Shire residents pleased with progress

The Shire of Capel has released the results of its latest community perception survey and community scorecard, showing most are pleased with the progress over the past three years.

The surveys received 1413 responses with perceptions rising in 44 of 48 benchmarked areas. The last survey was conducted in October 2017.

Shire President Cr Michael Southwell said he was encouraged by the results of the survey which showed the new council was on the right track and performing well.

Cr Southwell said the Shire’s finances are in good shape following 0% rates increase last year. This demonstrates that it’s possible to improve services and facilities with prudent management of resources without continually raising rates above inflation.

“Levels of satisfaction have risen in the key areas of ‘value for money from council rates’ from 38% to 51% and ‘The Shire of Capel as the organisation that governs the local area’ from 52% to 56%.  Those who endorse the Shire of Capel as a place to live rose to 83% from 74% in 2017 and just 64% in 2013,” he said.

“It shows that the renewal of Council has been a good thing and the changes we are making are being embraced by the community,” Cr Southwell said.

“We are dedicated to unlocking the fabulous potential of the 27 kilometres of beautiful coastline in our Shire and are currently working on plans to improve access to our beaches.”

“Peppermint Grove beach is the jewel in our coastal crown, but very few people from outside the Shire even know it is there, let alone visit.”

Capel Council has experienced a period of change and renewal recently.

“Like every organisation which tries to achieve change, we have had some challenges and a few critics”, Cr Southwell said,

“I’ll keep listening to the overwhelming majority of people, who like what we have done and I’m sure are going to love what we plan to do.”

ENDS