July 20th, 2023Still no satisfaction

Hepburn Shire Council residents still can’t get no satisfaction with the performance of council, according to the annual JWS Research Victorian Community Satisfaction Survey.
The survey found that the council performed worse than the average of small rural councils in 15 of the 17 services monitored and worse than the statewide average in 16 of the 17 services.
In this year’s overall small rural councils, Hepburn Shire Council was higher than by one point in both customer service and tourism development, and in this year’s overall statewide averages it was higher by one point in tourism development.
A council media release said the council had received “positive results” in the survey.
“The survey found there to be an improvement in satisfaction over last year in overall performance, value for money, community consultation, making community decisions, customer service, overall council direction and waste management.
“Satisfaction fell in relation to sealed local roads, which the Mayor of Hepburn Shire, Cr Brian Hood, said was expected,” the release said.
“The upward trend across a number of measures is extremely positive – especially given there has been a downward trend in small rural councils and statewide. We also acknowledge there is much more work to be done,” Cr Hood said.
The council’s results were: Overall performance – 49 (2023) 47 (2022) 55 (Small rural) & 56 (Statewide); Value for money – 41 39 49 49; Overall council direction – 41 39 47 46; Customer service – 66 61 65 67; Waste management – 64 61 66 66; Tourism development – 62 63 61 61; Appearance of public areas – 60 62 71 67; Recreational facilities – 57 59 67 68; Environmental sustainability – 56 54 59 60; Business & community development – 54 51 55 57; Enforcement of local laws – 53 55 61 61; Consultation & engagement – 46 44 53 52; Lobbying – 44 44 52 51; Community decisions – 42 41 52 51; Slashing & weed control – 39 42 47 46; Planning & building permits – 39 40 45 47; and Sealed local roads – 33 39 44 48.
Held annually and in its 24th year, the survey asks the opinions of local people about the place they live, work and play.
Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/Council/Plans-and-publications/Performance
Words: Donna Kelly