Council to kick off 2020 community survey

Published on 12 March 2020

Byron Shire residents are being asked to provide some constructive feedback if they are contacted or approached to take part in Council’s independently-run 2020 community survey, set to kick off on 23 March.

Council conducts a community survey every two years, with an independent research company contracted to randomly contact a representative group of approximately 400 people to get their views on how satisfied people are with Council services and operations.

People will also be asked to identify pressing issues and provide feedback on their experiences and interactions with Council.

General Manager, Mark Arnold, said because the survey is random and representative, it provides valuable information to Council about people’s levels of satisfaction with key services.

“We also find out what residents view as important services and issues and this information is factored into our planning and provided to Councillors to assist in their decision making,” Mr Arnold said.

“It shows us where we need to improve, and because the surveys are done every two years – we can benchmark where we are improving and what is changing in community.

“For example, in 2018 people told us they were most satisfied with water supply, libraries and garbage collection but were least satisfied with local roads, affordable housing and public transport.

“This tells us that Byron Shire is faced with issues that are more common in metropolitan council areas such as affordability and availability of housing, managing population growth and development and the impact of tourism,” Mr Arnold said.

Byron Shire residents may be contacted or approached by Micromex Research from 23 March and asked to do a 15-minute survey.  No personal information will be required and all responses will be anonymous.

To see the results of the 2018 Community Survey go to www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Council/About-Byron-Shire-Council/Community-survey.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.