🗳️ Gungahlin Community Survey 2025 Results!
We are pleased to share the results of our 2025 community survey, which provides a powerful reflection of resident priorities across Gungahlin, Australia’s fastest growing district.With 1,320 responses and a ±2.5% margin of error, the survey stands as one of the most statistically robust community consultations ever conducted in the ACT.
The findings reflect the voices of nearly 100,000 residents, with a demographic spread of 61.5% female and 34.9% male respondents, and 83% aged between 25 and 64 years. The survey revealed a number of priorities across the community, including entertainment and commercial gaps, transport challenges, infrastructure and safety concerns. Standout issues included:
Key Insights and Community Priorities:
- Economic Development: A resounding 82.8% of respondents believe the ACT Government should implement targeted strategies to attract commercial businesses, signalling strong demand for economic intervention in Gungahlin.
- Transport Connectivity: 74.1% support a trial rapid bus service linking Gungahlin to major employment hubs including Woden, Brindabella Business Park, and Tuggeranong. Traffic congestion in the Town Centre was the top transport concern (52.6%), with 91% of working residents commuting outside the district daily.
- Entertainment Gaps: Cinema delays remain a major frustration, with 74.6% expressing concern over infrastructure delivery failures. Entertainment services topped commercial amenity requests at 67.3%, underscoring the need for a vibrant night-time economy.
- Road Infrastructure: Residents identified key duplication priorities—24.8% for a Barton Highway flyover, 24.1% for Horse Park Drive, and 22.9% for Gungahlin Drive—highlighting mounting pressure on arterial roads.
- Healthcare Access: Over 70% of respondents believe current healthcare services are inadequate, with 46.3% calling for expanded services and a dedicated local hospital.
- Safety and Environment: Dangerous driving and hooning were the top safety concerns (59.7%), while 43.1% advocated for increased police visibility. Environmental priorities focused on practical maintenance, with 63.3% seeking improved nature strip upkeep.
- Planning and Consultation: A significant 85% of residents were unaware of key planning documents affecting Gungahlin. Despite this gap, 88.3% want more community consultation on major infrastructure projects.
GCC Recommendations: In response to these findings, the Gungahlin Community Council is calling for:
- Implementation of targeted strategies to attract and retain commercial businesses to strengthen local economic development.
- Expedited development of the Gungahlin cinema and entertainment precinct to address long-standing gaps in leisure and night-time amenities.
- Investment in recreational and community facilities that reflect resident priorities and support population growth.
- Improved road infrastructure and a trial Rapid Bus service to major employment centres to reduce congestion and enhance connectivity.
- Expansion of healthcare services, including planning for a dedicated local hospital to meet growing demand.
- Increased transparency and community involvement in the planning process, ensuring residents are informed and consulted on major infrastructure projects.
- Boosted public awareness of key planning documents and transport strategies, bridging the communication gap between government and community.
Survey Methodology: The survey ran from 12 May to 31 August 2025 and was promoted through HerCanberra, Region Canberra, Canberra Times, radio interviews, and local political representatives. The strong response rate reflects deep community engagement in shaping Gungahlin’s future.
Further Information: For those keen to explore the details, the Survey Results Presentation Pack and Detailed Survey Data are available. These resources provide a deeper dive into the findings and methodology behind the survey.
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