In this issue, Yvonne Laird, from The University of Sydney and Elizabeth Leece, Population Health Program Officer at Western Sydney LHD tell us about their work to enhance walkability in Western Sydney.
What is this project trying to achieve?
Neighbourhoods that support walking are essential for active living. Local councils and other stakeholders recognise that ongoing monitoring and action is critical to maintain and enhance walkability and there is an increasing recognition that public engagement is crucial to inform this action. This formative research explores the potential to engage members of the public in monitoring and enhancing walkability in Western Sydney.
What does the project involve?
Key policy and practice stakeholders will be engaged to explore their perceptions of walkability in Western Sydney, their experiences with and perceptions of different walkability assessment tools and approaches, and their interest and capacity to engage the public in monitoring walkability and identifying priorities for change.
Why we chose a citizen science approach?
Engagement of members of the public in gathering and making sense of data on walkability has the potential to increase the relevance of evidence generated and actions taken, and to increase support and advocacy for action.
Where is the project up to?
We are currently in the scoping stages of this work. We are in the process of interviewing professionals in Western Sydney to explore their perspectives on the potential for using a citizen science approach to monitor and enhance walkability in Western Sydney.