Community Satisfaction Survey

We value the views and feedback of our community and are committed to continuously improving our services and facilities in line with community needs and expectations. So in 2019 we surveyed residents from across the region to understand their satisfaction with our local government services and facilities in 2018. This was an important opportunity to gauge our performance in the eyes of our community.

The survey was administered by independent market research consultants Enhance Research. The consultants made 398 random telephone calls to complete the survey between 5 and 22 February 2019. Survey participants had a demographic spread across age, gender and location to ensure survey results were representative of the whole region.

This was the sixth wave of the bi-annual community survey.

Results

The results of the 2018 survey show that council is performing well across many key services and facilities, meeting all three of our key performance indicators:

• 71% [target 70%] of residents are satisfied with the level of community facilities and services provided by council.
• 70% [target >50%] of residents are satisfied with the key characteristics of their community.
• 93% [target >50%] enjoy living in the Central Highlands region.

Other main findings were:

• Residents are most satisfied with education (66%), signs and road markings (71%), rubbish collection (78%), sewerage (74%) and libraries (76%).
• 3 in 4 residents who contacted council had their query or business adequately answered or resolved.
• Satisfaction with rates paid, value for money and the aesthetics of the region have remained stable.
• Priority areas identified for further improvement (some services are provided by the state government and council will continue to lobby for these on behalf of residents):
  • Public/community transportation
  • Maintenance of rural sealed and gravel roads
  • Drainage
  • Environmental protection and conservation
  • Cultural and entertainment facilities
  • Economic development/local employment

What next?

Results from the survey will help us build on our commitment to provide high quality services, infrastructure and facilities across the region.

These results will help guide key actions and projects within council.