A survey from University of Queensland is looking to gain a clearer understanding of how Greater Brisbane region locals view the importance of ‘water wise’ community efforts.
Led by UQ PhD candidate Sian Chadfield, the survey is hoping to recruit participants for a series of focus groups throughout December and January.
Ms Chadfield said the hope is to facilitate the establishment of a stronger foundation for future collaboration between the groups that make up a water wise community.
“We need all stakeholders on the same page – including businesses, industry, researchers, government, and of course residents from throughout the community,” Ms Chadfield said.
“With increasing impacts of population growth, urbanisation and climate change, there is a growing need for more sustainable approaches to the way we manage water use.
“But very little is understood about the way local residents perceive this concept, which has resulted in a bit of a roadblock when it comes to collaboration with a very key stakeholder in this issue.
“For this survey we want to ask residents what they think is an important starting point to establishing a more water wise community.
“We want to know what they think is getting in the way of achieving this goal and what barriers or opportunities exist to everyday citizens that industry, researchers and government might not see.”
The Public Perceptions of Water Wise Communities Project is looking to recruit everyday citizens from the Greater Brisbane area for surveys and focus groups which will be held online.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning why water wise communities are so important and what stakeholders they involve,” Ms Chadfield said.
“You might be an everyday citizen looking to learn more, or someone with an interest in this topic looking to contribute something to the conversation.
“You’ll have a platform to share your views with a sustainability researcher and other local residents – the results of which could play a key role in future research and the transition to a more water wise community.”
If you are interested in participating in this survey, fill out the Expression of Interest form.
Media: Sian Chadfield, s.chadfield@uq.edu.au; Faculty of Science Media, science.media@uq.edu.au, +61 (0)438 162 687.
