The results from the annual Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey have delivered improvements in several key areas for Golden Plains Shire Council, while flagging further room for improvement in other areas.
Council’s score for ‘overall council direction’ improved by four percent from the 2016 result, while the score for ‘making community decisions’ also improved by four percent.
The score for overall performance of Council remained steady from last year.
Mayor Cr Des Phelan noted the improvements revealed by the Community Satisfaction Survey.
“It’s pleasing that our work to engage and consult with residents has been recognised in this way,” said Cr Phelan.
“With a new 2017-2021 Council Plan to be adopted at the June Council meeting following extensive community consultation, we have made a commitment to Golden Plains residents to listen and engage more, and these survey results will be examined at length.
“More than half of residents also rate Council’s customer service as good or very good.
“However, Council acknowledges that there remains room for improvement in some key result areas such as local roads maintenance.
“Local roads were raised as an area requiring attention, and we know that our residents want improved maintenance on the local road network.
“This is a concern for Council as we operate with constrained resources due to rate capping, and deal with the impact of heavier freight vehicles and above-average rainfall.
“Last year was the wettest since 2011 with around 20% higher than average rainfall. This has an impact on sealed roads, as heavy rainfall can exacerbate existing damage to the road pavement.
“The reliance of our communities on arterial roads such as the Midland Highway and Hamilton Highway means that we also receive negative feedback on these roads, which are VicRoads responsibility.
“We certainly acknowledge that we need to do better on local road maintenance, and will be examining our works program to see where improvements can be made,” said Cr Phelan.
Research for the Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey was conducted on behalf of Golden Plains Shire Council during the first quarter of 2017.