June 22nd, 2020Just can’t get no satisfaction…

HEPBURN Shire Council has recorded its worst ever annual Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey.

Conducted by JW Research, the phone survey is in its 21st year and participation is optional. The survey also produces average ratings for small rural shires and state-wide results.

The 2020 report stated that perceptions of Hepburn Shire Council’s overall performance reached a peak in 2019, only to fall to an all-time low in 2020.

“This is reflected in most service areas, where performance ratings have declined significantly over the past year. Indeed, two in five residents believe that Hepburn Shire Council’s overall performance has deteriorated in the last 12 months.

“Council should strive to maintain and improve performance in the individual service areas that most influence perceptions of overall performance. Council should focus on good communication and transparency with residents about decisions made in the community’s interest, including on business and community development.

“Over the past 12 months, community sentiment toward council performance has deteriorated. Statistically significant declines have occurred across most service performance measures, and across all demographic and geographic groups. Moving forward, it will be important to rebuild positive perceptions of council and demonstrate that council is once again moving in the right direction.”

The report said the appearance of public areas was the area where Hepburn Shire Council performed best in 2020 although ratings of the appearance of public areas is significantly lower than the Small Rural group and State-wide averages.

Tourism development was the council’s next highest rated service area although it dropped from 69 last year to 63 in 2020. But that rating is in line with the Small Rural group and the State-wide average.

Council’s next highest rated service area is recreational facilities, down from 62 to 61, and still significantly lower than the Small Rural group and State-wide averages.

“Hepburn Shire Council rates lowest in the area of slashing and weed control, index score of 37, down a significant 11 points in the last 12 months. Council’s rating of slashing and weed control is significantly lower than the Small Rural group and State-wide averages.

“Decisions made in the interest of the community is council’s next lowest rated service area. Perceptions of this service area have also declined significantly over the last year, by 14 index points.”

Hepburn Shire Council results: