Waste management and customer service were among Northern Grampians Shire Council’s top-performing service areas in a recently released 2026 Victorian Community Satisfaction Survey.

The annual Local Government Victoria survey showed improvement across the board for the council, with a rise in satisfaction ratings in all eight core categories.

The council recorded a five-point increase in overall performance, earning a performance index score of 58 out of 100.

The result exceeds the statewide average for small shires at 53, and is equal to the state benchmark. Other overall satisfaction results for councils across the Wimmera-Grampians region include Ararat, 64; Horsham, 63; and Yarriambiack, 61.

The voluntary survey aims to measure councils’ performance against indicators within a Local Government Performance Reporting Framework, LGPRF.

Independent research agency Klein Research managed the survey in conjunction with fieldwork partner TKW Research.

TKW Research representatives contacted Northern Grampians Shire residents between February 2 and April 3 to collect feedback for this year’s survey.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said councillors and council staff appreciated residents taking the time to participate.

“The survey results help us to understand what matters most to our community and how we can continue to improve local services,” she said.

“The results show our residents’ perception of our organisation along with strengths, weaknesses and areas requiring improvement.”

Cr Hyslop said the survey showed improvement in the area of waste management – 68 points, up six points from 2025 – with customer service, 67 points, also a standout category.

Other core measures to record increases were decision making, 56 points, plus seven from 2025; sealed local streets, 53, plus five; and general direction of council, 53, plus three.

“All of these areas exceed the small shire benchmarks and the majority exceed the state benchmarks,” Cr Hyslop said.

“The results show us that overall, our performance has improved across all headline measures.

“As a new council group, now in the second year of our four-year term, we are excited to see the progress we have helped to make and are motivated to keep that momentum going.”

Cr Hyslop said the council also ranked highly in the area of providing opportunities to give feedback.

“Our score of 58 sits three points above the state benchmark and four above the small shire group, with a seven-point lift year-on-year,” she said.

“Engagement and consultation also emerged as the most frequently raised positive theme in open-ended feedback, confirming residents notice and value how council is involving them.”

The ‘spending public funds’ category showed the largest year-on-year improvement of the eight core measures, climbing eight points to 53, placing Northern Grampians Shire Council two points above the state benchmark and six above the small shire group.

The entire July 1, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!