Have your say on the future of Greater Parramatta

Project Summary:

You are invited to participate in a study conducted by the Centre for Western Sydney at Western Sydney University. This research is based on a recent review undertaken by the Centre on how to develop Greater Parramatta into a Global City. This consultation seeks to complement the report, by gathering community values, views, and visions for the future of the region. Participation in this study will provide you with the opportunity to share what you value in the Greater Parramatta region, what can be improved, and your concerns and priorities for its future. Your ideas will be heard by the NSW Government, with this research directly informing policies, planning and strategies that will shape Greater Parramatta’s future development.

How is the study being paid for?

The research is funded by NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Western Sydney University. The data collected in this research will be owned by the Centre for Western Sydney, Western Sydney Univeristy.

What will I be asked to do?

You will have the option to participate in one or more of three research activities located online within the Engagement Hub site. These include:

1. An online survey: The survey will contain approximately 20 questions, a mix of both open-ended and close-ended responses and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
2. An interactive mapping tool: This tool will allow you to pin feedback and ideas on an interactive map of the Greater Parramatta region to show what you like and dislike about specific locations, or propose ideas on how to enhance existing features of the region.
3. An ideas wall: This tool will allow you to pitch ideas, perspectives and stories relating to the Greater Parramatta region , including (i) strengths (ii) favourite features (iii) vision for the region and (iv) areas for improvement. You will have the ability to vote up or down other ideas and comment on other users’ ideas.

How much of my time will I need to give?

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The interactive mapping tool and ideas wall will take about 5 to 10 minutes each to complete. You can select to participate in one or all three of these tools.

What benefits will I, and/or the broader community, receive for participating?

Participation in this study will provide you with the valuable opportunity to provide insight into what you love about this region, what can be improved, and your concerns and priorities on the future of the Greater Parramatta region. Your views and ideas will be heard by the NSW Government, with the research directly informing policies, planning and strategies that will shape all aspects of the Greater Parramatta region’s future development, prosperity and liveability.

Will the study involve any discomfort for me?

The issues covered in the online research activities are unlikely to cause any discomfort or distress. Within the online platform, you can terminate each of the tools without explanation or discontinue at any time. In the unlikely case that you do experience discomfort or distress as a result of the survey, please reach out to the team at the Centre for Western Sydney to receive a referral to free and independent counselling services: cfws@westernsydney.edu.au  

How do you intend to publish or disseminate the results?

It is anticipated that the results of this research project will be published and/or presented in a variety of forums. In any publication and/or presentation, information will be provided in such a way that the participant cannot be identified, except with your permission. Any personal information collected will be removed from the dataset, protecting your privacy and maintaining your confidentiality in the research.

Will the data and information that I have provided be disposed of?

Please be assured that only the researchers will have access to the raw data you provide. However, your data may be used in other related projects for an extended period of time. This may include other researchers pursuing projects interested in the Greater Parramatta region. The data shared outside of the Centre for Western Sydney research team will be de-identified, and all participants will remain anonymous in the data shared. This data will be retained for a period of five years and requests will be approved prior to providing access to this data to other researchers.

Can I withdraw from the study?

Participation is entirely voluntary: you are not obliged to be involved. If you do participate, you can withdraw at any time prior to the data analysis phase of this research. Once data analysis has commenced, all data will be de-identified, and therefore cannot be located to be withdrawn. Should you wish to withdraw before the analysis of data has commenced, you can withdraw without giving any reason and without any consequences.

Can I tell other people about the study?

Yes, you can tell other people about the study and direct them to the online website https://futureofgpop.com.au for them to get involved. More information is available on this website.; however, they can also contact the Chief Investigator Dr Rhonda Itaoui from the Centre for Western Sydney to discuss their participation in the research project: cfws@westernsydney.edu.au  

What if I require further information?

If you would like to discuss your participation in this study further or gain more details on this research, you can contact the Chief Investigator Dr Rhonda Itaoui from the Centre for Western Sydney to discuss their participation in the research project: cfws@westernsydney.edu.au  

What if I have a complaint?

This study has been approved by the Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee. The Approval number is H14939. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this research, you may contact the Ethics Committee through the Office of Research Services on Tel 02-4736 0883 Fax 02-4736 0013 or email humanethics@westernsydney.edu.au. Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully, and you will be informed of the outcome.