Indigo Shire has recorded an increase in overall satisfaction with its performance in the annual state-wide Community Satisfaction Survey.
Overall performance increased to 60 points, up from 57 points last year, with almost all demographic and geographic cohorts reporting an improvement in their perceptions of Council in the past year.
Mayor Jenny O'Connor says the results are pleasing, particularly given the unprecedented events of the last year including multiple Covid-19 lockdowns, border closures and ongoing economic and social impacts from the pandemic and the 2020 summer bushfires.
"We are really proud that during a period of such uncertainty and upheaval that our residents have expressed positivity towards Council's performance. We know there are still areas to improve upon, but this is heartening."
The annual survey, coordinated by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions on behalf of Victorian Councils, surveyed 400 residents across the Shire between 2 February and 15 March 2021.
Indigo Shire's overall performance rating of 60 is in line with the small rural group average and on a par with the state-wide average. Residents aged 18 to 34 years are the most satisfied, giving Council a score of 65.
Council performed significantly higher than both the state-wide and small rural group averages in the area of waste management and significantly higher than the small rural group average in sealed local roads.
Cr O'Connor says it was particularly pleasing to see a positive result for waste management given Council's declaration of a climate emergency in 2019 and its ongoing commitment to living and working sustainably.
"These results are extremely important to us and we want to assure the community and those that participated that we are listening. We are certainly buoyed by the positive results, but we also take on board any criticism."
The area where Council's performance fell was community decisions, down one point on 2020, and Customer service which has dropped two points.
"This is consistent with other feedback we're receiving and we will not shy away from addressing these concerns, especially those relating to customer service." Cr O'Connor said.
