& Participation in the eight-week engagement period in the ‘Have your say!’ surveys and general discussions with stakeholders at drop in sessions has helped the VPA to develop a better understanding of issues with many participants offering up ideas for what should be done to achieve the Greater Broadmeadows Vision. The Vision proposed for Greater Broadmeadows is: “Broadmeadows will fulfil its destiny as the capital of Melbourne’s northwest – a centre for services, business, culture and entertainment.” Figure 4 – Vision Survey Results The survey results show that the majority of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the vision statement. However, a number strongly disagreed. A range of feedback comments were received including the following: “The vision is taking too long to realise.” “Broadmeadows should be cleaner and safer.” “Quality services and community facilities go a long way to building the community.” “Culture and entertainment sadly lacking.” “Diverse housing options just another excuse for poor quality housing.” “Fantastic to see the potential of Broadmeadows could be reached.”
Survey respondents were generally very receptive to housing diversity and renewal opportunities in the Broadmeadows area. Constructive feedback was also provided on this topic with many respondents commenting that while diverse housing options were important for the future of Broadmeadows, there also needed to be a focus on ensuring such housing options were of a high-quality design standard. This would seek to further enhance Broadmeadows’ amenity and overall appeal. There was however concern about the affordability of housing – both in how to retain its affordability, and how to ensure that affordability does not equate to poor design. Is there anything else you would like to add about what is needed for more jobs and growth in Broadmeadows? A range of feedback and comments were offered, including the following: “The housing is disturbing, the view of housing and streets is not pleasing to the eye and radicalisation needs to addressed.” “Melburnians have a biased opinion about Broadmeadows as the home for the poor, the unemployed and the trouble makers, which I don't think is correct, and hope that this will be changed one day.” “More youth sporting centres and recreational activities needed to prevent youth mindlessness & unsocial activities.” “More night life would greatly enhance business and employment opportunities.” “I am not sure a few dozen offices will solve unemployment problem, we need some unskilled jobs desperately.” “The Federal, State and Local government need to support and encourage local based employment initiatives and business start-ups to engage our local people rather than our local people being marginalized and having to travel for hours outside the municipality to obtain work.” “More places for kids to play and feel safe.” “More high density residential.” “More trees and stuff for us to walk around and have fun.” “I agree that Broadmeadows needs to be a more including environment, which is greener and less industrialised.” “I would be weary of too much public housing given Broadmeadows "poverty" status we need to lift our prospects and image.”