Still 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

Chrissy says the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan is another initiative with which they’re involved, and they’re inviting the wider community to have input.

“With the Reconciliation Action Plan we’re working with Reconciliation Australia and we’re currently at the reflective stage of the process,” Chrissy said.

She is encouraging anyone interested in getting involved in the development of the plan to get in contact through the local neighbourhood centre.

“We’re just beginning on the development of our Reconciliation Action Plan and we’re encouraging everyone in our shire who wants to be involved, particularly any First Nations Peoples, to participate. It’s the start of a journey for us.”

Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Contributed

Words in Winter