Keilor residents are the ‘most satisfied’ with Brimbank council’s performance, but roads and footpaths remain a big worry, a new survey has found.
Of greatest concern was the council’s commitment to consulting people, followed by the condition of streets and footpaths.
The 2016 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey results were based on 400 local phone interviews conducted last February and March. Results were similar to the 2015 findings, with customer service remaining the council’s best-performing area, despite having declined in its satisfaction rating this year, along with sealed local roads.
The council scored its biggest improvement in lobbying – the best result in five years. Its high marking for overall council direction was driven by favourable ratings from residents of Sunshine and, mostly, men.
Lobbying rated well, despite a quarter of those surveyed saying “don’t know” when asked.
The survey also revealed residents preferred service cuts to rate increases.
Locals aged 18 to 34, those over 65 and women and Keilor residents were the most satisfied with their council.
Residents aged 35 to 49 were the most critical of their council’s performance.
Consultants JWS Research, who conducted the resident surveys, advised the council to take extra care of the condition of local streets, footpaths and sealed roads, and its traffic management.
JWS said the council had 20 different service areas which needed to be improved.
Chairman of administrators John Watson was pleased the community’s confidence in the council has grown.
“These results always provide useful feedback from the community, and will be used to inform council’s community planning processes and both short and long term objectives,” he said.
