Local Cultural/Heritage Planning Strategy

The Local Cultural/Heritage Planning Strategy (LCHPS) will be formulated to provide a long term planning framework for the provision of cultural facilities, public art and heritage interpretation in the Shire. The LCHPS will form an important component of the Shire's Local Planning Strategy and underpin revisions for a new Local Planning Scheme. This Strategy will commence in late 2008.

Community Provides Insightful Reponses to Cultural Discovery Survey

Earlier in the year the Shire of Busselton conducted a Cultural Discovery Survey inviting the community to contribute its views towards the Local Cultural Planning Strategy.  Nearly 400 surveys were submitted both online and via distribution points throughout the Shire.

The well considered and insightful responses from community and visitor respondents will assist in identifying and mapping existing and future public art sites, places, experiences and activities that are of cultural significance within the Shire. The survey data has been carefully compiled and analysed along with the findings from a series of focus groups to form an integral part of the final Strategy.

The Strategy aims to address issues surrounding lifestyle and community values by incorporating arts and culture into land use planning and supporting existing and additional cultural sites, infrastructure and experiences.

44% of the respondents were aged 12-18 years old and identified music, outdoor activity/events and film as their main areas of interest when thinking about arts and culture in the Shire of Busselton. The Busselton Jetty and surrounds was considered one of the most special places in the Shire followed closely but local beaches.  An example of a few of the thoughtful comments made about why the beaches and jetty were so important included:

"Because it brings me and my dad closer" (Jetty)

 "Because it's good fun and a great way to catch up with friends" (the Beach)

Other areas of the survey illustrated that this age group's focus was geared towards ‘functional art' or appreciation of youth art with a keen interest in venues/sites that could be used for physical activities (specifically sports and water activities).

"Yoganup tiles because they are made by little kids"

"I can see the arts blooming in the city centre"

6% of respondents were aged 18-29 years old and they also held music, outdoors, film and dance as their areas of main interest. Beaches (specifically Meelup and Yallingup) and Parks dominated as special places in the Shire. Some of the reasons included ‘serenity', ‘‘water activities', ‘beauty', ‘nature', ‘fresh air', ‘scenery', ‘family and friends', ‘flora and fauna', ‘atmosphere' and ‘fun'.

"I grew up with my Dad on the ocean - He was a fisherman. It's a part of me"

61% from this age group agreed that public arts add value to the Shire of Busselton and the jetty area was identified as an existing and future public art site.

"Because it's a really big thing and heaps of people buy paintings" (Art in the Park)

"Surf boards seats because they are unique"

The majority of the 23% aged 30 - 49 years old stated outdoor activity/events as their main area of interest followed by film. Once again beaches were the favourite for special places with Meelup topping the list.  The jetty also received strong support along with parks and walk trails/paths.  

Although the foreshore and main streets were considered the most preferred locations for future public art some other suggestions included a dedicated arts centre, on walls, river banks, entry to settlements, schools, Art Geo complex. 83% of this age group said they would attend or participate in more cultural events/activities if there was more variety in the Shire.

Outdoor activity/events and music ranked highest in main areas of interest for 50-64 year olds which made up 14% of total respondents. The 65+ age group (13%) selected history, craft, music and new media as their main areas of interest. As with all other age groups beaches ranked highest for both the 50-64 and 65+ age groups for special places in the Shire, while the jetty and parks came in second respectively.

The Old Courthouse and Art Geo Gallery were recognized as significant public art sites by both groups and the 50-64 year olds identified the Dunsborough wind vanes as one of their favorite public art pieces "Because it embodies significant elements of the cape."

Across all ages, locals and visitors alike there were some strong themes; the bay, beaches and the Jetty were overwhelmingly the most mentioned for youth activities, taking visitors and family fun. The value of the outdoors, public events/festivals and music was significant and the need for more art, an appreciation of ‘everyday' art and the desire for a dedicated arts venue in the Shire was very strong. Visiting markets, libraries, cinema, cycling/walking paths and wineries and restaurants were most commonly attended or experienced.

"It can be dynamic.  Full of movement and interaction around the jetty area, or serenity in some of the more secluded areas.  It has a wonderful feeling of expansion.  It's a wonderful place to just breathe."