The survey measures how the community views Council’s performance in the delivery of its services across a range of indicators including overall reputation, value for money, waste services, and facilities and events. The survey is completed quarterly to gain insight into the ways Council can improve the service delivery it provides across the region.
Of the 2022/2023 year to date results, several of the indicators were lower than the positive results achieved in 2021/2022. However, the year to date result for overall performance was 63 which is the second highest result achieved since the beginning of the survey in 2012.
Of the year to date results, the indicators with the highest increases were building control, transfer station, library and annual property rates being fair and reasonable. The indicators with the largest decreases included the condition of sealed local roads, weekly household rubbish collection, sports fields, and the provision and maintenance of parks and reserves.
Five indicators, including leadership, trust, animal management and aged services, support and activities achieved the same result as last year.
Council’s Director Corporate Services, Chris Teitzel, said the decrease in indicators was expected given the recent flooding and the impact it had on roads and infrastructure across the region.
“The October 2022 flood event had a huge impact on the condition of our sealed local roads, with many roads across the region experiencing significant damage. This is clear in the results of the survey, with the indicator score decreasing from 55 to 44,” he said.
“The flooding and subsequent wet weather also impacted our local sporting fields and the provision of maintenance at our parks and reserves. Council is continuing to address the impact of the flood event on our region as we all continue to work through recovery.”
Research resource company Thinkfield undertake the Community Satisfaction Surveys, with 800 surveys expected to be completed for 2022/2023. Due to the impact of the October 2022 flood event, surveys were not conducted in Quarter One, so the total yearly surveys will be distributed across three quarters instead of four.
Mr Teitzel thanked the residents who took part in the Quarter Three surveys and shared their feedback on Council.
“The feedback we receive helps us better understand the needs of residents and what they would like to see from Council moving forward,” he said.
“The Quarter Three feedback shows that there is work to do to ensure Council is servicing the community to the best of its ability. Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey.”
Thinkfield will be conducting Quarter Four surveys from Thursday 1 June to Thursday 22 June 2023. For more information, contact Council on (03) 5832 9700 or via email at council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
