By Bronwyn Hastings

Hindmarsh Shire residents have rated their council’s overall performance at one of the highest levels achieved in recent years.

The annual community satisfaction survey showed progress in most of the council’s service areas. 

Mayor Ron Ismay said the survey formed part of the picture of how the council identified areas for improvement and tracked progress over time. 

“We also look at other input, like complaints, service requests, in person consultations and feedback received from community members who take the time to tell us when we’re doing something well – everyone’s experience matters,” he said. The council has recorded continued improvement in its overall performance, with community satisfaction increasing to one of the highest levels achieved in recent years. 

While the improvement is modest, it builds on a positive trend over the past three years and reflects steady progress across most of the council’s service areas.

Council performs in line with, or above, state-wide and small rural council averages in most areas, highlighting strong service delivery across the organisation. 

Customer service and waste management remain among the council’s strongest areas, although recent results indicated a decline in perceptions of waste management, which will be a focus for improvement.

Cr Ismay said throughout the next 12 months, the council would prioritise strengthening community consultation and engagement, as well as ensuring decision-making continued to reflect the interests of the community. 

He said targeted efforts would be directed towards improving perceptions in the West Ward, including Nhill, where results were lower compared to other areas.

“This survey helps us identify areas for improvement, and we’ll be working with our West Ward residents to advocate for better funding and attention for local Department of Transport-managed roads and address their concerns,” he said.

Cr Ismay said the council remained committed to building on its current performance, maintaining its strengths, and addressing areas for improvement to better serve the Hindmarsh community.

The survey is conducted annually as part of a mandatory statewide assessment of community satisfaction across councils. 

It asks the opinions of local people about the place they live, work and play and provides confidence for councils in their efforts and abilities. 

Each year the community satisfaction survey data is used to develop a state-wide report, which contains all of the aggregated results, analysis and data.

People can view this year’s results, and those of previous years, at the council website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/Council/Council-Resources/Community-Satisfaction-Survey. 

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