2021 Community Satisfaction Survey results published

Published on 05 August 2021

Snowy Valleys Council has received and published the results of the latest Community Satisfaction Survey.

The Community Satisfaction Survey has been completed in 2016, 2018 and now 2021. It is designed to provide Council with a snapshot of community sentiment in relation to the provision of services and facilities as well as organisational direction.

The results are used to inform and improve operational decision making as well as meet reporting obligations as part of Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting framework.

“The overall satisfaction rating for Council has dropped since the 2018 and there is no doubt this is disappointing and is already subject to significant review and reflection going forward,” said Matthew Hyde, CEO of Snowy Valleys Council.

“The results surrounding leadership and future of the organisation had a large impact on that overall score,” continued Mr Hyde. “All surveys are influenced by current events, and the feedback and scoring reflects the heated debate taking place in the community at the time about the lingering Boundaries Commission decision and Council’s future financial sustainability.”

The random telephone survey was conducted from 19 April - 1 May and involved interviews with 400 residents across the Snowy Valleys Local Government Area.

Council’s libraries, swimming pools, parks and sporting facilities were the highest ranked services, with big improvements seen in satisfaction with the maintenance of unsealed roads, footpaths, emergency and disaster management, water and waste services and enforcement of pets and stock regulations.

“The consistent ranking of our services between each survey demonstrates the high value the community places on the services Council delivers, and the work front line staff do,” said Mr Hyde. “But we are not shying away from the work we still have to do to improve community sentiment about being a Council that is representative of the whole region.

“The organisation was tasked with a massive challenge of delivering on the State Government’s directive to form a new Council, and staff have worked hard to deliver to the community regardless of external impacts of bushfires, COVID-19 and community sentiment regarding amalgamation.

“The priority of Council is to work in partnership with the community to be an organisation that it supports and is proud of.

“I encourage the community to participate in shaping the future priorities and direction for the next term of Council through consultation opportunities, including current consultation on Special Rate Variation options and reviewing the priorities in the Community Strategic Plan,” said Mr Hyde.

The Community Satisfaction Report can be found on Council’s website.

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