Surf Coast Shire residents and ratepayers may be contacted during the coming weeks as part of the 2026 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey.
Residents and non-resident ratepayers may receive a call to their landline or mobile from an independent research agency, asking for perceptions of our performance across a range of service areas.
This year there will be an option to take part online, also managed by an independent research agency.
A total of 600 people will be surveyed via phone or online between the start of February and the end of March.
The annual survey is commissioned by the state government, with all local governments in Victoria able to participate.
Results are collated and analysed by independent researcher Klein Research.
Mayor Libby Stapleton said our results would be benchmarked against state-wide results and other large rural councils.
"If you're contacted and invited to participate, we encourage you to take part and give your opinions of Council's performance," Mayor Stapleton said.
"The results are expected to be shared mid-year and will give us a good sense of how the community feels we're going, including what's working well and what can be improved."
Survey themes include:
- overall council direction
- local infrastructure, facilities and services
- community consultation and engagement
- decisions made in the interest of the community
- customer service
Individual responses are kept confidential, with only the overall results shared with us.
Researchers will ask for basic demographic information such as age, gender and location, but will never ask for personal details such as name, address or income.
They will seek to gather responses from a representative cross section of the community.
"If you're advised after providing your age or location that the quota for your demographic has been met, we always welcome you to contact Council directly to provide feedback if you would like to," Mayor Stapleton said.
