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Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey highlights recreation and roads
Publish date: 3 September 2024
Buloke Shire Council recently received the results for the 2024 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey with its overall performance remaining on par with 2023.
The annual survey co-ordinated by the Department of Government Services, on behalf of Victorian councils, provides insight into community views on areas including overall council performance, value for money in services and infrastructure, decisions made in the interest of the community, customer service, and council direction.
The overall performance index score of 49 for Buloke Shire Council is unchanged from the 2023 result, stemming significant declines experienced in each of the two years prior. This is in contrast to the Small Rural group and State-wide trend, where perceptions continue to decline.
Council performed best in the area of recreational facilities (index score of 72) this year, increasing by a significant four index points from 2023. This is the only area where Council experienced a significant increase in perceptions in the past year with a score higher than both the State-wide and Small Rural group averages on this service area (index scores of 68 and 67 respectively).
The contribution of the local Recreation Reserve Committees of Management in achieving this high score was acknowledged by Council with most of the shire’s recreation facilities run by volunteer committees.
Other highlights included:
Council rated lowest in the areas of the maintenance of unsealed roads (index score of 27) and sealed local roads (index score of 37). Perceptions declined significantly in just one service area in 2024 – Business and community development and tourism with an index score of 57, down four index points from 2023.
Mayor, Cr Alan Getley is confident that the result highlights how Council will integrate these findings to guide future decisions.
“The outcomes of the 2024 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey highlights increased satisfaction in local streets, footpaths, and planning and building permits, all of which are crucial to our community,” said Mayor Getley.
Mayor Getley said most of our Shire’s recreation facilities are managed by dedicated volunteer committees, and their hard work is truly making a difference.
“While these scores are still developing, the progress we've seen is encouraging. A special acknowledgment goes to the local Recreation Reserve Committees of Management, whose tireless efforts have contributed to the higher scores in recreational facilities.
Additionally, we’ve seen increased satisfaction in waste management and the appearance of public areas, all of which are essential to our community’s well-being. These improvements reflect the ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our Shire.”
Emergency and disaster management also rated highly, which is a credit to the dedication of our hard-working outdoor crews and emergency response teams, who provide crucial and timely assistance to our community during critical times."
“Whether it’s business as usual activities or during emergencies, these teams continue to do so much with limited resources. Council is grateful for the output of each member of the team, and they should feel both acknowledged and inspired by these results.
While we are encouraged by the recognition of our strengths, it is equally important to address areas that require improvement. Council will intensify its focus on tourism moving forward and continue improving on our road infrastructure.”
View the comprehensive results document for the 2024 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey.
End release For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, 1300 520 520 or buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au