common animals being included amongst those identified by respondents.

7.

URBAN COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING OF CONSERVATION CONCEPTS
In the quantitative survey study participants were asked what the term“environment” meant to them personally. Responses that contained similar ideas
and language were grouped together for analysis. The most popular meanings
related to nature/natural surroundings (45% net), native animals/plants (36% net),
being free from pollution (32% net), and looking after the environment/for the
future (21% net).

There is a tendency to place a boundary between the natural environment and theurban spaces (the partitioning concept and proximity effect). While proximity ofnature will be tolerated by some, many understand and expect the naturalenvironment is kept separate from urban areas.

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OVERVIEW

As a corollary, the natural elements in urban areas are thought of as left over bits
and pieces, rather than the visible expression of the ecosystem operating, albeit
in a modified way, in urban areas.

When raising the issue of urban wildlife in the groups and depth interviews, few
expressed interest in the specifics of urban wildlife. It was not an issue thatcrossed their minds on a daily or even regular basis. For the majority it lacked
personal relevance.

In that sense concepts such as biodiversity, natural

ecosystems, wildlife, and the natural environment were distant issues that mostplaced under some global category, thought to only be of relevance toenvironmental “experts”.

There was little or no knowledge of the existence of particular native trees orparticular native animals that were only able to survive in their local area, so inthat regard there was no sense that perhaps the very survival of particular nativeplants or animals may depend on our ability to live with them or to maintain theirhabitat within urban environments.

Environmental issues that were top of mind and of greatest concern, such aspollution, urbanisation and over population tended to be big picture global issues
over which people felt they had little control or influence. They tended not to beclose-to-home local issues that people can do something about in their own
backyards and neighbourhoods.

8.

URBAN CONSERVATION WITHIN THE BROADER RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Although there is a high level of claimed concern for the environment, very few
respondents had actually actioned this concern becoming involved in any kind ofenvironmental action. However, action is blocked in part by people’s belief thatthe issues tend to be global and the sense that local initiatives or behaviours arelikely to have little impact. Better waste management, composting and better
energy usage and efficiency were however seen as behaviours that individuals
could adopt in order to have some positive impact on our natural environment.

When asked about their overall concern for environmental issues, 90% of
respondents claimed to be “concerned about the environment” (around 20%
claimed to be “extremely concerned” and 40% “very concerned”).
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OVERVIEW

The biggest problems facing the Environment were seen to be:•

Pollution (44% net),•

Urbanisation (33% net),•

Over population (28% net), and•Forest degradation (27% net).

Whilst pollution and degradation of water/land were of greatest concern torespondents, loss of native plants and animals from the urban environment was
the issue most likely to be perceived as being of ‘least concern’.

These findings indicate that for greatest effect urban wildlife issues need to belinked to the issues that are of greatest concern. At the same time education
about the global issues should establish the relevance of the issues at a local
level.

When asked what they could do to help, the actions identified most often as
having some impact were:9.

•

not putting oil down the sink,•recycling waste, and•keeping cats locked in at night.

TAKING ACTION
A high percentage of respondents (78%) claimed to be “very likely” to contributeto helping the environment through the recycling of waste. Given the right context
one third of the sample indicated a strong likelihood to get involved by helping
with such initiatives as conserving native plants and animals.

When a list of conservation measures that could be taken was read out to study
participants, the majority of the sample (96%) claimed they would be either “verylikely” (78%) or “quite likely” (18%) to recycle waste. One third of the sample(33%) stated they would be were “very likely” to “support council to regeneratesome parks back to natural bush” (33%) and “seek out information to better

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OVERVIEW

understand how to live with native birds and animals” (32%).

Three in ten

respondents would be “very likely” to “help look after native animals”, whilst 21%
had similar feelings towards getting “involved in conservation of native plants andanimals”.
The qualitative phase of the research revealed that having environment andwildlife information on hand was not enough to drive interest within thecommunity, it was more a matter of providing motivators that create relevance toencourage participants to actively seek information.
There were four segments identified requiring different motivational prompts
including the:1.

Keen and knowledgeable,

2.

Interested and could become keen,

3.

Uninterested but committed either for or against,

4.

Uninterested but negative.

The first segment simply required the provision of accessible information to
encourage contribution to urban renewal.

The “interested and could becomekeen” would need to understand the role information plays in enhancing
enjoyment in pursuing interests. The last two groups would need to be actively
marketed to, to encourage participation in a way that allows them to discover the
big picture in a meaningful way.
The demographic of people with a high likelihood to adopt conservation behaviour
tended to have a native garden, were “extremely concerned” about theenvironment, over 35 years of age and household income of $20K-$29K or $100K
plus.
Local councils and wildlife conservation groups appear to be the most widely
nominated groups whom respondents perceive need to be taking an active role inconserving native plants and animals.

Respondents ranked “individuals likeyourself” as least responsible for taking an active role.
These findings indicate the importance of engaging people where they expect tofind action and expect to have access to information. They indicate theimportance of strategic partnerships between organisations to better engage
communities in urban wildlife renewal.

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1. INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The brief provided by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
requested that an assessment be conducted by way of research to establish abenchmark of community knowledge, attitudes and behaviour with regard to urban
wildlife renewal.

The work of the NPWS includes integrating the efforts of people and communities
in protecting and conserving natural and cultural heritage in the New South Wales
landscape. That is, the NPWS recognise that there is an individual and collective
responsibility in conservation, and their approach incorporates natural, culturaland community values.

As a result of this research, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is in abetter position to develop initiatives to facilitate broader community involvement inurban wildlife renewal. Further, the level of success of these initiatives can bemeasured against the benchmarks established in this study.

Research conducted by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), in the areaof community environmental knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviours was
taken into account prior to conducting this study. Woolcott Research also recently
evaluated the “Sustainable Behaviour” education campaign on behalf of EPA.

The following sections of the report outline the key objectives for the research
program and the research design.

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGYPROJECT TASKThe key project task was to understand current community knowledge,
attitudes and current behaviour with respect to urban wildlife renewal.
Results will be used to inform the development of community education andinvolvement initiatives which can facilitate behavioural change and achieveenhanced conservation outcomes.

In essence, the research aimed to provide an actionable background to:1.

The needs, attitudes and behaviours of the community toward urban wildlife
renewal,2.

The key messages that communication should contain to ensure thecommunity finds relevance and recognises benefits in urban wildlife
renewal.

Each of these areas involved detailed exploration as follows:

1.

NEEDS, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURSAs a platform for formation of future communication and program design it wasconsidered imperative to fully understand the current needs operating,theattitudes constraining behaviour and the opportunities to prompt action once theattitudinal factors had been addressed.

In a broad sense, the research

uncovered:•

Feelings toward urban wildlife renewal, the perceived challenges, howimportant it is as an environmental issue, its contribution to quality of life,
what role people perceive for themselves in urban wildlife renewal.

•

What does it mean to them, how committed are they to nature and wildlife,
are they comfortable with it in their backyards, are they prepared tocontribute to urban wildlife renewal,

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1.

•

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

What knowledge and understanding is there currently regarding urban
wildlife renewal, is it accurate,•

Awareness of organisations responsible for urban wildlife renewal, is there
seen to be information available, what and where do they accessinformation,•

How do these feelings differ by segments such as age, sex, life stagesocio-economic status, cultural background, city and regional communities.

2.

WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES THAT COMMUNICATION SHOULD CONTAIN TO ENSURERELEVANCE AND USEFULNESS IN MOTIVATING INVOLVMENT AND PARTICIPATION

Key motivators emerged as we uncovered important needs or concerns currently
affecting the community with regard to wildlife renewal, however the study also
probed further on such issues as:•

The most effective motivational cues or triggers that would encourage
enquiry and/or participation, the emotional and rational “hot buttons” thatwould prompt action,•

What people want to know, how they expect to find information,•

What barriers exist to contributing to urban wildlife renewal, and•Levels of support for a range of propositions for behavioural change.

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGYRESEARCH DESIGN
The research involved an initial review of existing research, a workshop with
NPWS incorporating stakeholder consultation followed by both qualitative andquantitative components, conducted in the order shown in the outline below.
Stakeholder consultation included representatives of a wide range of groups andorganisations working to involve the community, including Local and State
governments and non-government organisations. This section of the report
includes an explanation of each part of the research program.

Research Review

Stakeholder Consultation

Client Workshop

Stakeholder Consultation

Qualitative Component

Mini group
discussions
n=10

In-depth
interviews
n=20

Stakeholder Consultation

Interim Presentation of
Qualitative Findings

Stakeholder Consultation

Quantitative Component

Telephone Interviews
n=1,006

Presentation of the Findings andCommunications Strategy Workshop

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGYA SENSITIVE APPROACH TO MEASURING ATTITUDES AND KNOWLEDGE
The research design takes account of one of the major problems with attitude
measurement, and an issue which is particularly relevant in the urban wildlife
renewal context. Namely, respondents often develop attitudes in response toquestioning—even though they actually didn’t hold that opinion prior to theresearch. If we were to ask respondents the extent to which they agreed or
disagreed with a statement such as “its important to minimise the use of garden
pesticides, because of the harm they can do to native wildlife”, we would
presumably get answers but:•

Many people may have actually never thought about this issue before, andmay be simply developing an opinion on the spot, and•Many people who agree with the statement may in reality do nothing to
reduce their use of pesticides, and feel no sense of concern over it.

It is critical that the approach to measurement of attitudes towards urban wildlife
renewal and its associated topics is sensitive to this issue. In particular, theapproach needs to:a)encourage respondents to express their opinions in a less directive, “freeresponse” context initially—rather than relying solely on traditional,
structured attitude scales,b)ensure that we strive to measure all three of the basic components of thecommunity’s attitudes, namely:c)•“Cognitive” - the “knowledge” component,•“Affective” - the emotional, “feeling” component, and•“Behavioural” - the action tendency that results.

design our measuring instruments so that we can effectively determine
whether or not respondents actually have an attitude, rather than simply
causing them to develop one in response to our questions.

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Given that attitudes and behaviours related to urban wildlife renewal are likely to
be strongly influenced by a need to feel socially acceptable, the research willneed to employ a range of projective techniques. Projective techniques allow
respondents to comment on the beliefs, feelings, motivations and behaviours ofothers, and hence reveal a lot of information about their own attitudes andbehaviours.

Eg, What type of person has a garden like the one in thisphotograph.

1.

REVIEW OF EXISTING RESEARCH
Prior to the commencement of this research, existing research was provided by
NPWS and reviewed by the Woolcott Research Project Team.

WoolcottResearch also sourced existing research from the internet and referred to relevant
studies conducted on behalf of EPA. This review ensured that the project did notunnecessarily duplicate areas already covered by previous research and that
future interpretation of findings would take previous findings into account.

2.

WORKSHOP/STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS
Following this review process, a half day workshop was conducted with NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service. During this session the objectives of theresearch were confirmed. A proposed discussion guide was also presented by
Woolcott and developed further according to client requirements. Finally, andmost importantly, the respondent segments and, specific definitions of each, werediscussed and agreed upon. NPWS referred to wider consultations to reflect theperspective of other stakeholders.

3.

QUALITATIVE COMPONENTThis component involved a series of 20 individual in-depth interviews and 10 mini
focus group discussions. To ensure a wide range of attitudes was discovered, indepth interviews and mini focus groups were recruited according to the following
matrix of attitudinal segments. The recruitment question is given in Appendix A—
Qualitative component.

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1.

Postulated

distribution

of

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

attitudes

andbehaviours

towards

the

urban

conservation.

This study involved a broad cross section of the community, and within thecommunity various

psychographic segments can be identified, where people

within a segment express similar opinions. Segments in this study were based
upon the type of area that people live in, such as country versus city, or highdensity versus low density areas, as well as their general attitude towards thenatural environment . Segments were not mixed as respondents tend to feelunable, and thus are less likely, to express personal opinions, which may conflictwith respondents from other segments that are different to their own.

We therefore conducted mini group discussions for several reasons:•

They provide a more intimate environment than a regular group discussion.

•

For application of projective techniques.

•

To enable us to cover each of the individual psychographic segments,
within the budget.

•

To be able to observe the impact of peer group influence

within thesegments on people’s attitudes and reported behaviour.

We hypothesised that understandings of urban wildlife would vary depending
upon the density of residential setting.

We therefore structured the researchsample to explore a range of residential densities, in both the Qualitative andQuantitative research.

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

There is also a tendency for people’s viewpoints to be affected by the viewpointsof others, who seem to be more knowledgeable and/or more confident thanthemselves. Therefore we conducted a series of individual in-depth interviews toeliminate the element of peer pressure.

The resultant recruitment specifications were as follows:

SEGMENTS
Attitudes to Fauna
and Native Plants
Preservation

High
DensityCity

MediumDensityCity

Committed--

Moderate/indifferent-

1 groupand 2
depths1 groupand 2
depths1 groupand 2
depths1 group and 2 depths

1 groupand 2
depths-Anti¼ acreCity

CityfringeLarge
town

Mediumtown

1 group and 2 depths 1 groupand 2
depths

Small
town
-

1 group 1 group and 2 depths
and 2
depths
---A larger proportion of research effort was dedicated to the Moderate/Indifferent
group, about whom stakeholders felt least was known.

The recruitment question used to ascertain attitudinal segment is given in
Appendix A in stakeholder workshops. Definitions of each area type were agreed
upon. The following segment specifications for area types were utilised:

High Density – City:

Apartment buildings in city areas.

Medium Density – City:

Small dwellings such as semi-detached houses,
some townhouses and terraces with courtyards
or small gardens in city areas.

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INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY¼ Acre Suburban– City:¼ Acre blocks of land in city areas.

Acreage City Fringe:

Acre blocks of land on the outskirts of city areas,e.g. Dural

Large Towns/Rural City:

Population of more than 25,000

Medium Towns:

Population of approximately 10,000- 25,000

Small Towns:

Population of approximately 1,000 – 10,000

High and Medium Density City groups were conducted at the Woolcott Researchgroup rooms, located in the Sydney CBD. Moderate/Indifferent, Quarter Acre City
and City Fringe mini focus groups and interviews were conducted in the city,
whilst a Moderate/Indifferent and the Committed mini focus group and interviews
were held at group rooms located in Parramatta. Country mini focus groups andin-depth interviews were conducted in Mudgee for the Small/Medium town
research and Dubbo for the large town representation.

Groups and in-depths were mixed with regards to gender and, a broad mix ofsocio-economic backgrounds were covered.

In terms of age, the qualitative

component was based on two broad age groups - 25 - 39 year olds and 40 - 60
year olds. With regard to incorporating different cultural backgrounds, N=5 indepth interviews were conducted amongst Non English Speaking Backgroundrespondents.

A number of specific techniques, tailored to fit in with the subject of the researchwere used to delve below the surface in our investigation of needs, motivations,attitudes and behaviour. These included Triadic Sorting and card sorting.

Triadic Sorting invited respondents to comment on three contrasting gardenstyles and the type of person who would choose each.

Card Sorting used a variety of images of various plants and animals, both nativeand introduced, to stimulate discussion about preferences and experiences withplants and animals in urban areas.
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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGYBoth the discussion guide used for this component as well as the stimulus
material is appended to the document.
Interim Presentation of the Qualitative Findings
A verbal presentation was given of the findings from the qualitative component.
The qualitative findings, became the basis for discussions to refine thequestionnaire for the quantitative component. A final version of the questionnaire
was approved by NSW NPWS to ensure inclusion of all requirements, prior tocommencement of the Quantitative phase.
Quantitative Component
Before conducting this phase, a series of pilot interviews were carried out tofinalise the questionnaire to ensure questions were effective and that the overall
length was appropriate. It was decided that, due to the length of the questionnaire,
there would be two versions. The core questions to be asked were included on
both questionnaire versions whilst the following questions were included on the
one version only:
Questionnaire A

Questionnaire B

Q3. Importance of aspects making

Q5. Adjectives describing Australian Native

somewhere a nice place to live.

gardens.

Q4. Preferred flowers and plants for the

Q6. Adjectives describing gardens with roses,

garden.

azaleas, camelias.

Q5. Appeal of different animals.

Q8. Meaning of term “environment”

Q12. Organisations/places go to for

Q9. Perceptions of greatest problems facing ourInformation on conversation.

environment

Q13a. Conversation responsibility ranking of

Q10. Level of impact caused by various

different groups.

environmental issues.

Q13b. Extinct/endangered animals.

Q11. Level of concern of each issue.

In effect the core questions were asked of the full sample whilst the questions
included on only version A or B were asked of around half the total sample or
around 500 people.

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Incorporated into the questionnaires was a proprietary technique called CARE
(Customer Attitude Response Evaluation) an effective way of identifying which of
those elements are most important in contributing to people’s perceptions onconservation. (See Appendix B: Q7. Questionnaire A, Q4. Questionnaire B). Thisapproach incorporates both a qualitative and quantitative research design where
the qualitative is used to establish the elements that make up perceptions andquantitative to measure relative importance of these. This method of analysis
CARE, which utilises scalar conjoint analysis is the best method to ensure a real
ranking of importance.

This method forces respondents to work throughalternative choice sets rather than just applying rankings or ratings in a traditionalway, which often does not differentiate clearly enough. That is, many things may
emerge as important in an absolute sense and it is not until people have tochoose between one aspect and another that a real hierarchy emerges.

A series of N=1,006 telephone interviews were conducted amongst respondents
across NSW. These interviews were conducted randomly, in order to achieve asample that was representative of the population, particularly with regards to age,gender and regional locality. Areas covered in this component of the researchadhered to the Urban definition provided in the brief, of population clusters greaterthan 1,000 people comprising more than 250 dwellings.

SYDNEYHigh / Medium Density

102

Suburban Block

250

Fringe104

SUB TOTAL

456

NEWCASTLE/WOLLONGONG
Suburban Block

150

Fringe100

SUB TOTAL

250

COUNTRY
Large/Medium

150

Small

150

SUB TOTAL

300

TOTAL

1,006

There were a number of reasons for coverage of the above segments for thequantitative phase of the study as follows:

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1.

The responsibility of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services is to all
of New South Wales and therefore once the organisation has developed
relevant initiatives, these will need to be implemented, statewide.

2.

Attitudes toward urban renewal may differ quite significantly depending on
the area in which the respondent lives.

3.

The type of urban wildlife would vary between city and country areas, which
would further impact on knowledge of and behaviour toward the wildlife.

4.

The greater Sydney area is quite different from regional centres such as
Newcastle and Wollongong, in terms of size and urban opportunities forrenewal.

In that sense we sampled greater Sydney area separately tothese regional centres.
5.

We postulated that there exists a number of psychographic segments within
the community in terms of their attitude to urban wildlife renewal.

The ability to recognise heterogeneity in the community allows stakeholders to
select strategies and messages that work powerfully and effectively within asegment and diminish reliance upon one-size-fits-all strategies.
In that sense, it was important to have the capacity to analyse the attitudes andbeliefs on a segment by segment basis.

For example, we hypothesised thatpeople in high density dwellings within the city would have a very different set of
attitudes and beliefs toward nature than those dwelling in more suburban areas.
We included coverage of the following various segments in the quantitative
component.
•

High density, city,•

Medium density, city•

¼ acre suburban, city,•

Acreage city fringe,•

Large towns,•

Medium towns, and•Small towns.

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The area segments covered in this component were the same as those
represented in the qualitative phase however some segments were merged
because of expected similarities of attitudes as well as budgetary constraints.
Those segments that were merged included:High – Medium Density City: Apartments and small dwellings such as semidetached houses, some townhouses and terraces
races with courtyards or small gardens in city
areas.

Large –Medium Towns:

Population of approximately 10,000 plus e.g.
Camden, Goulbourn, Wagga, Tamworth

Quotas were applied to the sample to ensure coverage of each of the area
segments. At analysis stage, the results were post weighted to reflect the true
distribution of each segment within the population.

Telephone interviews were conducted using CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone
Interviewing), the benefits of which include generation of phone numbers on arandom basis, control over sample quotas to ensure the sample achieved best
resembles pre-set definition and minimisation of interviewer error.

The following document presents the findings of this research in the form ofdetailed write up accompanied by charts. Also appended to the back is a copy ofthe questionnaires utilised for the quantitative component as well as relevantmaterial from the qualitative component of the research.

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2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWAL
Understanding human needs is crucial to developing strategies to change thebehaviour of the community in favour of contributing to urban wildlife renewal.
The most important of needs to arise tended to concentrate around the need forindependence and freedom and safety and security.

Considering other needstates, those on acreages were more likely to rate the need for nurturing, self
actualisation, and recognition and status as “extremely important” than theircounterparts in apartments, town houses and houses.

All human behaviour tends to be driven by the desire on the part of people, tosatisfy underlying needs states. In assessing how to impact the communities’
attitudes and behaviour, the research firstly attempted to uncover all theunderlying needs operating within the area of urban wildlife renewal that could
potentially act as either barriers or motivators. This was achieved through the useof several projective techniques and detailed questioning methods. For example,
within the qualitative groups and in-depth interviews, we used a form of thematic
apperception testing that required respondents to look at various photos of garden
types and then project as to why a person chose that type of garden, what type of
person he or she was and so on.

The following tables describe all the needs states revealed in the research that
could impact on community behaviour in relation to urban wildlife renewal. The
third column contains a selection of verbalisations heard in the focus groups anddepth interviews when a need was expressed. The second column illustrates theneed state more precisely by describing the behavioural implications associatedwith that need state. The first column gives a descriptive label to the need statesthat were revealed in the research. Whilst most of the verbalisations are actual
quotes from the group discussions, some have been re-worded to make thesentiment being expressed clearer.

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2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWALBEHAVIOURALIMPLICATION

NEEDS

•

•

Need for security

Need for status and••Marking out your own territory•

To be recognised by othersfor personal achievements

recognition•

Need for control, structure
and order

Avoiding threats from nasty
animals, falling trees andother people.

•

A desire for neat and tidy
surrounds

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32

VERBALISATION
OF THE NEED•

“I want a home that issafe from the threat ofsnakes and spiders.”•“I try and make certainthat there is no chance offalling trees around myhome.”•“I try to avoid local parks
that encourage drug
users and unsavoury
people”.

•“I like to create my own
sense of space around me
that is typical of my taste.”•“I would like a garden thatwill be admired by others”.

•“I would like to have an
expensive garden designed
by a top landscaper”.

•“I would like to berecognised as a person
who knows a lot about, andcares for the environment”•“I want a garden with birds
that are really admired byvisitors”.

•“I want a garden that is neatand tidy, with trimmed
hedges and manicured
lawns.”•“Gum trees can be extremely
messy”.

•“ Australian native gardens
tend to look messy”.

2.

BEHAVIOURALIMPLICATION

NEEDS

•

Need for•The recognition ofinterpersonal relationships
as important.

•

Being accepted as part of thecommunity.

belonging/acceptance•

Need for mastery and•competence•

Need for nurturing/to be a

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWAL

A desire to be confident andknowledgeable with relation toplants and animals•

An innate desire to care formy family•

A derived tendency to alsocare for and nurture people
and animals less well off
than myself

good parent

VERBALISATION
OF THE NEED•

“It is important for me to havea garden whose appearance isin keeping with myneighbours”.

•“I would feel good about
joining a community group to
help wildlife regeneration in
my local neighbourhood”.

•“I like to play my part inmaking sure our community isa nice place to live”,•“I like to believe that the way I
feel about major issues suchas the environment is in linewith the views of most of myfriends and neighbours”.

•“I love spending time in thegarden and watching things
grow well .”•“I like to think I have a green
thumb”.

•“I think it is important for kids
to be able to get outdoors andrun around”.

•“It is best for native animals
to stay out of urban areas where
they can get hurt”.

•“If I see a bird or animal thathas been hurt I try to look after it”

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2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWAL

NEEDS• Need for social interaction

BEHAVIOURALIMPLICATION• Desire for companionship

VERBALISATION
OF THE NEED

• “I would like a backyard thatis good for entertaining .”• “My pets are good company
for me”• Need for esteem of others• Being seen to be a good
citizen• Need for self-actualisation• Being at one with nature• “I believe an Australian native
landscape is right for Australia”.

•“I would enjoy living out of
town on my own in a natural
bushland setting”• “I like to try and continually
improve my knowledge ofplants and animals”.
• Striving to make acontribution

Woolcott Research
34• “The ideal person would
have great knowledge ofenvironmental matters andwould really contribute to
making the world a better
place”

2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWAL

In order to determine the relative strength of need states operating in the area ofurban wildlife renewal, respondents were asked to firstly indicate from a scalefrom “extremely important” to “not important at all” their feelings toward a numberof statements that were chosen to reflect various needs states. Following the useof this rating scale, study participants were then presented the statements in pairs
and asked to say which of the two statements was more important.

This technique of “trading off” one attribute against another is a proprietary scalar
conjoint technique which forces respondents to choose from pairs of statements
which is the more important to them personally. The pairs of statements are
generated by computer in a way that means that each respondent does not haveto be exposed to all combinations of pairs. Once respondents have traded off thestatements a ranking is obtained which shows the order of importance of the needstates.

The chart below shows the results of asking respondents to indicate how
important (% who said “extremely” or “very important”) each statement is to them
personally along with the ranking obtained through the scalar conjoint technique.

The three highest ranked need states to emerge were, “being in an outdoor
environment where you feel relaxed, peaceful, and totally stress free” (with 39%
of respondents rating it “extremely important” and 42% “very important”), “agarden that makes you feel that you are at one with nature” (19% of respondents
rating it “extremely important” and 34% “very important”), and “a garden withnative birds and animals which you could feed” (16% of respondents rating it“extremely important” and 24% “very important”).

Other need states which were rated as “extremely or very important” torespondents included:•“a home that is safe from the threat of snakes and spiders”,•“a home where there is not chance of falling trees”,•“a backyard that is good for entertaining people”, and•“a local park that has big lawn areas where you can play outdoors”.

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2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWAL

Extremely Important%

Very Important%

Ranking

Being in an outdoor environment where you feel
relaxed, peaceful, and totally stress free

39

42

1

A garden that makes you feel that you are at one withnature19

34

2

A garden with native birds and animals which you
could feed

16

24

3

A home that is safe from the threat of snakes andspiders

25

29

4

A garden that expresses my own individuality

15

26

5

A home where there is no chance of falling trees

21

31

6

A local park that has big lawn areas where you canplay outdoor games

18

39

7

A backyard that is good for entertaining people

19

34

8

A native garden that people will think is right forAustralia

16

28

9

A garden that is neat and tidy

15

36

10

Being someone who is recognised as knowing a lot
about, and caring for the environment

14

27

11

A garden with birds that are really admired by visitors

13

24

12

A garden that will be admired by other people

8

14

13

A garden whose appearance is in keeping with myneighbours

6

12

14

An expensive garden designed by a top landscaper

2

4

15

All respondents – QA6/B3

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2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWAL

There were some interesting differences to emerge in the results when comparing
answers by type of dwelling the respondent lived in. Being in a home that “is safe
from the threat of snakes and spiders” was more important to those in apartment
and townhouses than those living on acreages.

Importance of Need States Within the Local Environment- Extremely Important DWELLING TYPE
Total

Apartment/House

Acreage%Townhouse%%%
Need for Independence and Freedom
Being in an outdoor environment where you feel
relaxed, peaceful and totally stress free

39

32

39

47

A garden that expresses my own individuality

15

15

15

19

A home that is safe from the threat of snakes andspiders

25

27

25

20

A home where there is no chance of falling trees

21

16

22

22

19

20

18

29

19

14

21

18

A local park that has big lawn areas where you canplay outdoor games

18

15

18

18

A garden with native birds and animals which you
could feed

16

10

16

26

15

14

15

13

Need for Security

Need for Self Actualisation
A garden that makes you feel you are at one withnatureNeed for Social Interaction
A backyard that is good for entertaining people

Need for Nuturing/Good Parent

Need for Control, Structure and OrderA garden that is neat and tidy
All respondents – QA6/B3

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2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWALDWELLING TYPE
Total%

Apartment/
Townhouse
%

House
%

Acreage
%

16

13

16

23

Being someone who is recognised as knowing a lot
about, and caring for the environment

14

14

14

17

A garden with birds that are really admired byvisitors

13

8

13

23

A garden that will be admired by others

8

6

9

6

6

7

6

6

Need for Esteem of Others
A native garden that people will think is right forAustralia

Need for Status and Recognition

Need for Acceptance and Belonging
A garden that is in keeping with my neighbours
All respondents – QA6/B3

Respondents living on acreages on the other hand, were much more likely thantheir house and apartment dwelling counterparts to see the following as“extremely important”:•“being in an outdoor environment where you feel relaxed, peaceful andtotally stress free, (47% “extremely important” versus 39% for the total),•

having “a garden that makes you feel at one with nature”, (29% “extremely
important” versus 18% for the total),•

having “a garden with birds that are really admired by visitors” (23%“extremely important” versus 13% for the total), and•having a “garden that people think is right for Australia” (23% “extremely
important” versus 16% for the total), and•having “ a garden with native birds and animals which you could feed” (26%“extremely important” versus 16% for the total).

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2.

UNDERLYING NEEDS OPERATING IN THE AREA OF WILDLIFE RENEWAL

All human behaviour tends to be driven by the desire to satisfy underlying needstates. Participation is expected to be greatest when a program is felt to satisfy
needs and does not prevent other underlying needs being met.

The findings suggest that to engage people in positive behaviours in theirbackyards a program should identify the pay-off for taking action in terms thatmeet people’s needs. Eg. A backyard with native birds and butterflies may be felt
to meet the need for independence and freedom. Taking such action is helping
and protecting native plants and animals, a sense that can be felt to meet theneed to nurture. Knowing that it is right for Australia aligns with the need for self
actualisation. On the other side of the equation, unless the program can build
confidence and capacity to deal with wildlife behaviour the need for safety andsecurity may block participation.

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3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVE

3.1

CURRENT HOME ENVIRONMENT
The majority of people in urban NSW live in a free standing house in Sydney in afree standing home on a suburban block. Respondents living in free standing
houses in fact represented 74% of the total number of survey participants,
apartment dwellers, 10% semi-detached homes or townhouse residents, 8% andacreage dwellers 8%.

Total
%

Location
Sydney71

Wollongong

4

Newcastle

9

Large/Medium Town

8

Small Town

8

Type of HomeA free standing house on a suburban block74

An apartment building

10

A semi-detached house, townhouse or terrace

8

A house on a block that is ½ an acre or more

8

All respondents – QB2 (weighted)

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3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVE

3.2

ASPECTS PERCEIVED TO CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING A “NICE PLACE TO LIVE”

As evident from the chart below, the majority of the sample resided on suburban
blocks.

18% of respondents lived in high or medium density housing, theremainder of participants lived on the “fringe” or in country towns.

Total
%

Home Location Type
SydneyHigh / medium density

18

Suburban block

51

Fringe2

Newcastle/Wollongong
Suburban block

12

Fringe1Country
Large/medium

11

Small town

5

All respondents – QB2

Whilst people appeared to be aware of native plants in their garden the selectionof the type of trees and shrubs tended to be based on their suitability andattractiveness, rather than whether they were Australian natives or “right” for theenvironment.

The qualitative phase indicated that people did not necessarily recognise or place
importance on the ecological values of bushland, native plants and native animals
in urban areas.

However, within the quantitative survey we were able todetermine the importance that is given to these elements, namely the contribution
they make to having a “nice place to live”.
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3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVE

Panellists often claimed to be able to recognise native plants (not using theirbotanical name) in their own garden, however in most cases their generalknowledge of natives per se was limited.

Peoples preferences for garden which contain garden beds, mown lawns andneat edges were examined using the triadic sorting technique.

There was astrong preference for gardens which contained garden beds, mown lawns andneat edges.

These gardens were favoured because they were seen as neat,

attractive colourful, and contributed more to the overall appeal of the property.
There was a sense that this traditional style of garden was actually more in
keeping with the urban architecture.

Some perceive that the look of a “bush garden” especially one incorporating
native grasses was the product of a household who did not care about the way
their garden looked. These findings can be understood with reference to theneeds that people are responding to.

Respondents were asked how important a number of aspects were in contributing
to making somewhere a “nice to live”. From the list read to respondents the threemost important aspects to emerge as contributing to making somewhere a “niceplace to live” were, “a place that’s leafy and green with lots of tree lined streets
and parks” (rated “extremely important” by 21% of the sample, “very important” by
40% and “quite important” by 29%), “a place that’s not too close to busy streets or
shopping centres” (18% “extremely important”, 35% “very important” and 29%“quite important”) and “a relaxing place where you’d hear the sounds of lots ofbirds” (17% “extremely important, 30% “very important” and 35% “quite
important”).

Aspects which, by their description, implied proximity of the natural environment,such as “a place where you could live close to lots of native animals and birds”
tended to have reduced importance despite having the potential to contribute in
the same way as “a relaxing place where you’d hear the sounds of lots of birds”.
An aspect that was given greater importance.

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3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVE

Aspects Perceived to Contribute to Making a “Nice Place to Live”
Extremely important

Very important

Quite important

A place that's leafy &green w ith lots of tree
lined streets & parks

21

A place that's not too
close to busy streets or
shopping centres

18

A relaxing place w here
you'd hear the sounds oflots of birds

1730

A place w ith parks close
by w here the kids can
play

15

35

A place w ith lots ofnatural bushland close by

14

A place that is close to
the beach, or to a river or
lake

12

23

A place that's close toshops & schools

1030

A place w here you could
live close to native
animals & birds

9

A place that's close tolots of cafes, restaurants& bars40%

Not important at all

2 7

29

40

22

7

22

27

13

25

20%

40%

Base: All respondents-QA3

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44

23

11

35

12

5

42

13

18

9

30

21

11

7

35

29

14

5

29

35

22

8

Neither

54

60%

80%

100%

3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVEThe aspects thought to be least important were “a place that’s close to lots ofcafes, restaurants and bars” (4% “extremely important” and 8% “very important”)
and “a place where you could live close to native animals and birds” (9%“extremely important” and 22% “very important”).

When looking at those who rated the various aspects as “extremely important” inregards to making somewhere a “nice place to live”, there were a number of quite
interesting differences in responses by location and dwelling type.

Respondents who lived in country areas were more likely to see aspects such as“a place with lots of natural bushland close by” (23% compared to total of 14%)and “a place where you could live close to native animals and birds” (19%compared to 9% for total) as “extremely important” when thinking about a “niceplace to live”. A higher proportion of those in regional areas also viewed “a place
where you could live close to native animals and birds” as “extremely
important” (16% compared to 9% of total).

Similarly, those that lived on “acreages” tended to be more likely to perceive thefollowing as “extremely important” in contributing to a nice place to live than theircounterparts in apartments/townhouses and houses:•“a place that’s not too close to busy streets or shopping centres” (28%compared to 18% for the total),•“a relaxing place where you’d hear the sounds of lots of birds” (35%compared to 17% for total),•“a place with lots of natural bushland close by” (35% compared to 14% fortotal), and•“a place where you could live close to native animals and birds” (20%compared to 9% of the total).

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3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVE

Aspects Considered “Important” to Contributing to Making a “Nice Place to Live”- Extremely Important Total

Location

Dwelling Type

Extremely
Important%Sydney%Regional%lCountry%

Apartment/
Townhouse
%

House
%

Acreage%

A place that’s leafy& green with lots oftree lined streets &
parks

21

21

18

22

23

20

20

A place that’s not
too close to busy
streets or shopping
centers

18

17

20

21

12

18

28

A relaxing place
where you’d hear
the sounds of lotsof birds

17

16

14

25

16

16

35

A place with parks
close by where thekids can play

15

14

17

20

9

16

18

A place with lots ofnatural bushlandclose by

14

11

18

23

9

13

35

A place that isclose to the beach,or to a river or lake

12

11

13

15

16

11

14

A place that’s
close to shops andschools

10

11

10

8

5

12

5

A place where you
could live close tonative animals and
birds

9

6

16

19

7

9

20

A place that’s
close to lots ofcafes, restaurants
and bars

4

5

-

-

5

4

1

Key Statements:

All respondents – QA3

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3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVE“A place with parks close by where the kids can play” received a lower “extremely
important” rating in terms of contributing to making somewhere a “nicer place tolive” amongst those who lived in an apartment or townhouse (9% compared to
15% for the total).

These findings should guide the choices of concepts, images and phrases thatare used to promote a program and build relevance to the target audience.

3.3

Descriptions of Various Garden Types
On balance a garden with manicured lawns, or paved areas, and garden beds
were preferred over a “bush garden”.

Respondents in the survey were asked to select from a list of adjectives thosethat best described a “garden with a mown lawn area combined with garden beds
containing plants like roses, azaleas, and camellias” and then again for a “garden
with garden beds containing mainly Australian native plants”.

There were a number of differences between the adjectives chosen to describe
the two types of garden. The Australian native garden was more often describedas “right for Australia” (88% compared to 49% traditional), “natural” (87%compared to 37%), and relaxing (86% compared to 79%). The differences infavour of the traditional garden included “colourful” (95% compared to 77% fornative), “admired by passers by” (91% compared to 76% for native), “neat andtidy” (88% compared to 65% for native), “fashionable” (60% compared to 44% fornative), “adds value to the property” (87% compared to 38% for native) and“soft” (65% compared to 37% for native).

The findings indicate the natural advantages of native plants that can beemphasised when promoting their use amongst gardeners.

Equally the findings indicate commonly perceived disadvantages some of which
may be addressed in education.

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3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVEThe findings suggest native plants should be presented as valuable alternatives
rather than direct substitutes.

Adjectives Selected to Describe Garden Types
Australian Native
Garden%Traditional
Garden%Right for Australia

88

49

Natural87

37

Relaxing

86

79

Attractive

83

88

Colourful

77

95

Admired by passers by

76

91

Neat and tidy

65

88

In keeping with neighbourhood

55

54

Fashionable

44

60

Place for snakes and spiders

44

25

Adds value to property

38

87

Soft

37

65

Thick

30

21

Messy

15

8

Dull

12

12

All respondents – QB5/6

3.4

FLOWERS AND PLANTS THAT PEOPLE WANTED IN THEIR GARDENS
Many native plant enjoy popularity in gardens equal to common ornamental nonnatives.

The Bottle Brush and Banksia were the most desired native plants,

whilst Camellias, Azaleas and roses held the most appeal out of the non-natives.

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3.

THE URBAN RESIDENT’S CONCEPT OF A NICE PLACE TO LIVE

Flowers and Plants That Appeal

Bottle Brush

79

Banksia

77

Camellias

70

Grevilleas

69

Gum trees

68

Azaleas

68

Roses

65

Daises64
61

Kangaroo Paw
56

Wattle Trees
48

Palms
32

Liquidambars
0

20

40

60

80

100

Base: All respondents-QA4

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4.

URBAN PEOPLE AND “THE OUTDOORS”

4.1

THE COMMUNITY’S CONNECTION TO NATURE

Study participants expressed a liking for outdoors activities as they wereperceived to be healthy, relaxing, and something different to their usualenvironment. As such, sitting in the backyard, sport, picnics, fishing, and walking
were very popular. In terms of a fantasy outdoor setting, the most commonlydescribed settings related to secluded beaches, rainforest, and riverbanks.

When discussing what we do with our free time, study participants often referredto outdoor activities, in fact, the majority expressed a preference for getting
outdoors and into a natural environment which will mean different things todifferent people. However, most also felt they did not get outdoors or into anatural environment as often as they would like.

Essentially, the attraction of the “outdoors” was due to people’s perception that itis:•Relaxing and stress reducing as study participants felt they could mentally
leave behind work, problems, concerns, etc;•

More active than being indoors;•

Healthy because it usually involved activity and/or relaxation; and•Different to one’s usual environment.

Given the wide ranging attraction of the “outdoors”, it was not surprising that there
was a broad variety of activities which study participants claimed to enjoy. The
most commonly mentioned “outdoor” activities included:•

Sitting in the backyard and reading;•

Organised and unorganised sports;

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URBAN PEOPLE AND “THE OUTDOORS”•

Picnics in mown suburban parks, which included activities such as throwing
frisbees and letting the kids run around;•Fishing;•

Going to the beach;•Walking•-urban walking such as the Bondi to Bronte walk,-bush/urban walking such as The Spit to Manly walk,-bush walking such as The Scenic Railway to the Giant Stairway; andSerious, overnight bush walking.

Study participants were also encouraged to go beyond their regular experiences
and talk about their fantasy outdoor locations, which typically included settings
such as secluded beaches, rainforests, or riverbanks.

According to study participants the main attractions of a secluded beach were thenatural vegetation meeting the sand and that there would not be a lot of people
around.

When discussing a rainforest as a fantasy location, people often envisaged asmall waterfall trickling into a pool of water, a stream, and tall trees and ferns.

In terms of a riverbank, the most common settings were that of a grassy bank witha few trees, and a medium sized stream.

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4.2

URBAN PEOPLE AND “THE OUTDOORS”

PREFERRED OUTDOOR ACTIVITIESThe most popular and regular activities undertaken were those most easily
accessed, such as walking along beaches or river fronts and going to picnics.

The most popular outdoor activities, in terms of those that respondents claimed to“enjoy” doing, were walking along beaches or river fronts (88%), going to picnics(81%), and bushwalks through national parks (78%). Respondent were also quite
likely to do these regularly or four or more times per year. Seven in ten suggested
they walk along the beach and six in ten go on picnics regularly.

Around half the sample also claimed to “enjoy” fishing (48%), whilst 38%
suggested they enjoyed long bushwalks where you camp out overnight and 35%
said they enjoyed canoeing. Only 2% of the sample suggested they did not enjoy
doing any of these activities.

Although less likely, bushwalks through national parks (49%) and fishing (31%)
were also activities regularly performed by respondents.

Less accessible activities such as long bushwalks where you camp out overnight(13%) and canoeing (10%) were much less likely to be regular, whilst 11% did notparticipate in any of the above activities regularly.

These findings are higher than other recreational studies as these questions were
not designed to accurately find out recreational behaviour, it does suggest thatpeople do have a strong desire to participate.

These questions were not set out to accurately measure recreational behaviour
rather to give the relative popularity of a range of outdoor pursuits. Notably,
activities that involve greater immersion in the natural environment or specificphysical ability are less popular.

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URBAN PEOPLE AND “THE OUTDOORS”

Outdoor Activities Enjoyed

Total
Enjoy Doing

Total
Regular Basis%%Walking along beaches or riverfronts

88

69

Going to picnics

81

60

Bushwalks through national parks

78

49

Fishing

48

31

Long bushwalks where you camp out overnight

38

13

Canoeing

35

10

None

2

11

All respondents – Q17/18

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5.1

AGREEMENT WITH ATTITUDE STATEMENTS REGARDING THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
The degree to which people were attitudinally positive to conserving wildlife andfelt that they were in a position to contribute tended to relate to dwelling type andlocation. Those in apartments were seemingly not against wildlife, although they
perceived there was little they could do to help encourage wildlife into urban
areas.

Those living on larger blocks, normally at the fringe of urban areas,

showed an increased likelihood to adopt positive behaviours.

Twenty two statements regarding issues which involved the local environment
were read out to respondents, and a level of agreement measured for each one
from a five point scale of “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”.

Respondents most “strongly agreed” that “cats are a real threat to our native
animals in cities and towns”, as indicated by 69% of the sample.

Otherstatements which received a high level of “agreement” from respondents
included, “you can really feel at one with nature in an Australian bushgarden” (54% “strongly agreed”), “I’d love to think that my backyard was suitable
for lots of native Australian wildlife” (52% “strongly agree”) and “ I would love to beable to feed native birds and animals in my own yard” (50% “strongly agree”).

Respondents were less likely to agree that “I believe that half of the parks in myneighbourhood should be returned to bushland to provide a home for native
animals” (17% strongly agreed), “it’s important to spray your garden at least oncea year to get rid of the bugs” (17% “strongly agree”), “a totally native bush garden
would look out of place in my neighbourhood” (11% “strongly agree”), “Australiannative gardens often look unkempt and messy” (11% “strongly agree”) and“Australian native gardens are not really fashionable these days” (8% “strongly
agree”).

The major differences between segments in terms of agreement with thestatements, were found when comparing dwelling types. Those who lived on“acreages” tended to differ from those who live in an apartment, townhouse orhouse.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

Agreement With Attitude Statements Regarding Local Environment– Agree Strongly/Agree Slightly -Agree Strongly%

Agree Slightly%

Cats are a real threat to our native animals in cities and towns

69

15

Where they pose a threat to native animals foxes should be gotten rid
of

58

23

You can really feel at one with nature in an Australian bush garden

54

33

I would love to be able to feed native birds and animals in my own
yard

50

25

I’d love to think that my backyard was suitable for lots of native
Australian wildlife

52

25

I would really object if the council stopped mowing the grass in mylocal park and let it go back to natural bush43

13

Its unfair to encourage native animals into the built up areas where
they could be hurt

46

24

Australian native gardens require little maintenance or watering

41

30

I would like to play my part in helping to bring native plants andanimals back into my neighbourhood

41

33

The best parks are those with wide expanses of green grass withplenty of picnicing and playing outdoor games

35

29

You can tell a lot about a person by the way their garden looks

39

27

There are plenty of natural areas for native animals outside our cities
and towns

31

27

Possums are a real nuisance because they can get in your roof

28

25

Gum trees are dangerous in suburban backyards, they can fall overand cause damage

28

27

Dogs are a threat to our native animals in cities and towns

26

27

All respondents – QA8/B7

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Agreement With Attitude Statements Regarding Local Environment …continued

Agree Strongly%

Agree Slightly%

A local park with lots of grass dense bush can be unsafe for children

24

33

I am all for Australian plants and animals but where I live, there islittle I can really do to help

23

18

I think formal European gardens look out of place in Australia

19

21

I believe that half of the parks in my neighbourhood should be
returned to bushland to provide a home for native animals

17

19

Its important to spray your garden at least once a year to get rid of
the bugs

17

16

A totally native bush garden would look out of place in myneighbourhood

1112Australian native gardens often look unkept and messy

1130

Australian native garden are not really fashionable these days

8

14

All respondents – QA8/B7

Those living on acreages are more likely to agree than those in apartments or
those in houses with the following:“you can really feel at one with nature in an

Australian bush garden” (72% strongly agreed compared to 54% for the total
sample), “I would love to be able to feed native birds and animals in my own
yard” (69% strongly agreed compared to 50% for the total sample), “I’d love tothink that my backyard was suitable for lots of native Australian wildlife” (71%strongly agreed compared to 52% for the total sample), “I would like to play my
part

in

helpingtobring

nativeplantsandanimals

back

into

my

neighbourhood” (60% strongly agreed compared to 41% for the total sample) .

The only statement that respondents on “acreages” had a noticeably lower levelof agreement on was for “I am all for Australian plants and animals but where I

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

live there is little I can really do to help”, with 6% “agreeing strongly” compared to
34% for apartment or townhouse dwellers.

Agreement With Attitude Statements Regarding Local Environment– Agree Strongly DWELLING TYPE
Total%

Apartment/
Townhouse
%

House
%

Acreage%Cats are a real threat to our native animals incities and towns

69

60

70

76

Where they pose a threat to native animals, foxes
should be gotten rid of

58

52

58

74

You can really feel at one with nature in an
Australian bush garden

54

45

55

72

I would love to be able to feed native birds andanimals in my own yard

50

49

48

69

I’d love to think that my backyard was suitable forlots of native Australian wildlife

52

45

51

71

I would really object if the council stopped mowing
the grass in my local park and let it go back tonatural bush

43

43

44

38

Its unfair to encourage native animals into the built
up areas where they could be hurt

46

35

47

56

Australian native gardens require little
maintenance or watering

41

38

41

49

I would like to play my part in helping to bringnative plants and animals back into myneighbourhood

41

33

41

60

The best parks are those with wide expanses ofgreen grass with plenty of picnicing and playing
outdoor games

35

36

35

38

You can tell a lot about a person by the way theirgarden looks

39

33

41

40

There are plenty of natural areas for native
animals outside our cities and towns

31

27

31

33

Possums area real nuisance because they can getin your roof

28

24

29

26

Gum trees are dangerous in suburban backyards,
they can fall over and cause damage

28

18

29

41

Dogs are a threat to our native animals in cities
and towns

26

23

26

34

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

Agreement With Attitude Statements Regarding Local Environment …continued

DWELLING TYPE
Total%

Apartment/
Townhouse
%

House
%

Acreage%

A local park with lots of grass dense bush can beunsafe for children

24

22

24

27

I am all for Australian plants and animals butwhere I live, there is little I can really do to help

23

34

22

6

I think formal European gardens look out of placein Australia

19

17

19

25

I believe that half of the parks in myneighbourhood should be returned to bushland toprovide a home for native animals

17

15

17

20

Its important to spray your garden at least once a
year to get rid of the bugs

17

22

17

11

A totally native bush garden would look out ofplace in my neighbourhood

11

11

11

7

Australian native gardens often look unkept and
messy

11

12

11

12

Australian native garden are not really fashionable
these days

8

14

7

9

All respondents – QA8/B7

Those working to involve the community in urban wildlife conservation should note theresults for relevant attitude statements in the segment representing their target
audience.

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5.2

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

EXTENT TO WHICH WILDLIFE SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED INTO SPECIFIC AREAS
Within this study it emerged that people currently have a partitioned concept of
the world comprising areas along a continuum. Areas considered “right forhumans” and areas that are “right for animals” exist at the extremities of thecontinuum.

When participants thought about the natural environment there appeared to be aperceptual scale, which defined where they saw wildlife as being appropriate.
There were four dimensions on this continuum. The scope of these dimensions
covered extremes of the spectrum in which humanisation was allowed (i.e. goodfor people) to the non-human environment (i.e. good for wildlife).

Humanisation
AllowedGood forPeopleA. Urban Space-My neighbourhood/yards/streets -B. Urban Naturalness- Local parks -C. Accessible “Bush”- Bushland areas/parks -D.Natural Environment- “The Bush” Non-Human
Environment

A)

Good forWildlife

URBAN SPACE
This dimension consisted of participants’ neighbourhood, yard and streets. It
was seen as the part of the world or landscape that was constructed for humanhabitation. Respondents where positive to the idea of encouraging wildlife ofcertain types into urban areas, for example 52% agreed strongly that they would“love to think their backyard suitable for wildlife”, and 41% agreed strongly thatthey would like to play a part in bringing back wildlife to the neighbourhood. Many
participants in the focus groups believed that in this type of space, which is

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

designed to suit people, native animals appeared to be out of place to the extent
that it was seen to be dangerous for the animals to roam free. In essence thefeeling regarding urban conversation was that if it were to be pursued it needed to
be done in a fashion that did not result in more harm than good for wildlife.

B)

URBAN NATURALNESSThis portion of the landscape was described as consisting of maintained local
parks. These were developed leisure spaces with mown grass and planted trees.
Again, these areas were thought to be there for the enjoyment of people andtherefore had to be safe for people. Providing a home for native animals is asecondary function.

43% of respondents agreed strongly that they “would really object if the council
stopped mowing the grass in my local park and let it go back to natural bush”.

C)

ACCESSIBLE “BUSH”“Accessible bush”, which was described as managed native parkland areas whichcontained tracks and trails was an area where it was felt to be both appropriate fornative wildlife to roam and for humans to enjoy.

D)

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTThis was described as being the natural bush, which was not managed orcontrolled. It was thought to be unspoilt and original and certainly a place which
was home to our native plants and animals.

The tendency of participants to partition the world into four different types ofspaces appeared to underpin a number of other attitudes and behaviours. Many
participants seemed to express that humans had created urban spaces, andurban naturalness, for themselves to live in. As a result the underlying principles
for these urban spaces appear to be primarily influenced by considerations ofwhat is “right” and “best” for human inhabitants.

Finding a distinction between areas that are “right for humans” and areas that are“right for animals” reduces the sense that there are conservation issues within
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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

urban spaces.

The other important outcome of the partitioning scale was that the naturalenvironment was somehow distanced from urban communities.

The naturalenvironment was viewed as a place to visit rather than live in. There appeared to
be no difference in this view amongst those from large cities and smaller towns. It
seemed that country areas were more concerned about creating an urban
environment for themselves, than a more natural one.

The partitioning concept was investigated in a quantitative sense asking
respondents to indicate the extent to which it was thought that wildlife should be
encouraged into each of the four sub divisions. Within suburban backyards, 14%of respondents believed wildlife should “definitely be encouraged”, a further 50%
felt that they should be “encouraged to some extent”. 36% of the sample believedthat wildlife should “not be encouraged at all” into suburban backyards.

There was a slightly higher level of support to encourage wildlife in local parks,
with 23% of respondents suggesting that it should be “definitely encouraged”, and
52% of the sample indicating that it should be “encouraged to some extent”. 25%
of survey participants believed that wildlife should “not be encouraged at all” into
local parks.

There was a greater acceptance for the encouragement of wildlife in local
bushland and unspoilt bushland. 65% believed that wildlife should be “definitely
encouraged” in local bushland and 87% felt the same way for unspoilt bushland.
A very small proportion of the sample believed that wildlife should “not be
encouraged at all” into these two areas (7% for local bushland and 1% for unspoilt
bushland).

Approximately half of the sample strongly agreed that:•“I would love to be able to feed native birds and animals in my own
yard” (50%),•“I’d love to think that my backyard was suitable for lots of native Australian
wildlife” (52%), and

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•

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS“I would love to play my part in helping to bring native animals and plants
back into my neighbourhood” (41%).

Extent to Which Wildlife Should be Encouraged Into Specific Areas
Total
Encouraged%

Definitely
Encouraged%

Encouraged toSome Extent%

Not encouraged
at all%A. Suburban backyards

64

14

50

36

B. Local parks

75

23

52

25

C. Local bushland

93

65

28

7

D. Unspoilt bushland

99

87

12

1

All respondents – QA10

When presenting program concepts to a target audience it is important not todeny a partitioned concept of the world. In acknowledgment of this, programs
should not be able to be perceived to naturalise urban areas at the expense ofamenity for people.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

5.3

LIVING IN HARMONY WITH URBAN WILDLIFE

In a qualitative sense participants tended to group native fauna into three
categories, primarily based on the issue of their perceived ability to “happily coexist” with people.

This provided some insight into what maybe currently

considered as acceptable to “encourage” into suburban backyards (64%) andneighbourhood parks (75%).

The first group consisted of animals that were described as “cute”, “harmless” and“attractive” and were generally thought of as desirable and appropriate for an
urban space. This group included:!

Small and/or attractive birds,!

Ladybirds,!

Blue tongue lizards,!

Kookaburras,!

Frogs,!

Butterflies, and!

Worms.

The second group was made up of “attractive” fauna that was thought to be
desirable but inappropriate for an urban environment principally because theymight come to harm. Animals in this group included:!

Koalas,!

Wombats,!

Echidna,

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS!

Platypus,!

Tortoise, and!

Kangaroos (city participants only).

The final group was composed of fauna that was considered to be “destructive”,“annoying” or “threatening”, and was generally thought to be undesirable. Suchanimals included:!

Spiders,!

Snakes,!

Cockroaches,!

Caterpillars,!

Possums,

!

Bats,

!

Wasps, bees,!

Flies, mosquitoes, moths!

Magpies,!

Cockatoos, and!

Kangaroos (in country areas).

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

Animals “Liked to Have” in Backyard
A lot%

A little%

Not like it at all%

Small birds (like finches)

80

97

3

Butterflies

77

95

5

Lorikeets

69

91

9

Earth worms

66

87

13

Kookaburras

66

92

8

Koalas55

83

17

Blue Tongue Lizards

50

79

21

Frogs

43

75

25

Cockatoos

41

78

22

Magpies

31

61

39

Possums

26

61

39

Caterpillars

22

61

39

Bats

16

38

62

Moths

11

39

61

Spiders

10

41

59

Snakes5

21

79

All respondents – QA5

In the quantitative phase, when respondents were read a list of animals andasked to what extent they would like each one in their own backyard, small birds
and butterflies were the most popular, with 80% and 77% of the sample
respectively claiming they would like these animals in their backyard “a lot”.
Other animals that were “liked” included lorikeets (69% “liked a lot”), earth worms(66% “liked a lot”), and kookaburras (66% “liked a lot”).

The least popular animals were spiders (59% “not like it at all”), bats (62% “notlike it at all”), moths (61% “not like it at all”), and snakes (79% “not like it at all”).

When categorising these animals, in terms of desirability, a range of factors weretaken into account. In some cases characteristics attributed to various animals
was not done as a result of personal experience, but were mainly associated withgeneral perceptions.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

Desirable attributes that were mentioned by participants included:!

Cute appearance (koala, lorikeet),!

Good “image” or “reputation” (kookaburras, blue tongue),!

Recognised positive contribution to the urbanised environment (worms,
frogs), and!

Status value.

The undesirable attributes consisted of:!

Potential to cause harm to humans (snakes, spiders, wasps),!

Noisy (cockatoos, possums),!

Smelly (bats),!

Potential to cause damage to home or gardens (cockatoos, caterpillars,possums),!

Dirty, unhealthy (cockroaches, bats), and!

Annoying (possums, flies, mosquitoes).

The range of evaluative attributes was generally based on a principle of “what’s
good for me” and how it would affect an individual’s current lifestyle.

Thereappeared to be very little evidence of concern for broader environmental issues
when the type of wildlife seen as being desirable for an urban space was being
determined. There was very little reference to any contribution that urban wildlife
renewal would make in the broader environmental health context.

There was also a clear lack of understanding of the relationships andinterdependencies of individual elements within the ecosystem. Examples of thislack of understanding was illustrated by people’s view that:

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS•

Butterflies were desirable, but caterpillars were destructive,!

Frogs were popular, but small insects(on which frogs can feed) areannoying,!

Bees were known to be essential, but people were afraid of being stung, and!

Small birds were seen as attractive, but their habitat of dense native
undergrowth was considered to be messy.

Theinevitableoutcomeofthelimitedknowledge

concerning

variousenvironmental interactions was that the general perception of wildlife in the urban
space is made up of “bit and pieces” . Possibly left over from the environment
prior to urbanisation, and not the visible part of a functioning modified ecosystem.

On balance participants saw their immediate urban space as being separated
from the “natural” environment. There were a number of general sentiments andjustifications given to support this view, some of which included:•

Urban areas are only a small fraction of Australia, it’s the vast non-urban
space that really matters to the environment,!

Urban areas have to be the way they are so that people can live in them,
humans and wildlife have different needs,!

I accept that living in a big city (Sydney respondents) is probably not as
healthy, but it’s my choice,!

Words like “biodiversity”, “ecosystem” and “wildlife” have nothing to do withurban areas, they refer to forests, bush and countryside,•

There are heaps of native wildlife in the “bush”, we don’t need it in urban
areas as well, and!

Planting a tree in my backyard makes no real difference for theenvironment.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND URBAN AREAS

As the urban space was conceived of as being quite “separate” from the “natural”
environment, a harmonious relationship between the two was rarely considered.
As most people were relatively comfortable in their urban space, there was ahope that they would not have any unwanted wildlife encounters in and aroundtheir local neighbourhood. Confidence, in regards to dealing with wildlife, varied
enormously and was mainly dependent on the following factors:!

General area of residence and proximity to the “bush”,!

Frequency of previous wildlife encounters,!

Underlying attitudes towards wildlife and the environment, and!

The level of knowledge regarding wildlife and the environment.

Amongst those who lived in an urban space there was a common feeling that“avoidance behaviour” was the best approach to dealing with wildlife encounters.
The extreme of this attitude was to totally avoid any areas in which such an
unwanted wildlife encounter may be possible.

For others, this “avoidance

behaviour” simply meant trying not to encounter any wildlife, and if a meeting did
occur to get out of the way as quickly as possible.

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THREATS TO WILDLIFE IN THE URBAN SITUATION

6.1

MINIMISING THREATS TO URBAN WILDLIFE
In general people were well aware of threats to wildlife in areas.

The major threat to wildlife was urbanisation itself, and as such there was little
that people felt could be done to minimise the threat, other than relocating wildlife“out of harms way”. There was however, agreement that there could be greater
controls on domestic pets such as cats and dogs.

In terms of the issue of urban wildlife, there was recognition amongst study
participants that native plants and animals do exist within urban areas. However,this wildlife tended to be seen as “remnants” or “bits and pieces”, rather than thevisible expression of a modified native ecosystem. That is, the notion of any
urban ecology in which plants and wildlife could exist is uncommon. And forsome, the existing urban wildlife was almost seen as infringing on urban life.

When discussing the major threats to urban wildlife the most top of mind issue
was that of urbanisation, or the urban situation, itself.

However, when

encouraged to discuss the threat of the urban situation further, group participants
could identify many aspects which pose a threat to Australian native fauna, and toa lesser extent Australian native flora.

Commonly mentioned urban related

threats included:!

Urban lifestyles – today’s population was thought to have an increasing
preference for insect free outdoor living, which included a large usage ofgarden insecticides and a low tolerance of insects as they were seen as“intruders”.

!

Urban pollution – from car exhausts, factories, rubbish, etc.

!

Physical threats – from people themselves, cats, dogs, and motor
vehicles.

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THREATS TO WILDLIFE IN THE URBAN SITUATION!

Lack of a suitable habitat – that is, a shortage of the right food, trees andother vegetation, and living areas.

!

Introduced or dominant species – such as Foxes, Cane Toads, Indian
Minors, and Magpies.

Given that the perceived major threats to wildlife related to the current level ofurbanisation (rather than increasing urbanisation) it was not surprising that, onbalance, most people could not see much chance of the urban space becoming
any less hostile to native wildlife in the future.

In fact, because urbanisation itself was deemed to be the threat, there was very
little feeling amongst study participants that there was any point in modifying theirown behaviour to minimise the threats, as it was likely to have no real effect.
However, there was agreement that it was “proper” to look after distressed wildlifethat was encountered in one’s local neighbourhood.

Rather than lacking

compassion towards wildlife, it seems that there was a sense of loss of control, or
hopelessness, in terms of an individual’s ability to positively impact on thesituation.

Overall there was a general tendency for study participants to believe that inorder to minimise the threat to wildlife it would be necessary to relocate it out of
urban settings and ultimately, “out of harms way”.
As mentioned above, one of the perceived major threats, whilst being a
consequence of urbanisation, was also one that study participants believed they
could actually control – cats and dogs. In fact, cats and, to a lesser extent, dogs
were one of the “human elements” which some felt should be controlled, with catsin particular being recognised as a threat to birds and small animals. 69% agreed
strongly that cats are a real threat while only 26% believed dogs were.
Interestingly, some people felt that urban spaces were appropriate places fordomestic pets, and as such they tended to rationalise any possible threat towildlife as “bad luck”. However, most did display some level of concern over theprospect of cats harming wildlife, which seemed to be driven by a nurturingconcern for desirable animals or birds.
As part of this discussion of domestic pets, a number of scenarios relating to pet

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THREATS TO WILDLIFE IN THE URBAN SITUATION

in which domestic cats and dogs would not be allowed within known habitat
areas. There was very strong rejection of this scenario by most people, primarily
as it was seen as a threat to their civil liberties.

A common reaction to this

scenario was that pets belong with people in urban areas and native wildlife
belongs in “the bush”. There was however, some acceptance of this proposition
amongst non-pet owners.
The second scenario put to study participants was that of tight restrictions
applying to dogs and cats in known habitat areas. Somewhat unsurprisingly this
scenario was far more acceptable as most felt that these kinds of restrictions weremore reasonable, although non-pet owners found it more acceptable than pet
owners. In another sense, this proposition was seen as just an extension of someof the rules already in place.

6.2

AWARENESS OF ENDANGERED OR EXTINCT AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS
A variety of native animals were perceived to be extinct or endangered, with theTasmanian Tiger and Koala being mentioned most often.
In the qualitative, when discussing threatened species the words “extinct” and“extinction” were readily used, having a somewhat general meaning. Knowledge
tended to be anecdotal rather than accurate and specific, reflected in statements
like: “I’ve heard that frogs are becoming more extinct” For this reason the word
“extinct” was used in the quantitative survey.

Australian Animals Endangered or Extinct
Total%
Tasmanian Tiger

40

Koala

25

Bilby

15

Tasmanian Devil

14

Frogs (NET)14

Birds (NET)10

Platypus9

Wallaby (NET)9

Wombats (NET)8

Kangaroo (NET)5

Possum (NET)4

Fish (NET)

3

Other

19

All respondents – QA13b

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When asked to name any Australian native animals that are extinct orendangered, 40% of study participants named the Tasmanian Tiger, and 25%
named the Koala. The next most commonly mentioned endangered or extinct
Australian animals were that of the Bilby (15%), the Tasmanian Devil (14%), frogs(14%), and birds (10%).
Just under one in ten study participants suggested the Platypus (9%), Wallabies(9%), and wombats (8%) were endangered or extinct. Kangaroos, possums andfish were also mentioned but by 5% or less of the total sample.
Knowledge of

threatened species was not strictly accurate and without the

prompting provided by the word “extinct” the concept lacked clarity in peoples’
minds.
While many conservation programs have been developed around threatened
species issues the concept may not have penetrated deeply in all target
audiences.
Programs should include concepts other than threatened species to broaden theirappeal.

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7.1

PERCEIVED MEANING OF THE TERM “ENVIRONMENT”
Study participants were asked to describe what the term “environment” meant tothem personally, and the most popular meanings they offered related to nature/
natural surroundings (45% Net), native animals/plants (36% Net), being free from
pollution (32% Net), and looking after the environment/for the future (21% Net).

Other popular meanings attributed to the term “environment” related to:!

living in harmony (7% Net),!

a nice place (5% Net),!

urban development (5% Net),!

the world (4% Net),!

recycling (3% Net),!

ecosystem (2% Net), and!

‘other’ things such as soil, efficient use of resources, etc (15% Net ‘other’).

In terms of the overall category of natural surroundings, study participants actuallyreferred to “the surroundings in which we live” (33%), “natural/unspoilt land” (6%),
and nature/natural surrounds (7%), whilst the comments under the heading of
nativeanimals/plants

were“nativeanimals/wildlife/to

look

after

the

animals” (22%), and “native plants/trees/bushland” (31%).

More specifically, the most common responses under the overall heading of being
free from pollution included “the air/clean air” (12%), “not to pollute theenvironment” (11%), “a clean place/not to have any rubbish around” (10%); and“water/clean water” (8%).

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For some respondents the term involves some engagement from people. The
most common response in this category was “to look after the environment/carefor the world around you” (18%).

Perceived Meaning of The Term “Environment”
Total%
Net Nature/Natural surrounds

45

The surroundings in which you live

33

Natural/unspoilt land

6

Nature/natural surrounds

7

Net Native Animals/Plants

36

Native animals/wildlife/to look after the animals

22

Native plants/tree’s/bushland

31

Net Free from Pollution

32

The air/clean air

12

Not to pollute the environment

11

A clean place/not to have any rubbish around

10

Water/clean water

8Rivers/keep rivers clean

2

Keep Australia clean/natural

1

Net Look After the Environment/for the Future

21

To look after the environment/care for the world around you

18

It must be maintained for future generations

4

Beaches/looking after our beaches0

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Perceived Meaning of The Term “Environment” …continued

Total
%

Net Living in Harmony

7

People and society

2

The combination of natural and manmade2

Humans and nature living together in harmony

3

Net a Nice Place

5

Net Urban Development5

Responsible urban development-not onto green areas

2

Houses/buildings suburbs

3

Net the World

4

The world in which we live2

The outdoor environment/the natural world around me

2Open spaces/large areas

1

Net Recycling

3

Net Ecosystem

2

Net Weather0

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Perceived Meaning of The Term “Environment” …continued

Total%
Net Other

15

Soil

3

Using resources efficiently

2

Keeping cats/dogs inside0

It is very important

0

Other

10

Don’t know3

All respondents – QB8

7.2

ACCESS TO INFORMATION RELATING TO NATIVE FLORA & FAUNA
The specifics of urban wildlife conservation lacked personal relevance for many
participants in the groups and in-depth interviews. Concepts such as biodiversity,
natural ecosystems, wildlife, and the natural environment were distant issues thatmost placed under some global category thought to only be of relevance toenvironmental “experts”.

As these terms tended to be “dismissed” in people’s minds as information
relevant to “experts”, most had given little thought to their real meaning.
Consequently they were quite poorly defined within panellists’ minds and not wellunderstood.

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The meanings assigned to terms discussed in the qualitative research were as
follows:!

Wildlife – this term was thought to refer to animals rather than plants, andin fact, to larger animals and birds rather than insects. In some sense,
the term wildlife was seen to be just as pertinent and as strongly
associated to places other than Australia (eg: African wildlife), however, it
did have clear connotations of animals roaming free in their naturalenvironment.

!

Natural Environment – was seen to be all about untouched, unspoilt
areas of the world where plants and animals live together without humans
affecting them or their habitat. In fact, the natural environment and theterm “wildlife” had strong associations with each other in the minds ofpeople. A possible cognitive model of how these two concepts are linked
in people’s brains, is shown below.

Hypothetical example of thought paths and associatedconcepts relating to natural environment and wildlife
Endem ic
species only
Untouchedby mankind

NATURALENVIRONMENTis

Exotics

es
lud
inc

has

Lives in

es
lud
inc

WILDLIFE

roams

Has

Free

is
in

is
is

Unspoilt,
original

Feral
animals

Africa, Asia,
Australia
Largeranimals and
birds

!

Biodiversity – was a term for which most struggled to provide a definition
or description. Some ‘positive’ panellists did however describe it as a richarray of different plant and animal life, which could enable a complex
ecosystem to be fully sustainable.

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Ecosystem – was thought to be an environment consisting of a range ofplants and animals.

!

Native – meant Australian or not introduced.

In an overall sense, with the exception of “natural”, “natural environment”, and“native”, the above terms were rarely used by panellists during discussions.
Further, speciality language such as “biodiversity” and “ecosystem” were seen to
be primarily the domain of “boffins” and “scientists”.

Part of this investigation of panellists’ knowledge of common concepts and terms
within the environmental field also involved an investigation of their knowledge ofnative flora and fauna. When discussing the overall look and feel of our “nativeflora” most panellists used descriptors such as “scrubby” and “bushy looking”,
although they did admit they had little if any detailed knowledge of actual species.

The most well known “native flora” included:!

Gum trees,!

Wattle, and!

Bottle Brush.

Introduced and exotic species were more readily recognised, such as:•

Roses,•

Camellias, and•Azaleas.

Whilst knowledge and awareness of native flora was relatively low, there wasmuch greater knowledge and recognition of native fauna, with many “iconic”
animals being the most widely recognised. There was also a good awareness offoxes and rabbits as being introduced or non-native species. When discussing

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native fauna commonly mentioned animals included the:7.3•

Kangaroo,•

Koala,•

Wombat,•Echidna,•

Kookaburra,•

Magpie,•Cockatoo/Galah,•Parrot/Lorikeet,•

Snake and Lizard,•

Fly, mosquito, ant,•

Cicada, and•Dingo.

HABITAT RECONSTRUCTION & REINTRODUCTION OF LOCAL NATIVE ANIMALS AND
PLANTS TO URBAN AREAS
When discussing the concept of wildlife and the extent to which it exists or should
exist within the urban environment it became clear that panellists did not reallyhave a concept in their minds of such a thing as an ‘Urban Native Ecosystem’ orurban ecology.

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There was little or no knowledge of the existence of particular native trees orparticular native animals that were only able to survive in their local area, so inthat regard there was no sense that perhaps the survival of these plants oranimals may depend on our ability to live with them or to maintain their habitat inurban areas. Any native flora or fauna living in urban areas was seen as being a
remnant of the original natural environment and rather than belonging there, they
were seen as being sometimes outof place in urban areas.

This view isconsistent with the partitioned concept of the world discussed in Chapter 5.

Wildlife was perceived as belonging to its natural environment and in fact, it was
felt that animals are not safe in built up areas. Most had therefore concluded thatanimals are happier and better able to survive in their own natural environment
away from urban areas.

The term “urban” on the other hand conjured images of people and buildings,
noise and vehicles and as such the urban environment was not seen to be aplace for wildlife. There was not thought to be sufficient space, food, or protection
for wildlife to exist in urban areas. The conclusion in this case was therefore thaturban areas have been specifically designed for the safety and comfort ofhumans, not animals.

The findings indicate the limited meaning that specialist language has for manytarget audiences. Indeed some of the terms and concepts that are common indiscourse about urban conservation may be poorly understood, or even worse,
off-putting or alienating to many target audiences.

It may be appropriate to seek to motivate people to conservation behaviours,
without necessarily requiring full understanding of conservation concepts.

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8.1

OVERALL CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

When asked about their overall level of concern for environmental issues, 94% of
respondents claimed to be ‘concerned about the environment’. More specifically,
20% claimed to be ‘extremely concerned’, 33% claimed to be ‘very concerned’,and 41% claimed to be ‘quite concerned’.

Overall Level of Concern for Environmental Issue
Total%
I am extremely concerned about theenvironment

20

I am very concerned about the environment

33

I am quite concerned about theenvironment

41

I am neither concerned nor unconcerned
about the environment

4

I am quite unconcerned about theenvironment

1

I am very unconcerned about theenvironment

1

I am extremely unconcerned about theenvironment0

All respondents – Q14

Just over one in twenty claimed they were not concerned about environmental
issues – 4% were ‘neither concerned nor unconcerned’, 1% were ‘quite
unconcerned’ and 1% were ‘very unconcerned’.
Whilst there was a high level of claimed concern about the environment, very few(13%) had actually acted on this concern by becoming actively involved inenvironmental programs such as joining a wildlife, horticultural, or conservationgroup.

In that sense, the populations’ concern for the environment is notnecessarily easily converted into action taken on a collective basis.
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Incidence of Belonging to any Wildlife, Horticultural orConservation Group
Total
%
Yes

13

No

87

All respondents – Q15a

When individuals consider putting concern into action they identified better waste
management,

composting

andbetterenergyefficiency/reduced

energyconsumption as behaviours that individuals could adopt in order to have somepositive impact on our natural environment. The behaviours and actions that study
participants felt they could do to make some difference to our naturalenvironment, such as:•

Recycling waste;•

Not putting oil down the sink;•

Composting•

Using their cars less; and•Being more energy efficient.

Unprompted, participants in the qualitative phase seemed to struggle to think oflocal action they could take that specifically addressed wildlife conservation. As
respondents tended to partition the natural environment from the urban space
they feel there is not a great deal they can do personally to have a positive impact
on wildlife conservation.

Qualitatively we found that when discussing things that have the most negative
impact on the environment and those of greatest concern, study participantstended to be relating to environmental issues on a global scale rather than a local
scale. Issues seen to be having the largest impact on the natural environment
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included:•

Greenhouse gases;•

Global warming;•

The destruction of native habitats;•

The growing number of endangered species (although interestingly, thiswas seen to be a greater problem in countries other than our own);•

The degradation of waterways and land quality; and•Pollution.

Consequently study participants felt that specific actions in their local area or
space (eg: paving the backyard) could have little genuine impact on the naturalenvironment.

8.2

PERCEIVED GREATEST PROBLEM FACING THE ENVIRONMENTIn the quantitative study, when asked what they believed to be the greatest
problems facing our natural environment today, respondents indicated problems
such as urbanisation, over population and domestic animals which relate to lossof habitat within urban areas. However this, loss of habitat was not referred todirectly.
The most commonly perceived problems related to pollution (44% net),
urbanisation (33% net), overpopulation (28% net), forest degradation/landclearing (27% net) and domestic animals (18% net).

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URBAN CONSERVATION WITHIN THE BROADER RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNSOther issues such as lack of education, cars, chemicals, greed/war, salinity, andpoor farming/mining/fishing practices, were less likely to be perceived as thegreatest problem facing the environment today, although they were mentioned by
5-14% of the sample.
Whilst the majority of the issues above were relatively straightforward and self
explanatory, the issue of pollution was a little wider in scope in that it covered“pollution” in general (25%), “water pollution/pollution of the waterways” (15%)
and “rubbish/littering” (13%).

Perceived Greatest Problem Facing The Environment
Total%
Net Pollution

44

Pollution

25

Water pollution/pollution of waterways

15

Rubbish/littering

13

Net Urbanisation

33

Over development/urbanisation

31

Factories

3

Net Overpopulation

28

Net Forest Degradation/Land Clearing

27

Deforestation/destroying trees

15

Land clearing leading to loss of habitat

12

Erosion2

Net Domestic Animals

18

Domestic animals turning feral/hunting

12

Introduced species

7

All respondents – QB9

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Perceived Greatest Problem Facing The Environment …continued

Total
%

Net Lack of Education

14

Ignorance/lack of education

14

Net Cars

13

Over/inefficient use of cars/too many cars

13

Net Chemicals

9

Chemicals/fertilisers/sprays

9

Net Greed/War

9

Greed

4

The threat of nuclear war

3

Shortsighted/greedy politicians3

Net Salinity

5

Net Poor Farming/Mining/Fishing5

Poor farming practices

3

Commercial fishing/over fishing

1

Mining1

Irrigation

1

Mining0

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Perceived Greatest Problem Facing The Environment …continued

Total%
The ozone layer/the hole in the ozone layer

5

Global warming/greenhouse effect5

Net Other10

Bushfires

3

Greenies/do gooders

1

Drought

1

Other

6

Don’t Know3

All respondents – QB9

8.3

PERCEIVED IMPACT OF FACTORS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Whilst destruction of native habitats was perceived to be having ‘an extreme
impact’ on our environment by a large proportion of the sample, loss of nativeplants and animals from the urban environment was much less likely to beperceived as having ‘an extreme impact’.
Respondents were read a list of issues that have the potential to impact on ourenvironment and were asked to indicate the extent to which those issues were
having an impact on the environment, using a 4 point scale ranging from ‘anextreme impact’ through to ‘no impact at all’.
Based on the proportion who applied a rating of ‘an extreme impact’, the issues
perceived to be having the greatest impact were those of water/land degradation(77%), pollution (75%), land clearing (70%), and destruction of native habitats(67%).

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Just over four in ten respondents felt that loss of native plants and animals fromthe Urban environment was having ‘an extreme impact’.

Perceived Impact Of Factors on The Environment-Extreme Impact Extreme
%

Some
%

A little%

None%

Degradation of water/land

77

18

3

1

Pollution

75

21

3

-

Land clearing

70

24

5

1

Destruction of native habitats

67

27

5

2

Greenhouse gasses

59

33

7

1

Global warming

55

29

13

4

Endangered species

53

34

10

3

Loss of native plants and animals
from Urban environment

43

39

14

4

All respondents – QB10

People residing on acreage generally tended to perceive different factors having
high impact on the environment when compared to those living in apartment or
townhouses. In particular the biggest differences with regard to the concern felt
by each of these groups related to “destruction of nature habitats” (76% acreage vs 58% apartment dwellers), “endangered species” (58% vs 47%) and“loss of native plants and animals” (49% v 36%).

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Perceived Impact Of Factors on The Environment …continued

DWELLING TYPE

EXTREME
Total%

Apartment/
Townhouse
%

House
%

Acreage%

Degradation of water/land

77

78

77

82

Pollution

75

73

75

76

Land clearing

70

67

70

70

Destruction of native habitats

67

58

67

76

Greenhouse gasses

59

56

59

60

Global warming

55

47

58

45

Endangered species

53

47

54

58

Loss of native plants and animals
from Urban environment

43

36

44

49

All respondents – QB10

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8.4

URBAN CONSERVATION WITHIN THE BROADER RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNSENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF GREATEST CONCERN
The above issues were again read to respondents and they were asked tochoose the one of greatest concern, the next greatest concern, and the least
concern to them personally. This technique forced participants to choose thefactors that they believe are of greatest concern to the environment.

Pollution and degradation of water/land were of greatest concern to respondents,
whilst loss of native plants and animals from the Urban environment was of least
concern.

The two issues of greatest concern were those of pollution (92% ‘greatest/next
greatest’ concern) and degradation of water/land (67% ‘greatest/next greatest’concern).

Factors of Greatest Concern to the Environment
Greatest
Concern%

Next Greatest
Concern%

Least
Concern%

Pollution

33

26

4

Degradation of water/land

22

22

9

Global warming

14

12

19

Land clearing

13

9

12

Greenhouse gasses

6

9

13

Destruction of native habitats

5

8

7

Loss of native plants and animals from
Urban environment

4

7

30

Endangered species

3

6

5

All respondents – QB11

The next most commonly perceived greatest concerns were that of global
warming and land clearing although they were of concern to far smaller proportionof the sample (41% and 35% ‘greatest/next greatest’ concern respectively).

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Loss of native plants and animals form the urban environment, global warming,
greenhouse gases, were most likely to be perceived as being of ‘least concern’ torespondents.
Least
Concern

8.5

Loss of native plants and animals from the urban environment

30%

Global warming

19%

Greenhouse gases

13%Land clearing

12%

IMPORTANCE OF FACTORS IN HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT
When a list of behaviours that have potential to help the environment was readout to respondents, those believed to be of most importance personally were notputting oil down the sink (68% extremely important), recycling waste (61%extremely important), and keeping cats locked in at night (58% extremely
important).

The next most important behaviours according to respondents were that of using
less garden chemicals (46% extremely important), being more energy efficient(45% extremely important), composting waste (39% extremely important),
supporting the establishment of more protected areas for native plants andanimals (39% extremely important), and helping look after native animals in yourlocal area (37% extremely important).

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Importance of Factors in Helping the Environment
Extremely Important%

Very Important%

Do not put oil down the sink

68

24

Recycle waste

61

31

Keep cats locked in at night

58

25

Use less garden chemicals

46

32

Be more energy efficient45

38

Help look after native animals in your local area

37

32

Compost their waste

39

33

Support the establishment of more protected areas for nativeplants and animals

39

35

Plant more native plants in their local neighbourhood

31

34

Use their car less25

30

Get involved in community projects to help conserve nativeplants and animals in your local area

22

31

All respondents – QA9/B12

Of less importance were behaviours such as planting more native plants in yourlocal neighbourhood, using the car less, and getting involved in community projects to help conserve native plants and animals in your local area.

The behaviours relating to Urban renewal were seen to be ‘extremely/very important’ by more than half the sample, with keeping cats locked in at night (83% extremely/very important) and supporting the establishment of more protected areasfor native plants and animals (74% extremely/very important) being the most important Urban renewal related behaviours.

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9.1

LIKELIHOOD TO CONTRIBUTE TO HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT
A high percentage of respondents (78%) claimed to be “very likely” to contributeto helping the environment through the recycling of waste, however currently only
one third of the sample indicate a strong likelihood to get involved by helping withsuch initiatives as conserving native plants and animals.

When read out a list of conservation measures that could be taken, the majority ofthe sample (96%) claimed they would be either “very likely” (78%) or “quite
likely” (18%) to recycle waste. One third of the sample stated they would be “verylikely” to “support council to regenerate some parks back to natural bush” (33%)
and “seek out information to better understand how to live with native birds andanimals” (32%). 30% of respondents were “very likely” to “help look after native
animals”, whilst 21% had similar feelings towards getting “involved inconservation of native plants and animals”.

Likelihood to Contribute to Helping the Environment
Very Likely%

Quite Likely%

Unlikely%

Recycle waste

78

18

3

Plant more native trees/shrubs

33

38

27

Get involved in conservation of native plants
and animals

21

36

41

Seek out information to better understandhow to live with native birds and animals

32

39

28

Help look after native animals

30

38

29

Support council to regenerate some parks
back to natural bush

33

33

31

All respondents – QA11/B14

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Behaviours that were most likely to be adopted were those that were simple toincorporate in daily life, well supported with infrastructure, such as recycling waste
or felt to align with peoples needs, such as plant more native trees/shrubs. The
least likely to be adopted may have appeared specialised or demanding.

The major differences in likelihood to contribute to helping the environment were
found amongst those who lived on acreages. Those within the acreage segment
more often claimed to be “very likely” to “plant more native trees or shrubs” (55%compared to 33% for total sample), “seek out information to better understandhow to live with native birds and animals” (47%, compared to 32% total), ”helplook after native animals” (47% compared to 30% total), and “get involved inconservation of native plants and animals” (37% compared to 21% total).

Likelihood to Contribute to Helping the Environment …continued- Very Likely -DWELLING TYPE
House

Acreage%

Apartment/
Townhouse%%%

Recycle waste

78

77

79

76

Plant more native trees/shrubs

33

27

32

55

Support council to regenerate someparks back to natural bush

33

33

32

33

Seek out information to better
understand how to live with native
birds and animals

32

30

31

47

Help look after native animals

30

28

29

47

Get involved in conservation of nativeplants and animals

21

21

19

37

Total

All respondents – QA11/B14

In the qualitative phase it appeared that people’s willingness to contribute tourban wildlife conservation was conditional and depended on their attitudes andthe strength of their individual needs. Example of this conditional participation
included comments along the lines of:!

“as long as no danger is brought to wildlife in urban areas”,

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“as long as it doesn’t threaten the safety of my family”,!

“as long as someone gives me the plants for free”,!

“as long as it doesn’t potentially cause damage to my home”,!

“as long as it fits in with the style of my garden”, and!

“as long as the insects don’t eat my plants”.

9.2 ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR PLANNING AND ACTION
It became clear within the qualitative phase of the study that it was not as simple
as just having environment and wildlife information on hand to make people want
to become involved, but rather it was more a matter of providing motivators thatwould encourage participants to actively seek the information.

Four segments were identified requiring different motivational prompts toencourage the seeking of information and ultimate personal contribution to wildlife
renewal. It seemed that those who were “keen and knowledgeable” on wildlife
and environment issues would need the least encouragement. Making theinformation easily accessible to them would possibly be enough to make themseek and read
SEGMENTATION AND THE ROLE
OF INFORMATION
Keen andknowledgeable• Provide access to
information

Interested andcould be converted• Emphasise the way
information enhances enjoyment

Uninterested and uncommitted
either for or against

in persuing interests• Sell the “big picture” in a

Uninterested but negative

meaningful way.

Indicates programs should address motivation to seek
information AND access to information.
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the information and then do their part to contribute to urban renewal.

The “interested and could be converted” segment on the other hand, would
require a little more prompting to get them to seek out information, emphasising
the role information plays in enhancing their enjoyment in pursuing their interest.
Information is important to formulate ideas as to how they could make a personal
contribution at a local level.

The two least involved segments would need to be actively marketed to for themto want to personally contribute. The “uninterested and uncommitted either” for oragainst” and the “uninterested but negative” segments, would need to discover
the big picture in a meaningful way. The most powerful motivation would be tostress the importance of urban wildlife in terms of how it can or will directly affectthem at a personal level.

On the whole, group members tended to feel that information on issues such as
wildlife and the environment were topics learnt about at school at a young age or
through documentaries.

Many did not really think about these issues routinely and therefore were put on
the spot to identify where they would go to obtain information about wildlife, thenatural environment and other related topics.

9.3

ORGANISATIONS WHO SHOULD BE TAKING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN CONSERVING OUR
PLANTS AND ANIMALSNative Plants

The local council was top of mind when respondents thought about where toobtain information on native plants, being mentioned by 43% of the sample. A
nursery was close behind at 38%, followed by the library (25%) and then theinternet (22%). The National Parks and Wildlife was mentioned by 20% of thesample in regards to obtaining information on native plants, placing it in fifth
position in terms of top of mind awareness.

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Wildlife Conservation

Different organisations were mentioned for wildlife conservation.

29% of thesample mentioned The National Parks and Wildlife. WIRES was mentioned by
19% of the sample as an information source for wildlife conservation, whilst 16%
cited the local council, 14% the internet and 12% the library.

Native Animals

Information on native animals was most often associated with The National Parks
and Wildlife, with one quarter of the sample mentioning the organisation (25%).
Approximately one in five respondents (19%) would go to the library to obtainnative animal information, followed by 18% who would contact WIRES, 17%Taronga Zoo or a zoo, 15% the internet and 12% the local council.

These findings indicate the sources that the public expect to find information.
They may guide the selection of partners to communicate with the public on
specific issues.

Organisations or Places to Go to Find Information On …
Native Plants%

Wildlife
Conservation%

NativeAnimals%

The local council

43

16

12

A nursery

38

1

0

The library

25

12

19

The internet

22

14

15

The National Parks and Wildlife

20

29

25

Books/magazines/newspapers

11

4

4

The Forestry Department

5

1

1

Botanical gardens

5

0

0

Gardeners/landscapers

4

0

-

All respondents – QA12a

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Organisations or Places to Go to Find Information On …continued
Native Plants%

Wildlife
Conservation%

NativeAnimals%

Landcare2

1-

The television

2

1

1

Local bushcare/environment groups

2

1

1

University

2

1

1

The phone book

2

3

2

Greening Australia

2

-

0

The Department of Agriculture

1

0

0

TAFE

1

1

0

Taronga Zoo/A zoo

1

8

17

Talking to friends/family/neighbours

1

2

2

WIRES

1

19

18

CSIRO

1

1

0

Greenpeace

1

1

1

The National Trust

1

-

-

A museum10

1

The Conservation Society

0

1

1

Information centre

0

1

0

RSPCA

-

8

5

Animal/Wildlife Welfare Associations

-

6

3

Vet

-

5

5

All respondents – QA12a

Local councils and wildlife conservation groups appear to be the most widely
nominated groups whom respondents perceived as needing to be taking an activerole in conserving native plants and animals.

When respondents were read a list of organisations and asked to rank themaccording to which ones they believed should be most responsible for conserving
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native plants and animals. Local councils received the highest ranking with amean of 2.3, followed by Wildlife Conservation Groups (2.6) and Government
Departments (3.0). The lowest rankings were given to Community Groups (3.5)
and “Individuals like yourself” (3.7).

Organisations or Places to Go to Find Information On …continued
Native Plants%

Wildlife
Conservation%

NativeAnimals
%

WWF

-

3

2

Local National Parks

-

2

5

Animal Welfare Centres

-

2

1

Government Departments

-

1

2

Park Rangers

-

1

1

Community Centre

-

0

-

Other

9

5

4

None

3

1

2

Don’t know

5

15

15

All respondents – QA12a

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Organisations Who Should be Taking An Active Role in Conserving Our Plants and Animals
Mean Ranking
Local Councils

2.3

Wildlife Conservation Groups

2.6

Government Departments

3.0

Community groups

3.5

Individuals like yourself

3.7
NB. Closer the score to 1, the higher the ranking

All respondents – QA13

9.4

SPECIFIC REACTIONS TO URBAN WILDLIFE INITIATIVES
Participants were presented with a number of scenarios, which related toproposed urban wildlife initiatives and asked for their thoughts on each. (A fulldescription of the scenarios are appended to the back of the document).

Scenario 1:

Gum trees in backyards and in street tree plantings.

The concept of planting gums to eventually provide a continuous canopy of trees
for koalas, sugar gliders and possums was generally seen as worthwhile.
Participants, however, were reluctant to plant gum trees around their house tocontribute to this initiative. The main reasons for this reluctance were based on:•a perception that gum tress are unsafe, messy and too large for the home,

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not wanting to encourage possums in their roof, and•a fear that koalas would get run over, or attacked by cats in an urban
environment.

Scenario 2:

Dense shrubs and patches of tussocky native grass in backyards, on
median strips and in local parks.
This initiative was not appealing. Shrubs and native grasses were thought to bevery unattractive, messy and out of place in an urban garden. It was also thoughtthat an introduction of such an initiative would provide a haven for dangerous
snakes and spiders. Overall this concept was not in keeping with the idea of aneat, attractive backyard.

Scenario 3:

Replacement landscaping in local park.

The main concern regarding this initiative was that it would be unsafe.

The

introduction of replacement landscaping would not only create a haven for snakes
and spiders, but it was also thought that it would attract “unsavoury” anddangerous characters to local parks. With this in mind it was generally thoughtthat the local park would no longer be a safe place for children.

Another concern with this initiative was that the local parks would look unkempt,
untidy and overgrown, which would make them and the neighbourhood look lessattractive. This initiative was also felt to contradict the current image that exists
for a local park, which is that they are a place to go to relax, play or picnic.

In regards to participation in urban renewal, it appeared that participants showed
more preparedness to become involved or take action at a community level,
rather than at an individual one.

The rationale behind the preference toparticipate in community urban renewal was a feeling that:•it’s coordinated,•people can more obviously see the result of the project,•more of a difference can be made working on a larger scale,
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it would require less time,•

there would be no cost involved,•

it’s social and educational,•

it’s a family activity, and•it would generate a sense of community involvement and achievement.

Scenario 4: Award Schemes and plaques for participation

The proposition of award schemes, which would include plaques for homes, did
not appear to be a strong motivation for participation in urban renewal. Whilst
recognition was important to people, the prospect of simply having a plaque on
the wall in isolation was not felt to be a strong enough motivator.

9.5

PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIESWithin the quantitative study, a number of activities regarding looking after native
animals and plants were read to respondents and they were asked to nominate
those they had participated in over the past two years. Two thirds (67%) of thesample claim to have “planted a native plant” in their garden and 59% of thesample claimed to have “stopped using insecticides” over the past two years. A
further 15% of respondents had been “involved in an organised community tree
planting day”.

In regards to activities involving fauna, 58% professed to have “provided natural
food sources for native birds and animals”, followed by 20% who had “put up anest box in their yard for birds, or possums” and 18% who claimed to have“placed a bell on their cat’s collar to warn the birds”.

Only a small proportion (12%) of the sample claimed to have not taken part in anyof the activities in the past two years.

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Activities Taken Part in, in the Past Two Years
Total%
Planting a native plant in your garden

67

Stopped using insecticides in your garden

59

Providing natural food sources for native birds and animals

58

Putting up a nest box in your yard for birds, or possums

20

Placing a bell on your cat’s collar to warn the birds

18

Being involved in an orgainsed community tree planting day

15

Other

8

None

12

All respondents – Q16

9.6

PROFILEOFPEOPLE

LIKELYADOPTTO“APPROPRIATE”

URBAN

WILDLIFECONSERVATION BEHAVIOUR
Respondents were asked to indicate what their likelihood would be of adopting
various types of conservation behaviour. Each respondent was given an overall
score based on all of their responses where a “very likely” response wasattributed a score of 5, “quite likely” a score of 4, “neither/nor” a3, “quite

unlikely” - a 2 and “very unlikely” a 1. Therefore the highest achievable scorebased on 6 statements is 30. Respondents with an overall score of between 2530 were segmented as having a “high likelihood” to adopt behaviour and thosescoring 0-10 a “low likelihood”.

During analysis, those who had displayed a high likelihood to adopt appropriate
urban wildlife conservation behaviour were compared with those who indicatedthat they would be unlikely to take up initiatives.

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Those with low likelihood to adopt conservation behaviour tended to:•live in Sydney,•

have a lawn and garden,•

be either “quite concerned” or “not concerned” about the environment, and

•

male.

High likelihood to adopt conservation behaviour was more common amongst
respondents who:•

had a native garden,•

were “extremely concerned” about the environment,•

were over 35 years of age, and•had a household income of either $20K-$29K or $100K plus.

Profile of Those Likely to Adopt Appropriate Urban Wildlife Conservation Behaviour
Total%

Low Likelihood to
Adopt Behaviour%

High Likelihood to
Adopt Behaviour%

Sydney71

76

66

Newcastle/Wollongong

13

11

14

Country

16

14

21

Apartment

10

12

7

Townhouse/Semi

8

6

8

House

74

76

73

Acreage8

512Location:

Dwelling Type:

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Profile of Those Likely to Adopt Appropriate Urban Wildlife Conservation Behaviour …continued

Total
%

Low Likelihood to
Adopt Behaviour%

High Likelihood to
Adopt Behaviour%

Lawn and gardens

58

64

46

Native garden

13

6

28

Courtyard

8

10

4

Balcony897Bushland setting

7

5

9

Extremely concerned

20

5

49

Very concerned

33

18

39

Quite/not concerned

47

77

11

Male

52

60

51

Female48

40

49

18-34 years

34

37

27

35-54 years

41

37

46

55 years plus

23

26

28

Primary/school certificate

27

32

30

HSC

20

20

17

Trade qualification

23

19

20

University degree

30

28

32

Under $20K

12

12

8

$20K - $29K

11

7

17

$30K-$49K

26

28

27

$50K-$99K

29

30

18

$100 K plus

9

8

13

Garden Type:

Environmental Concern:

Gender:Age:

Education:

Highest Household Salary:

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APPENDIX A:QUALITATIVE COMPONENT

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENTQUALITATIVE RESEARCHThis study is the first of its kind to investigate understanding of wildlife and conversation among theurban communities of NSW and as such, the methodologies must be able to explore “the lie of theland”. Focus groups and depth interviews are important tools to systematically gather information of aqualitative nature.

These qualitative methodologies can reveal as wide a range as possible of understanding in the target populations. In qualitative studies the researcher can probe to discover the reasons behind theopinions or attitudes that people express, and gain an impression of the strength of feeling aroundissues. Qualitative research does not attempt to establish the frequency of particular attitudes in a
population. However findings will help to accurately understand and interpret the results when aquantitative survey is subsequently undertaken.

In focus groups and depth interviews researchers can observe and record the language, terminology
and concepts that people tend to use when discussing issues. Such insights have distinct value todevelop effective communication with target populations.

Importantly, information about language and concepts can be used to guide the formulation of survey
questions so they are better understood and, therefore, more accurately answered by respondents.

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENTNPWS RECRUITING DEFINITIONSFOR QUALITATIVE COMPONENT

Recruitment Question:
Q.

Some people have suggested that it is important for us to encourage a lot more native plants
and animals in our towns and cities that is, in public parks and in people’s backyards.

Just thinking about it personally, are you ….
Attitudes to Fauna & Native
Plants Preservation

Strongly in favour of this-COMMITTED

Slightly in favour of this-

MODERATES

Undecided-

MODERATES

Slightly against this-

MODERATESSTRONGLY AGAINST THIS

-

ANTI

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENTNPWS DISCUSSION OUTLINE FORQUALITATIVE COMPONENTQ.

Thinking about your own “backyard”, the parks around your home and the “outdoors”
generally:a. What do you like/ enjoy?
b. What are the good and bad aspects?
c.
Q.

What would be your ideal for each of those situations?

Do you enjoy getting out in a natural surrounding?

a. How often do you do this?
b. What usually prompts your outdoor activities? (school sports, family gatherings etc)c.

What sort of outdoor activities do you enjoy?

d. What type of natural setting is your ideal?
e. If you had the time, what outdoor activities would you do? (e.g. bushwalk, 4WD,
walking etc)f.

Q.

What would be your fantasy location if you could choose anywhere in the world?

Looking at a range of photos of native flora and fauna (using the card sort technique):a. Which ones do you like?
b. Which don’t you like?
c.

Do you know the names of any of these? Are they natives?

d. Have you ever encountered any problems with any of these?
e. What do you have/want in your garden?
f.

Q.

What do you want in parks and reserves near your home?

Landscape preferences: (using three examples of suburban homes and three examples
of different types of parks we can attempt to understand needs via triadic sorting)a. how does one (home) differ from the other two?
b. Why would a person choose this type of landscape for their home?
c.

What does it say about the person? etc.

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENTQ.

Is it important to have an Australian landscape as an Australian?

Q.

Alignment with generalized conservation principles:a. How important do they believe preservation/renewal of the natural ecosystem is?
b. Why?
c.

Why not?

d. Is it only relevant to non-urban areas or can it apply to urban environment as well?

Q.

Current behaviour toward Wildlife Renewal:a. What do you currently do to help preserve wildlife?
b. Do you belong to any association?
c.

What could you do to help?

d. Where would you start, who would you see?, Where would you get advice?

Q.

Should/ could people in the cities and towns do anything about wildlife renewal?

a. What could they do?
b. What should they do?
c.

Q.

What could you personally do?

Agreement with Wildlife Renewal:a. Do you agree with the concept of urban wildlife renewal?
b. Are you likely to do anything to help?
c.

What types of things would you be willing to consider doing?

d. How far would you go in terms of urban wildlife renewal?

Q.

Prompts to action for participation in wildlife renewal:a. What would prompt you to do something?
b. Where would you find out what to do?
c.

What organisations are you aware of that may be involved in wildlife renewal?

d. What are the barriers to participation?

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENTQ.

Reactions to a number of different propositions to prompt changes in behaviour.

a.

Gum Trees in Backyards and In Street Tree Plantingsb.

Pet Controlc.

Dense Shrubs, and Patches of Tussocky Native Grass in Backyards, on Median
Strips and in Local Parks

Q.

d.

Replacement Landscaping in a Local Parke.

Getting Information about how to be a Wildlife Friendly Householdf.

Recognition for Wildlife Friendly/Conservation Committed Households

Appropriateness of Following Names for a Program that is going to Support the
Improvement of Wildlife and Nature in Urban Areas.

Q.

a.

Wildlife in the Suburbsh.

Australianb.

Gardens for Wildlifei.

Bush in the Burbsc.

Urban Wildlife Renewalj.

Bush in Backyardsd.

Land for Wildlifek.

City Sanctuariese.

Wildscapingl.

Homes for Habitatf.

Native Animals and Plantsm.

Wildernessg.

Nature Street

Understanding of Relevant Terminology.
a)What is your understanding of the terms:-

Flora,-

Fauna,-

Wildlife,-

Bushland,-Feral,-

Native Animal,-

Ecosystem,-

Biodiversity, and-Invertebrates.

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENTMATERIAL PRESENTED FOR QUALITATIVE COMPONENT- Propositions to Prompt Changes in Behaviour -Gum Trees in Backyards and in Street Tree Plantings
An environmental plan is being implemented for your local area. As part of the plan a corridor of gum
trees (the same as would have originally been there before settlement) will be planted in a broadband of land across the district.

In 10-20 years a continuous canopy of trees will connect parks in your area.

The trees will also be planted in the street where they will not conflict with power lines. In somecases existing trees will be replaced.

Your local council will provide you with young trees and you are invited to plant these in yourbackyard and care for them.

It is expected that within 10 years the trees will have developed enough to encourage possums living
in your backyard. After 20 years the trees could be home to other animals that could be reintroduced
to the parks in your area if the habitat becomes suitable, including koalas or sugar gliders.

•

Why might people oppose such a project?

•

What would it take to make people do their bit?

•

Incentives, penalties, infrastructure support?

•

Does the idea of saving koalas help motivate you?

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENTPet Control
Dogs and cats are known to be a major threat to wildlife living in or near urban areas. In Coffs
Harbour and Port Stephens dog attack is the most common cause of death for koalas. To returnwildlife to your suburb, pets and feral animals must be prevented from hunting native animals.

If your houses are in a known habitat area, you and your neighbours would be unable to keep dogs
and cats as pets due to a new wildlife protection zoning applied to urban areas. This restriction
would be phased in and must be in place within 10 years.

OR

Tight restrictions would be applied. Dogs must be on a leash at all times in public areas and catsmust be kept within your property boundaries and inside at night. Animals would be impounded andheavy fines would be applied to pet owners not complying with the regulations.

•Should people be controlling their pets to improve the chances of wildlife?

•

Would they do it?

•

What would make them cooperate most?

•Incentives, penalties. Infrastructure support.

•

Would you support a pet free zoning imposed in your area?

•

Is it reasonable to restrict pets and their owners in the following way?

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENT

Dense shrubs, and patches of tussocky native grass in backyards, on median strips
and in local parks.
While large showy flowers and fruits attract some birds to our gardens, some beautiful “bush birds”
have become rare in our suburban backyards. These “bush birds” feed on a myriad of small insects
in native shrubs or eat seeds from native grass. To survive in your garden these “bush birds” also
require the protection (from predators and large territorial birds) of dense native shrubbery.

As part of a district wide campaign to increase the numbers of these birds gardeners would be asked
to replace some lawn areas with tussock native grasses which are straw coloured for much of theyear.

Gardeners would also be asked to replace some of their garden plants with dense native shrubbery.
The increase in insects would be accompanied by an increase in other creepy-crawlies such as
spiders (mostly harmless).

•

Would you change your garden to help the campaign?

•

What would cause you to join?

•

Incentives, penalties, infrastructure support.

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENT

Replacement landscaping in a local parkIn the cases where there is a park adjacent to your property which has normally been mown foryears, the Council would plan to stop mowing in the reserve except for the children’s play areas andaround park furniture.

Native trees, shrubs and especially grasses would regrow from seeds stored in the soil. With some
replanting the park would become a mini wilderness of dense understorey and home to native
animals (including insects, spiders, snakes and lizards).

Undoubtedly some “weeds” would emerge and need to be carefully removed. For the first 5-10 years
the council would need to increase spending in the park, but after a while the money saved (by notmowing) would more than cover the cost of keeping the park as a home for native plants andanimals.

•

What do you think about the changes in the park?

•

What do you think about Council spending more money to do this?

•Would you get involved to help or protest against this move?

•

Do you have any concerns about children playing in such a park?

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENT

Getting information about how to be a wildlife friendly household
A NEW GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE WEBSITE to be developed. By submitting the name of yoursuburb and selecting the wildlife you would like to attract to your garden the site will return you a listof trees shrubs and grasses you should plant and show photos of those plants.

The site would also offer other tips for making your garden a good home for wildlife.

At the end of your inquiry you can print a shopping list and the web site will suggest which local
nurseries can supply you the plants.

A PUBLIC INFORMATION LINE TO ANSWER WILDLIFE QUERIES The state government to fund afree call number staffed by experts who can answer the Public’s questions and concerns about
wildlife. This service could refer you to other specialist services such as WIRES, etc.

•

Are you interested in the site making your garden wildlife friendly and would you visit thewebsite to help plan your garden.

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APPENDIX A: QUALITATIVE COMPONENTRecognition for Wildlife friendly/Conservation committed households•

Would you appreciate community recognition for your efforts?

How would you like torecognised?
•

An award scheme.

•

A plaque at the front of your house.

•

A sign in your street.

•

Any other way to recognise people. Would such recognition be important to you?

•

Would you like to network of people interested in renewing wildlife so that you can receive atips and advice perhaps via a newsletter.

•

Would you like to gain access to training?

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APPENDIX B:
QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTWOOLCOTT RESEARCHJULY 2001

Ref: grp1/2001/NPSW/npws2.que-A

Job No: 5234-F

NPWS URBAN STUDY- A

Good …I’m … from Woolcott Research a market research company and I would appreciate it if you
would have some time to help us with our study today.

RECORD TOWN / SUBURB: ____________________POST CODE: _____________________

Q1i

RECORD CITY:

RECORD COUNTRY:

Q1ii

Sydney1

Wollongong

2

Newcastle3

Large / Medium town

1

Small town

2

CHECK QUOTASFirst of all, which of the following best describe the home you live in?
An apartment building

1

A semi detached house, townhouse or terrace

2

A free standing house on a regular sized
suburban block3

A house on a block that is ½ an acre or more

4

Q1iii RECORD AREA TYPE:SYDNEYIF Q1 CODE 1 OR 2 ! High/Medium Density

1

IF Q1 CODE 3! ¼ acre suburban block2

IF Q1 CODE 4! City acreage/ fringe

3

CHECK QUOTAS

Q1iii RECORD AREA TYPE:WOLLONGONG / NEWCASTLE
IF Q1 CODE 3! ¼ acre suburban block1

IF Q1 CODE 4! City acreage/ fringe2

IF ½ ACRE BLOCK OR MORE (Q1 CODE 4) ASK:
Q1iv

Would you describe yourself as a primary producer?
Yes

1

TERMINATE

No

2

CONTINUE

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CHECK QUOTASAPPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ1v

How many acres do you have? _____________ acres

Q2

And which of these statements best describes the outdoor areas around your home? READ
OUT

Q3

I have only a balcony

1

I have basically a courtyard style of garden

2

I have a combination of lawn and gardens

3

I have a garden of mostly native plants

4

I have mostly a bushland setting

5

Other (please specify):_________________________________

6

I am now going to read out a number of aspects and, I would like you to tell me how
important each one is to you in making somewhere a nice place to live. Taking the first
aspect, ..(INSERT)…How important would you say this is to you personally? Would you say
it was extremely, very or, quite important, neither important or unimportant or not important at
all? READ OUT.
Extremely Very Impor- Quite Impor- Neither Impor- Not important
Importanttant
tanttant nor Unimat all
portant

A place that is close to thebeach, or to a river or lake

1

2

3

4

5

A place with parks close by
where the kids can play

1

2

3

4

5

A place that’s not too close tobusy streets or shopping centres

1

2

3

4

5

A place with lots of natural bushland close by

1

2

3

4

5

A place that’s close to shops andschools

1

2

3

4

5

A place where you could live
close to native animals and birds

1

2

3

4

5

A place that’s close to lots of cafes, restaurants and bars

1

2

3

4

5

A relaxing place where you’dhear the sounds of lots of birds

1

2

3

4

5

A place that’s leafy & green withlots of tree lined streets and
parks

1

2

3

4

5

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ4As I read out these different types of flowers and plants and I would like you to tell me which
ones you would like to have in your garden. READ OUT

Q5

Yes

No

Never heard of it

Azaleas1

2

3Camellias

1

2

3

Palms

1

2

3

Roses
Wattle trees

1
1

2
2

3
3

Grevilleas

1

2

3

Kangaroo Paw

1

2

3

Liquidambars

1

2

3

Gumtrees123Banksia1

2

3

Bottle Brush
Daisies

1
1

2
2

3
3

As I read out a list of animals, I would like you to tell me how much you would like to havethat type of animal living in your backyard or around your home. Even though you may thinkthat it is unlikely or impossible for that animal to live around your home I would still like you tocomment as if it would be possible. Taking the first one…..INSERT…, How much would you
like to have that type of animal in your backyard? Would you like it a lot, a little or would you
not like it at all? READ OUT.
Like it a lot

A little

Not like it at all

Snakes1

2

3

Possums

1

2

3

Butterflies

1

2

3

Spiders1

2

3

Lorikeets

1

2

3

Bats

1

2

3

Koalas1

2

3

Small birds like wrens and finches

1

2

3

Caterpillars

1

2

3

Blue tongue lizards

1

2

3

Magpies

1

2

3

Moths

1

2

3

Kookaburras

1

2

3

Cockatoos

1

2

3

Frogs

1

2

3

Earth worms

1

2

3

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ6

I am going to read out a number of statements and as I read each one I’d like you to tell me
how important this issue is to you personally despite whether or not you have a garden…
Lets take the first statement, how important is it to you personally to have a……..would you
say that is important or unimportant to you.
IF IMPORTANT: Would that be extremely important, very important or quite important?
IF UNIMPORTANT: Would that be quite unimportant, very unimportant or extremely
unimportant?
Extremely
important

Very important

Quite important

Neither
importantnor unimportant

Quite unimportant

Very unimportant

Extremely
unimportant

A home that is safe
from the threat ofsnakes and spiders

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden with birds
that are really admired by visitors

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden whose appearance is in keeping with myneighbours

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden that makes
you feel that you areat one with nature

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Being someone who
is recognised as
knowing a lot about,and caring for theenvironment

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A home where there
is no chance of falling trees

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A local park that has
big lawn areas where
you can play outdoor
games

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

An expensive garden
designed by a top
landscaper

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden with native
birds and animals
which you could feed

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTExtremely
important

Very important

Quite important

Neither
importantnor unimportant

Quite unimportant

Very unimportant

Extremely
unimportant

Being in an outdoor
environment where
you feel relaxed,peaceful, and totally
stress free

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A native garden thatpeople will think isright for Australia

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A backyard that isgood for entertaining
people

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden that expresses my own individuality

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden that will beadmired by otherpeople

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden that is neatand tidy

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ7

I would now like to read out these same statements in pairs and I would like you to tell me
which aspect would be more important to you personally despite whether or not you have agarden.
For example, which is more important to you …(INSERT) or …? And is that much more
important, slightly more important or are they equally important as each other to you.
Much
SlightlySame/more impor- more impor- equally imtant
tantportant

Slightly Much more
more
importantimportant

A home that is safe
from the threat of

A home where

"

"

"

"

"

snakes and spiders

there is no chanceof falling trees

A native garden thatpeople will think isright for Australia

"

"

"

"

"

A garden that isneat and tidy

A garden that will beadmired by otherpeople

"

"

"

"

"

An expensive garden designed by a
top landscaper

A garden whose appearance is in keeping with myneighbours

"

"

"

"

"

A backyard that isgood for entertaining people

A local park that has
big lawn areas where
you can play outdoor
games

"

"

"

"

"

Being in an outdoor
environment where
you feel relaxed,peaceful and totally
stress freeA garden with native
birds and animals
which you could feed

"

"

"

"

"

A garden that expresses my own
individuality

A garden that makes
you feel that you areat one with nature

"

"

"

"

"

A garden with birds
that is really admired by visitors

Being someone who
is recognised as
knowing a lot about
and caring for theenvironment

"

"

"

"

"

A backyard that isgood for entertaining people

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ8

I am now going to read out a number of statements people have made regarding plants andanimals and this time I would like you to tell me to what extent you agree or disagree witheach one. Taking the first statement……(INSERT)……. Would you say that you agree ordisagree with that statement? IF AGREE: Do you agree strongly or slightly. IF DISAGREE:
Would you say that you disagree slightly or strongly?

A totally native bush garden would lookout of place in my neighbourhood
Australian Native Gardens often look
unkept and messy
I would love to be able to feed native
birds and animals in my own yard

Strongly
Agree

Slightly
Agree

Neither
Agree orDisagreeSlightly Disagree

Strongly
Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

Gum trees are dangerous in suburban
backyards, they can fall over and cause
damageThe best parks are those with wide expanses of green grass with plenty ofroom for picnicking and playing outdoor
games
A local park with lots of grass anddense bush can be unsafe for children
Its important to spray your garden atleast once a year to get rid of the bugs
I am all for Australian plants and animals but where I live, there is little I canreally do to help
You can really feel at one with nature in
an Australian bush garden
I would really object if the council
stopped mowing the grass in my local
park and let it go back to natural bush
Possums are a real nuisance because
they can get in your roof
I think formal European gardens lookout of place in Australia
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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

Strongly
Agree

Slightly
Agree

Neither
Agree orDisagreeSlightly
DisagreeStrongly
Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

You can tell a lot about a person by the way
their garden looks

1

2

3

4

5

There are plenty of natural areas for native
animals outside our cities and towns

1

2

3

4

5

Cats are a real threat to our native animals incities and towns

1

2

3

4

5

Australian native gardens require little maintenance or watering

1

2

3

4

5

Where they pose a threat to native animals,
foxes should be gotten rid of

1

2

3

4

5

I’d love to think that my backyard was suitable
for lots of native Australian wildlife
Its unfair to encourage native animals into thebuilt up areas where they could be hurt
Dogs are a threat to our native animals in cities and towns

I believe that half of the parks in myneighbourhood should be returned to
I would like to play my part in helping to bringnative plants and animals back into myneighbourhood
Australian native gardens are not really fashionable these days

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ9

I am now going to mention a number of things people have identified that they can do to help
the environment, how important do you personally feel it is that people …INSERT … Do you
think it is extremely important, very important, quite important, or not important at all.?
Extremely
important

Very important Quite important

Not importantat allPlant more native plants in theirlocal neighbourhood

1

2

3

4

Recycle waste

1

2

3

4

Keep cats locked in at night

1

2

3

4

Use less garden chemicals

1

2

3

4

Use their car less

1

2

3

4

Do not put oil down the sink

1

2

3

4

Help look after native animals inyour local area

1

2

3

4

Compost their waste

1

2

3

4

Support the establishment of more
protected areas for native plants
and animals

1

2

3

4

Get involved in community projects
to help conserve native plants andanimals in your local area

1

2

3

4

Be more energy efficient

1

2

3

4

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ10 Now, I’d like you to tell me to what extent you personally believe that the community should try
to encourage native animals to live in different types of environment or areas.
Taking ….(INSERT), do you think native animals should be definitely encouraged, encouraged
to some extent or not encouraged at all to live here.
Definitely
encouraged

Encouraged tosome extent

Not encouraged
at allSuburban backyards

1

2

3

Local parks with mown grassy areas

1

2

3

Local largely untouched parks/bushland

1

2

3

1

2

3

in suburban areas
Unspoilt bushland

Q11

There are many things people can do to help conserve our native plants and animals. How
likely would you be to … INSERT … Would you be very likely, quite likely, undecided, quite
unlikely, very unlikely? READ OUT.
VerylikelyQuite likely Undecided

Quite
unlikelyVeryunlikely

Plant more native trees and shrubs in

1

2

3

4

5

your local neighbourhood
Get involved in a community project to

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

help conserve native plants and animals
in your local area
Seek out information that would help you
to better understand how to live side byside with native birds and animals
Help look after native animals in yourlocal area

5

Recycle waste

1

2

3

4

5

Support your local council to regenerate

1

2

3

4

5

some of the parks in your area back tonatural bush

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ12 What organisations or places would you go to find out more information on …(INSERT)…
PROBE FULLY Can you think of any other places you’d go to find out information?
Native Plants _________________________________________________________________
Wildlife Conservation ___________________________________________________________
Native animals ________________________________________________________________
Q13a

There are several organisations or groups that people feel should be taking an active part inconserving our native plants and animals in cities and towns. I will read out some of theseorganisations and I would like you to rank them in order according to who should take most
responsibility for conserving native plants and animals. Who should take most responsibility… READ OUT LIST, who should be the next most responsible? READ OUR REMAINING
FOUR COMPANIES and who should be the next most responsible, and so no for each of thefive groups?
Ranked 1

Ranked 2

Ranked 3

Ranked 4

Ranked 5

Government Departments

1

1

1

1

1

Local councils

2

2

2

2

2

Individuals like yourself

3

3

3

3

3

Wildlife and conservationgroups

4

4

4

4

4

Community groups

5

5

5

5

5

Q13b Can you name any Australian Native Animals that are extinct or endangered?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________CLASSIFICATION
Q14

Generally speaking how would you describe your overall level of concern for environmental
issues. READ OUT.
I am extremely concerned about the environment
1
I am very concerned about the environment

2

I am quite concerned about the environment

3

I am neither concerned nor unconcerned about the environment

4

I am quite unconcerned about the environment

5

I am very unconcerned about the environment

6

I am extremely unconcerned about the environment

7

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

Q15a Do you currently belong to any wildlife, horticultural or conservation group?
Yes

1

ASK Q15b

No

2

GO TO Q16

IF YES,
Q15b Which one/s?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q16

During the past two years, which of the following activities have you taken part in to help lookafter native plants and animals in your local area. READ OUT. MORE THAN ONEANSWER ALLOWED
Planting a native plant in your garden

Q17

1

Being involved in an organised community tree planting day

2

Placing a bell on your cat’s collar to warn the birds

3

Providing natural food sources for native birds and animals

4

Putting up a nest box in your yard for birds, or possums

5

Stopped using insecticides in your garden

6

Other: (please specify):__________

7

Thinking about all the different types of outdoor activities, which of the following do you enjoy
doing? READ OUT

Q18

And which would you say you actively participate in on a regular basis, by that I mean four ormore times a year? READ OUT
Q17

Q18

Bushwalks through national parks

1

1

Walking along beaches or riverfronts

2

2

Long bushwalks where you camp out overnight3

3

Fishing44Canoeing

5

5Going on picnics

6

6

Q19 Do you have any household pets? IF YES: What type of pet do you own?

Q20

Dog

1

Cat

2

Bird

3

Fish

4

Rabbit5

Guinea Pigs

6

Other: Please specify:______________

7

RECORD GENDER:

MALE

1

FEMALE2
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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

Q21

Which of the following age groups do you fall into? READ OUT
18-24 years of age

1

55-64 years of age

525-34 years of age

2

65 years of age and over6

35-44 years of age

3

Refused (Do not read out)

745-54 years of age

4

Q22 Do you have any children living at home under the age of 15 years?
Yes

1

No

2

Q23 Which of these categories describes you? READ OUT. ONE ANSWER ONLY.

Q24

Working full time1

Working part time2

A student

3

Unemployed4

Engaged in home duties

5

Retired

6

Other

7

Refused8

GO TO Q25

IF WORKING (CODES 1 OR 2 AT Q25): What is your occupation? RECORD BELOW. IF
NOT WORKING (CODE 3 –7 AT Q25): Have you ever worked? IF YES: What was yourmost recent occupation? Industry:_________________ Position:_____________________

Q25

Q26

What s the highest level of education that you obtained?
Competed primary school
1
Intermediate/school certificate

2

Leaving/higher school certificate

3

Trade course/diploma

4

University degree5

Post Graduate

6

What is the income of the highest income earner in your household before tax? READ OUT
Under $10,000
1$50,000 - $59,999
6$10,000-$19,999

2$60,000 - $69,999

7$20,000-$29,999

3$70,000-$79,999

8$30,000-$39,999

4$80,000-$100,000

9$40,000-$49,999

5$100,000+

10

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ27 What is your country of birth?_________________________
Q28 What is the main language spoken in your home other than English?____________________

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTWOOLCOTT RESEARCHJULY 2001

Ref: grp1/2001/NPSW/npws2.que-B

Job No: 5234-F

NPWS URBAN STUDY– B

Good …I’m … from Woolcott Research a market research company and I would appreciate it if you
would have some time to help us with our study today.

RECORD TOWN / SUBURB: ____________________POST CODE: _____________________

Q1i

RECORD CITY:

RECORD COUNTRY:

Q1ii

Sydney1

Wollongong

2

Newcastle3

Large / Medium town

1

Small town

2

CHECK QUOTASFirst of all, which of the following best describe the home you live in?
An apartment building

1

A semi detached house, townhouse or terrace

2

A free standing house on a regular sized
suburban block3

A house on a block that is ½ an acre or more

4

Q1iii RECORD AREA TYPE:SYDNEYIF Q1 CODE 1 OR 2 ! High/Medium Density

1

IF Q1 CODE 3! ¼ acre suburban block2

IF Q1 CODE 4! City acreage/ fringe

3

CHECK QUOTAS

Q1iii RECORD AREA TYPE:WOLLONGONG / NEWCASTLE
IF Q1 CODE 3! ¼ acre suburban block1

IF Q1 CODE 4! City acreage/ fringe2

IF ½ ACRE BLOCK OR MORE (Q1 CODE 4) ASK:
Q1iv

Would you describe yourself as a primary producer?
Yes

1

TERMINATE

No

2

CONTINUE

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CHECK QUOTASAPPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ1v

How many acres do you have? _____________ acres

Q2

And which of these statements best describes the outdoor areas around your home? READ
OUT

Q3

I have only a balcony

1

I have basically a courtyard style of garden

2

I have a combination of lawn and gardens

3

I have a garden of mostly native plants

4

I have mostly a bushland setting

5

Other (please specify):_________________________________

6

I am going to read out a number of statements and as I read each one I’d like you to tell me
how important this issue is to you personally despite whether or not you have a garden…
Lets take the first statement, how important is it to you personally to have a……..would you
say that is important or unimportant to you.
IF IMPORTANT: Would that be extremely important, very important or quite important?
IF UNIMPORTANT: Would that be quite unimportant, very unimportant or extremely
unimportant?
Extremely
important

Very important

Quite important

Neither
importantnor unimportant

Quite unimportant

Very unimportant

Extremely
unimportant

A home that is safe
from the threat ofsnakes and spiders

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden with birds
that are really admired by visitors

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden whose appearance is in keeping with myneighbours

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden that makes
you feel that you areat one with nature

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Being someone who
is recognised as
knowing a lot about,and caring for theenvironment

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTExtremely
important

Very important

Quite important

Neither
importantnor unimportant

Quite unimportant

Very unimportant

Extremely
unimportant

A home where there
is no chance of falling trees

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A local park that has
big lawn areas where
you can play outdoor
games

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

An expensive garden
designed by a top
landscaper

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden with native
birds and animals
which you could feed

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Being in an outdoor
environment where
you feel relaxed,peaceful, and totally
stress free

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A native garden thatpeople will think isright for Australia

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A backyard that isgood for entertaining
people

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden that expresses my own individuality

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden that will beadmired by otherpeople

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A garden that is neatand tidy

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ4

I would now like to read out these same statements in pairs and I would like you to tell me
which aspect would be more important to you personally despite whether or not you have agarden.
For example, which is more important to you …(INSERT) or …? And is that much more
important, slightly more important or are they equally important as each other to you.
Much
more
important

Slightly
moreimportantSame/equallyimportant

Slightly
moreimportant

Much more
important

A home that is safe
from the threat of

A home where

"

"

"

"

"

snakes and spiders

there is no chanceof falling trees

A native garden thatpeople will think isright for Australia

"

"

"

"

"

A garden that isneat and tidy

A garden that will beadmired by otherpeople

"

"

"

"

"

An expensive garden designed by a
top landscaper

A garden whose appearance is in keeping with myneighbours

"

"

"

"

"

A backyard that isgood for entertaining people"

Being in an outdoor
environment where
you feel relaxed,peaceful and totally
stress free"A garden that expresses my own
individuality

A local park that has
big lawn areas where
you can play outdoor
games
A garden with native
birds and animals
which you could feed

"
"

"
"

"
"

"
"

A garden that makes
you feel that you areat one with nature

"

"

"

"

"

A garden with birds
that is really admired by visitors

Being someone who
is recognised as
knowing a lot about
and caring for theenvironment

"

"

"

"

"

A backyard that isgood for entertaining people

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

Q5

Now, thinking specifically about gardens around people’s homes, which of the following words
or phrases would you use to describe a garden with mown lawn areas with garden beds
containing mainly Australian native plants. You may choose as many or as few as you like.

Q6

And which words would you use to describe a garden with a mown lawn area combined withgarden beds containing plants like Roses, Azaleas and Camellias?
Q5

Q6

Attractive

1

1

Dull

2

2

Messy

3

3

Soft

4

4

Colourful

55

Fashionable

66

In keeping with my neighbourhood

7

7

Right for Australia

88Natural

9

9

Thick

10

10

Neat and tidy

11

11

A place for snakes and spiders

12

12

Relaxing

13

13

A garden that would be admired by people passing by

14

14

Adds to the value of the property

15

15

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ7

I am now going to read out a number of statements people have made regarding plants andanimals and this time I would like you to tell me to what extent you agree or disagree witheach one. Taking the first statement……(INSERT)……. Would you say that you agree ordisagree with that statement? IF AGREE: Do you agree strongly or slightly. IF DISAGREE:
Would you say that you disagree slightly or strongly?

A totally native bush garden would lookout of place in my neighbourhood
Australian Native Gardens often look
unkept and messy
I would love to be able to feed native
birds and animals in my own yard

Strongly
Agree

Slightly
Agree

Neither
Agree orDisagreeSlightly Disagree

Strongly
Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

Gum trees are dangerous in suburban
backyards, they can fall over and cause
damageThe best parks are those with wide expanses of green grass with plenty ofroom for picnicking and playing outdoor
games
A local park with lots of grass anddense bush can be unsafe for children
Its important to spray your garden atleast once a year to get rid of the bugs
I am all for Australian plants and animals but where I live, there is little I canreally do to help
You can really feel at one with nature in
an Australian bush garden
I would really object if the council
stopped mowing the grass in my local
park and let it go back to natural bush

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

Strongly
Agree

Slightly
Agree

Neither
Agree orDisagreeSlightly
DisagreeStrongly
Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

You can tell a lot about a person by theway their garden looks

1

2

3

4

5

There are plenty of natural areas for native animals outside our cities and
towns

1

2

3

4

5

Cats are a real threat to our native animals in cities and towns

1

2

3

4

5

Australian native gardens require little
maintenance or watering

1

2

3

4

5

Where they pose a threat to native animals, foxes should be gotten rid of

1

2

3

4

5

Possums are a real nuisance because
they can get in your roof
I think formal European gardens lookout of place in Australia
I’d love to think that my backyard was
suitable for lots of native Australian
wildlife
Its unfair to encourage native animals
into the built up areas where they could
be hurt
Dogs are a threat to our native animals
in cities and towns
I believe that half of the parks in myneighbourhood should be returned tobushland to provide a home for native
animals

I would like to play my part in helping tobring native plants and animals backinto my neighbourhood
Australian native gardens are not reallyfashionable these days

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

Q8What does the term “environment” mean to you personally? PROBE FULLY___________________________________________________________________________

Q9

What do you believe are the greatest problems facing our natural environment today? PROBE
FULLY_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q10

I will read out some issues that people have identified as having an impact on ourenvironment and as I read out each one, I’d like you to tell me how much of an impact you
personally think it is having on our environment. Taking the first issue (INSERT)…would you
say that it is having an extreme impact, some impact, only a little impact or no impact at all?
What about the next issue …?
An extreme
impactSome
impactOnly a little
impactNo impact
at allPollution

1

2

3

4

Increasing number of endangered
species

1

2

3

4

Global warming

1

2

3

4

Degradation of waterways and land

1

2

3

4

Greenhouse gas emissions

1

2

3

4

Loss of native plants and animals from

1

2

3

4

our cities and towns
Destruction of native habitats

1

2

3

4

Land clearing

1

2

3

4

quality

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ11 I am now going to read out these same issues and I would like you to tell me which one is ofgreatest concern to you personally, which is the next biggest issue of concern to you andwhich is the least issue of concern. READ OUT.
An extreme
impactSome
impactOnly a little
impactNo impact
at allPollution

1

2

3

4

Increasing number of endangered
species

1

2

3

4

Global warming

1

2

3

4

Degradation of waterways and land

1

2

3

4

Greenhouse gas emissions

1

2

3

4

Loss of native plants and animals from

1

2

3

4

our cities and towns
Destruction of native habitats

1

2

3

4

Land clearing

1

2

3

4

quality

Q12 I am now going to mention a number of things people have identified that they can do to help
the environment, how important do you personally feel it is that people …INSERT … Do you
think it is extremely important, very important, quite important, or not important at all.?
Extremely
importantVeryimportant

Quite
important

Not importantat allPlant more native plants in theirlocal neighbourhood

1

2

3

4

Recycle waste

1

2

3

4

Keep cats locked in at night

1

2

3

4

Use less garden chemicals

1

2

3

4

Use their car less

1

2

3

4

Do not put oil down the sink

1

2

3

4

Help look after native animals inyour local area

1

2

3

4

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTExtremely
importantVeryimportant

Quite
important

Not importantat allCompost their waste

1

2

3

4

Support the establishment of more
protected areas for native plants
and animals

1

2

3

4

Get involved in community projects
to help conserve native plants andanimals in your local area

1

2

3

4

Be more energy efficient

1

2

3

4

Q13

Now, I’d like you to tell me to what extent you personally believe that the community should
try to encourage native animals to live in different types of environment or area.
Taking … (INSERT), do you think native animals should be definitely encouraged,
Definitely
encouraged

Encouraged
to some extent

Not encouraged
at allSuburban backyards

1

2

3

Local parks with mown grassy areas

1

2

3

Local largely untouched parks/bushland

1

2

3

1

2

3

in suburban areas
Unspoilt bushland

encouraged to some extent or not encouraged at all to live here.

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTQ14There are many things people can do to help conserve our native plants and animals. How
likely would you be to … INSERT … Would you be very likely, quite likely, undecided, quite
unlikely, very unlikely? READ OUT.
VerylikelyQuite
likelyUndecided

Quite
unlikelyVeryunlikely

Plant more native trees and shrubs in

1

2

3

4

5

your local neighbourhood
Get involved in a community project to

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

help conserve native plants and animals
in your local area
Seek out information that would help you
to better understand how to live side byside with native birds and animals
Help look after native animals in yourlocal area

5

Recycle waste

1

2

3

4

5

Support your local council to regenerate

1

2

3

4

5

some of the parks in your area back tonatural bush

CLASSIFICATION
Q15

Generally speaking how would you describe your overall level of concern for environmental
issues. READ OUT.
I am extremely concerned about the environment
1
I am very concerned about the environment

2

I am quite concerned about the environment

3

I am neither concerned nor unconcerned about the environment

4

I am quite unconcerned about the environment

5

I am very unconcerned about the environment

6

I am extremely unconcerned about the environment

7

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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

Q16a Do you currently belong to any wildlife, horticultural or conservation group?
Yes

1

ASK Q16b

No

2

GO TO Q17

IF YES,
Q16b Which one/s?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q17

During the past two years, which of the following activities have you taken part in to help lookafter native plants and animals in your local area. READ OUT.

MORE THAN ONEANSWER ALLOWED
Planting a native plant in your garden

Q18

1

Being involved in an organised community tree planting day

2

Placing a bell on your cat’s collar to warn the birds

3

Providing natural food sources for native birds and animals

4

Putting up a nest box in your yard for birds, or possums

5

Stopped using insecticides in your garden

6

Other: (please specify):__________

7

Thinking about all the different types of outdoor activities, which of the following do you enjoy
doing? READ OUT

Q19

And which would you say you actively participate in on a regular basis, by that I mean four ormore times a year? READ OUT
Q18

Q19

Bushwalks through national parks

1

1

Walking along beaches or riverfronts

2

2

Long bushwalks where you camp out overnight3

3

Fishing44Canoeing

5

5Going on picnics

6

6

Q20 Do you have any household pets? IF YES: What type of pet do you own?

Q21

Dog

1

Cat

2

Bird

3

Fish

4

Rabbit5

Guinea Pigs

6

Other: Please specify:______________

7

RECORD GENDER:

MALE

1

FEMALE2
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APPENDIX B: QUANTITATIVE COMPONENT

Q22Which of the following age groups do you fall into? READ OUT
18-24 years of age

1

55-64 years of age

525-34 years of age

2

65 years of age and over6

35-44 years of age

3

Refused (Do not read out)

745-54 years of age

4

Q23 Do you have any children living at home under the age of 15 years?
Yes

1

No

2

Q24 Which of these categories describes you? READ OUT. ONE ANSWER ONLY.

Q25

Working full time1

Working part time2

A student

3

Unemployed4

Engaged in home duties

5

Retired

6

Other

7

Refused8

GO TO Q26

IF WORKING (CODES 1 OR 2 AT Q25): What is your occupation? RECORD BELOW. IF
NOT WORKING (CODE 3 –7 AT Q25): Have you ever worked? IF YES: What was yourmost recent occupation? Industry:_________________ Position:_____________________

Q26

Q27

What s the highest level of education that you obtained?
Competed primary school
1
Intermediate/school certificate

2

Leaving/higher school certificate

3

Trade course/diploma

4

University degree5

Post Graduate

6

What is the income of the highest income earner in your household before tax?
READ OUT
Under $10,000

1$50,000 - $59,999

6$10,000-$19,999

2$60,000 - $69,999

7$20,000-$29,999

3$70,000-$79,999

8$30,000-$39,999

4$80,000-$100,000

9$40,000-$49,999

5$100,000+

10

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