Extensive consultation with the community was undertaken as part of the preparation of the Beautification Scheme, including 18 presentations (including 3 public discussion forums) and a mail out to all property owners and tenants within the affected area, and to all ratepayers via the Council's Newsletter. A questionnaire was prepared to gauge public opinion regarding critical issues such as the Howick/William Street intersection, and also to allow for general comments. Council received nearly 1000 completed questionnaires, which is a very pleasing result, reflecting the public's general interest in the project.

Summary of Main Findings from Questionnaire

77% felt it was either important or very important for Council to undertake a comprehensive beautification scheme of the Bathurst CBD. 61% preferred traffic lights at the intersection of Howick/William Street. 17% of respondents supported the closure of Howick Street but felt the beautification works were important. On the question of new mid-block crossings, and whether pedestrians should give way to vehicles, the responses were relatively divided, with a slightly greater proportion indicating a preference for pedestrians to give way to vehicles. Regarding the availability of areas for outdoor dining, responses reflected a higher percentage against outdoor dining, however, this reflected the community's general opposition to road closures and malls, rather than opposition to outdoor dining. 61% indicated it was important for Council to encourage private property owners to undertake improvements to their buildings.· 38% responses disagreed.