The Shire plans to conduct consultations with residents and road users in the 'Back Streets' area of Derby to address road safety concerns. The result will be the development of an Action Plan for improvements that can be implemented in the future and to educate the local community. This project relates to an area of Derby known as ‘the backstreets’, incorporating Marmion Street, Rowan Street, Kunamarra Street, Baobab Street, Barnett way and McGovern way (the area bounded by the red line below on the map attached). The consultation sessions will occur in the Old Warimba Deli site, which is located within this area, marked by the red pin.
The population in this area are 80-90% Aboriginal people, with most residents being families with school aged children.
The ‘Backstreets’ area of Derby is known to be an area of high socio-economic disadvantage, with high levels of social housing, house overcrowding, alcohol and other drugs issues, and low levels of income, employment and school attendance.
Outcome:Action Plan
1. Build local capability and capacity Expanded Community Feedback on Local Road Safety Issues. A total of 88 official surveys were collected across all engagement activities (youth mural workshop, SDWK internal session, community event, online survey, and the Community Expo), providing a broad snapshot of community perspectives and concerns.
2. Change attitudes and behaviours Enhanced Community Participation in Road Safety Conversations. Over 60 community members of all ages participated in the local community event, contributing to broader community awareness and discussion around local road safety challenges, particularly in the 'Backstreets' area.
3. Enhance street environment Increased Visibility of Road Safety Concerns in Public Places. Use of creative engagement (mural, prizes, food, and surveys) encouraged more approachable and inclusive dialogue, especially for youth and families who may not typically engage in formal consultation processes.
4. Trial a collaborative model Strengthened Local Partnerships and Use of Community Spaces. Activation of spaces like the local youth centre, 117 Rowan Street (Old Deli), and the Derby Airport showcased collaborative use of venues and strengthened visibility of the project across different areas of the community.
