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Publish Date: 19 July 2022
At its July meeting, Buloke Shire Council expressed their appreciation for the service and dedication Cr David Vis has provided the residents and ratepayers of the Mallee Ward in acknowledging his resignation, endorsed a review of its Governance Rules to be placed for public exhibition, and noted the results of the 2022 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey.
During his nearly six years of service, Cr Vis had a vision to help make Buloke a thriving community to live and visit. A very active member of the Sea Lake Community and passionate advocate for the wider community, he was first elected to Council in November 2016 and was returned in 2020.
Recent amendments to the Local Government Act 2020 require councils to make provision for virtual attendance at Council Meetings and Delegated Committee Meetings. In line with these changes Council’s Governance Rules have been revised in draft form for community consultation, prior to being presented to Council for final adoption.
Council will receive feedback and submissions from the community regarding the Draft Buloke Governance Rules until 27 July 2022. Full details of making submissions are available on Council’s website. You can also access the Draft Governance Rules on the website, obtain a hard copy from Council’s Wycheproof Customer Service Centre, or you can request a posted copy by phoning Customer Service on 1300 520 520.
Council has experienced steady improvement in the annual Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey since 2016, however this year recorded an overall performance index score of 55, representing a seven-point decline on the 2021 result.
The annual telephone survey was conducted by JWS Research, who contacted residents aged of 18 and above at random, on behalf of Council.
The COVID-19 response is the area where Council rates significantly higher than both averages and again recreational facilities and appearance of public areas scored very well. The poorest performing areas were judged to be sealed and unsealed roads.
“Council has focussed on roads investment over the past six years in response to what our community has asked, however we cannot overlook the divide between what current rate revenue and government grants can achieve and what is needed to fund the maintenance of these assets to community satisfaction, particularly in the current economic environment with rising costs,” said Buloke Shire Council CEO, Wayne O’Toole.
“We will continue to work closely with our community with regards to these issues.”
Whilst across the vast majority of service areas Buloke Shire Council’s performance is in line with Small Rural group and State-wide averages, Council expressed frustration at the outcome after many years invested to raise Customer satisfaction. However, acknowledged the geographic feedback distribution this year did not encompass some larger populated areas as previous surveys had, providing another line of insight.
“Councillors were disappointed with the results in this year’s Community Satisfaction Survey,” said Mayor Cr Warren.
“Council has increased its funding into the road network significantly and will continue to do so, as this is core Council business. Once Council has a chance to digest the results, no doubt those outcomes will form the core of the next Council Budget.”
A copy of the 2022 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey can be found by clicking on this link as well as the minutes and other related documents from the July Council Meeting can be found on Council’s website.
An additional Council Meeting will be held this month commencing at 5:30pm on Wednesday 20 July 2022.
For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, 1300 520 520 or buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au.