Dapto Agricultural & Horticultural Society has received the early results of its community consultation campaign seeking comments on the future of the Showgrounds Dapto. Once COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are lifted, face-to-face meetings and workshops and forums will resume for key stakeholders and neighbours. In the meantime an IRIS survey shows one in four people are supportive of greyhound racing continuing and 80 per cent would like to see a dining and family recreational precinct as a key feature. Read more: The new social media trend we don't need has made it to Wollongong Dapto AH Society chief executive Katrina Novak said community consultation was integral to the future planning activities of the showgrounds and the positive interest and community support received has been overwhelming. "Some months ago, we released "The Groundz" document which outlined a draft vision for the future of the showgrounds," Ms Novak said. "Earlier this year we launched a comprehensive community consultation process, including conducting an IRIS survey that has now been completed. "The vast majority of respondents indicated they would regularly visit "the Groundz" if it offered; a cinema; an indoor and outdoor family eatery; a café precinct; live music and concerts; restaurants and wine bars; and a large outdoor children's playground and parklands." Ms Novak said the IRIS survey also showed that while some local residents supported certain facilities, it was not necessarily related to their likelihood to attend those particular facilities. "In fact, according to respondents, the most important facilities to offer is a large outdoor playground and sports field, yet over 80 per cent of respondents indicated that they are most likely to attend restaurants, wine bars and a café precinct," she said. "Interestingly the member and stakeholder survey completed revealed consistent findings to that of the IRIS survey, highlighting an indoor and outdoor family eatery and a large outdoor children's playground of particular interest." Mrs Novak said the surveys showed that while one in four of those surveyed were supportive of greyhound racing continuing at the showground, more than around 80 per cent said they were extremely unlikely to attend greyhound racing anytime in the next 12 months. She said as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are lifted, face-to-face meetings will resume, and various workshops and forums will be back on the agenda for key stakeholders and neighbours. Chairperson Noel Leslie said planning for the future does take time but "we need to make sure we get it right for the local community, while ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the Dapto AH Society". Read more: We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support. Sign up for our newsletters for the latest news