60% want the poll after proponents have provided more details

I asked 62 people in Springwood which they would prefer:

• A poll now, based on what we already know, or
• A poll in November, after the developers have provided more details on what they want to do.

40% (25 people) said they would like the poll now
60% (37 people) said they would like the poll in November

Comments people made

I didn't ask people if they had any further comments, but people often made comments anyway.

• Better to wait until November, when people have more information.
• Most people have already decided.
• It should be an "official" (Electoral) poll so everyone has a chance to participate.
• Council won't follow what the poll says anyway. Promises broken in Winmalee to shop keepers.
• Bulldoze everything in Springwood except the church and Oriental Hotel, and start again.
• Scrap the process; waste of money.
• It's Council's job to make the decision.

Most people seemed to be opposed to the developers.

Survey procedure

• I approached people on the footpath in the Springwood town centre on Thursday morning, 28 January.
• I first made sure the person lived nearby (Planning Area 4: Springwood, Faulconbridge, Valley Heights, Winmalee, Yellow Rock, Hawkesbury Heights).
• I then said three developers, Woolworths, Coles, and an independent, were interested in building on Council land in Springwood.
  Everyone I asked said they already were aware of that.
• I then said that Council was thinking of holding a poll on whether we want the development or not,
  and that some Councillors were saying they would go with what people wanted.
• I then said Council is discussing when to hold the poll.
  • They could hold the poll now, based on what we already know, or
  • They could ask the developers for more information, and hold the poll in November when this information is available.
    
• I then asked people when they think the poll should be held.

People were very receptive. Only two said they didn't want to participate.