Page 1798 - Week 06 - Thursday, 9 May 2013
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We have also seen great community engagement online. The Canberra 100 website is averaging 95,000 hits per month, and over 135,000 votes were received for the top 100 things people like about Canberra.
Today the government released two new surveys, conducted by Repucom and the University of Canberra.
The Repucom survey shows that 90 per cent of people believe the centenary program is enhancing community spirit and pride in the community; 88 per cent say it is important for the ACT government to attract and secure significant events each year; and 78 per cent say it is reasonable for taxpayers’ money to be used to stage major events. According to the survey, the events people have enjoyed the most are the one-day international at Manuka Oval, and the women’s open golf at Royal Canberra, both with average scores of 8.1 out of 10.
The University of Canberra survey was dedicated to the big birthday event on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, which was attended by over 100,000 people. We do acknowledge that there were criticisms made of this event, and the survey results reflect mixed views amongst those who went. Thirty-six per cent of people said the big birthday had a positive effect on pride in Canberra; 18 per cent said it increased their sense of ownership; 35 per cent said it had not changed their perceptions of Canberra; and 10 per cent thought it had a negative impact.
We have listened to the concerns raised about lack of food and drink vendors, and toilets, particularly given the heat of the day, and we have learnt from this feedback. But I would also like to acknowledge the successes of the day, made possible through a herculean effort by the centenary organisers, more than 300 contractors, 825 local artists and performers, and a small army of volunteers. The University of Canberra survey shows that most people in the community recognised these achievements. Sixty-six per cent strongly supported the scale and impact of the event; 59 per cent said the event was artistically adventurous; and 41 per cent said the event encouraged strong audience participation.
We should also pay tribute to the great behaviour of the crowd, and I note that the police and emergency services reported no trouble during the day. The great atmosphere we created benefited not only local people but also thousands of people from interstate and overseas who left with great memories of our city. The total number of overseas visitors was estimated at more than 8,000, many of whom stayed multiple nights, and they injected more than $5 million into the local economy.
The big birthday weekend contained many highlights, all accompanied by amazing Canberra weather and big crowds. Highlights included the Enlighten festival; the balloon spectacular; the Black Opal and Canberra Cup race meeting; and the lakeside celebrations, with five stages, roving entertainment, the world’s longest bubbly bar, fireworks and a brand new centenary symphony performed by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
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