Council’s 2023 community satisfaction results now published

Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2023 community satisfaction survey results have been made public providing insight into perceptions of service delivery and performance against averages across the Local Government sector. 

The overall trend of the report shows that community perceptions of performance have declined on average across all Large Rural councils. While local figures reflect this general trend, Baw Baw Shire Council remains mainly on track or above the Large Rural averages. 

For the second year, Council has a received higher than average Large Rural Group rating in the key service areas of Art Centres and libraries (index score 71), Appearance of public spaces (index score 68) and Recreation/sporting facilities (index score 66).  

Additionally, Waste management (index score 68) and Environmental Sustainability (index score 59) are service areas of high community satisfaction, further reinforced with the recent introduction of eco-friendly initiatives including textile recycling programs and chemical waste disposal services for all residents.   

The results also identify that Decisions Made in the Interest of Community (index score 47) and the Condition of Sealed Roads (index score 38) are two service areas where improvements can be made. The increase in average rainfall seen across Victoria has been a contributing factor to the overall condition of sealed roads across the state, and Baw Baw has not been immune to the associated challenges. Despite showing a lower rating than the previous year, these figures are on par with Large Rural group averages, which have shown similar declines.  

“As a Shire that is rapidly growing and evolving, we know that there are service areas that face challenges in keeping pace with community expectations, and this survey highlights areas where we can look to improve in the next 12 months” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Annemarie McCabe. 

“Continuous improvement is very important for us and since the survey was conducted, we have introduced important measures to better consult residents about key local issues including, Meet the Mayor Monday’s, more accessible council pops up and open community briefings”.  

“It is welcoming to see, however, that we are stacking up well against the averages in several service areas,” says Cr McCabe. “We’ve upgraded numerous sporting facilities across the Shire to ensure they are up to standard with female friendly amenities and equipped to serve a wider portion of our community. The Liza Pharoah Pavilion at Western Park, Warragul and the Hallora Recreation Reserve are just two recent examples, and I think our positive ratings reflect well on the success of these kinds of projects. Similarly, our West Gippsland Arts Centre continues to showcase an array of national touring acts and community-driven shows that not only attract crowds but sell out. I think it’s fantastic to see these works represented in positive community satisfaction results.” 

In line with recent changes to the Victorian Government’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey, resident sentiment is now sampled four times a year. National Field Services have conducted 100 telephone interviews with a selection of residents throughout February and March 2022 and gathered data across various measures.  

Residents are reminded that the next round of customer sampling is currently taking place. Through to 17 September residents may receive a phone call inviting their participation.