The Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey results are in, and Surf Coast Shire Council has rated above the average for comparison councils across the state for all seven core measures.
Surf Coast Shire Council scored an overall index score of 57, which is five points below last year’s result, but above the large rural council average of 55.
Coordinated by the Victorian Government, the annual Community Satisfaction Survey consists of a random phone survey to 600 resident and non-resident ratepayers. It was completed in February 2022.
The survey looks at performance across a range of categories, including value for money, overall council direction, customer service, waste management, sealed local roads, unsealed roads, community decisions and consultation and engagement.
Customer service and waste management achieved the highest ratings in 2022, both receiving index scores of 71, which is above the large rural council averages of 67 for customer service and 65 for waste management.
Overall council direction scored 48, which is one point higher than the average score of 47 for comparable councils.
Other areas for improvement include unsealed roads (50), community decisions (54) and consultation and engagement (54), however each of these areas rated higher than the rural council average and higher than, or on par with, the state average.
Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton said that while some index scores had dropped, it was pleasing that Council consistently rated higher than the large rural council average.
“Thanks to everyone who took part in the survey, it gives us really valuable feedback on areas we’re doing well in and areas where we need to improve.”
“It’s great to see waste management rated strongly, rising from an index score of 62 in 2020 to 71 this year. Our community has really embraced our new four-bin system, which has seen almost three quarters of waste diverted from landfill.”
She said key strategic plans have recently been adopted, or were in the process of being reviewed, to address areas for improvement.
“Late last year we adopted a new Council Plan, which sets Council’s direction for four years, and mid last year we adopted a four-year Road Management Plan, which sets the service standards for roads, and other road-related assets.”
“We have doubled the funding for unsealed roads in our 2022-23 budget. We’ve allocated $2.6 million for unsealed road/shoulder renewal and upgrades this financial year.”
“We’re also currently reviewing our Communications and Community Engagement Strategy to help make it easier for people to engage with Council on all sorts of projects and issues.”
