Results for the 2021 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey have been released.
The main objective of the annual survey is to ask 403 residents to assess the performance of the City of Greater Bendigo across seven performance measures.
This year's survey was conducted from January 28 to March 12, 2021 and Council's overall performance represents a slight improvement on the 2020 results.
The highest score was 70 for customer service in which two thirds of those who had contact with Council had a positive rating of 'very good' or 'good', and 28 per cent rated customer service as 'very good'. Another high score was in waste management which scored 69. The sealed roads category remains significantly better with 61 than state-wide (57) averages.
Young people aged 18-34 were more positive and confident about the direction of Council, compared to people aged over 65 who participated in the survey.
Among people aged 65 years and older, perception of Council performance on community consultation and engagement increased significantly compared with 2020 results.
More than a third (38 per cent) of residents rated the value for money they received from Council in infrastructure and services as "good" or "very good" and a further 37 per cent rated Council as 'average' in providing value for money.
City of Greater Bendigo Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann said Council's overall performance remained consistent.
"The overall performance was up from 58 to 59 and our scores on community decisions and consultation and engagement were in line or above regional centre averages," Mr Niemann said.
"The City continues to perform well in customer service and waste management with strong scores.
"This survey took place after almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and it is good to see that most people who contacted the City reported a strong and positive experience in their feedback.
"Although the survey only takes in a small sample of residents, we are always seeking to improve the way we serve our community and these results will help to guide us."
The Community Satisfaction Survey timeline will change for the remainder of 2021. One hundred residents will be contacted by phone to take part in quarterly surveys rather than once a year.
It should be noted that those surveyed will not be asked for private or confidential information such as bank account or tax details so residents are advised to end a call if asked for personal details.
