Improving the quality of local drinking water and enhancing the health of rivers and streams was a key finding contained in the 2011 Bathurst Community Survey.

Details of the survey will be revealed tomorrow night at Bathurst Regional Council’s first policy committee meeting for the year.

The annual survey includes questions relating to infrastructure, lifestyle, facilities and services, regional priorities, council staff and communications and current issues facing the region.

However, it was the issue of water that prompted some 42 per cent of those people surveyed to indicate it as their major environmental concern.

It comes as no surprise to the chairman of Greening Bathurst, Ashley Bland.

He said yesterday more and more residents are realising the state of the local waterways is vital to the future.

“I think it’s fair to say it’s a sign of the times,” Mr Bland said.

“There is a general consensus the quality of the town’s drinking water often isn’t up to scratch. It’s a horrible brown colour, but I know the council is working towards addressing that problem.

“It’s also pleasing to note that residents also believe the council could do more to protect the natural environment, including improving waste management, recycling and planting more trees.”

Mr Bland said the survey reinforces the council’s positive direction, but shows that people are wanting more and more done when it comes to improving the

environment.

“It is also fantastic to know that people are concerned about the local waterways. Clean water is an indicator of the health of our catchment and must always remain a focus for continual improvement for our council,” he said.

According to city treasurer Bob Roach’s report to the policy meeting, the results of the survey are used as part of bigger picture planning for the Bathurst 2036 Community Strategic Plan.

A break-up of the survey notes that when it comes to planning and development more than one in three residents believe roads and infrastructure should be council’s main

priority. This was reinforced by the fact the lowest levels of satisfaction were with the state of rural and urban road surfaces.

The highest levels of satisfaction in regard to the city’s infrastructure were reported for the parks and gardens, while there is

increasing satisfaction when it comes to foot-paths and cycleways and sporting facilities.

It was also noted that satisfaction with council’s level of customer service improved in all areas from 2009-2011.