Pioneering study to see what Wollongong residents think about the escarpment

Sep 07, 2006

The Illawarra Escarpment is part of the everyday activities of Wollongong residents. Indeed, so much so, that nobody has documented carefully or extensively how different people living in the city think about it.

While the importance of the escarpment maintaining the lives of different animal and plant species have been carefully documented, the value to people has not been studied.

A University of Wollongong survey is about to fill this gap.

“In a context of future planning that envisages increased numbers of people living in the Illawarra, documenting the role the escarpment plays in Wollongong people’s everyday lives is crucial,” according to project organiser Ms Pat Macquarie who is embarking on the survey this week as part of her PhD studies in UOW’s School of Earth and Environmental Studies.

The survey will be asking Wollongong people about their thoughts and everyday interactions with the Illawarra Escarpment.

Ms Macquarie said the survey was a first step in a study that aims to assess how the escarpment is currently valued by Wollongong residents.

Surveys will be distributed by letterbox drop to 5,000 households within the Wollongong local government area. They will be randomly distributed in three sample areas in northern, central and southern Wollongong. Not every household in each sample area will receive a survey therefore researchers are relying on a good response from those who do receive a survey.

“Completing a survey will help to represent the range of experiences and opinions about the escarpment,” Ms Macquarie said.

The questionnaire is short, anonymous and easy to complete – just two pages, and can be completed in 5-10 minutes.

“So this is your chance to have your say,” Ms Macquarie said.

A later stage of the project will be in-depth interviews. If anyone is interested in being interviewed in a relaxed conversation with a researcher at a location of one’s choice then complete and return the interview volunteer form accompanying the survey or contact Ms Macquarie at 4221 3721or email pcm496@uow.edu.au

The project is being supervised by Professor Lesley Head and Associate Professor Gordon Waitt of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Media please note: For further information contact Pat Macquarie on 4221 3721 or 0407 207 508.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128