After a dip in 2025, the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey shows residents have positively received Corangamite Shire Council's response.
The 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey (CSS) reveals an increase in community perceptions of Council's overall performance, value for money, and decision-making.
Council's Overall Performance index score increased from 58 in 2025 to 63 in 2026 - a statistically significant five-point rise. This brings the data back up to levels seen in 2024. This result remains above the State-wide (58) and Large Rural Shire (53) averages.
The Spending Public Funds index score increased from 52 to 55, suggesting a slight rise in community confidence in the cost-effectiveness of Council services and infrastructure.
Corangamite continues to outperform State-wide and Large Rural Shire averages in most service areas.
Mayor Kate Makin said the increase in indicators across all areas brought Council back in line with results prior to 2025.
"Customer service was one of the Shire's strongest attributes for the eighth consecutive year, alongside engagement and consultation, with each nominated by 13% of respondents.
"This is a positive outcome, particularly given 15% of respondents last year said community consultation was an area for improvement.
"Community consultation increased from 54 to 64, which was a 10-point increase and the highest rise across all core measures. This reflects Council's efforts to ensure the community feels heard".
Waste management increased to three points to a five-year high of 74.
Sealed local streets rose four points to 46 but there is still room for improvement to reach the 2021 high of 50.
"Road conditions and maintenance continue to be the most frequently identified area for improvement, showing further attention and action are required in this area," Cr Makin said.
Cr Makin said the annual survey ensured Council's priorities aligned with community expectations.
"Thanks to the 404 people who took part in interviews during February and March.
"This is one of the main benchmarks Council uses to make sure we have the community's trust and confidence."
The full report can be found here.
TOP PERFORMING SERVICES
Libraries (75): Improved by four points to lead all service areas in 2026, with strong support across all residents.
Waste Management (74): Improved by three points to a five-year high.
Emergency and Disaster Management (72): Well above State-wide (63) and Large Rural Shire (67) averages.
Keeping the Community Informed (71): A nine-point increase to move from a low performing service in 2025. Well above State-wide and Large Rural Shire averages (both 60).
Appearance of Public Areas (71) and Recreational Facilities (70) also scored well, reflecting high community satisfaction with public amenity and infrastructure.
LOW PERFORMING SERVICES:
General Town Planning Policy (55) and Planning and Building Permits (52) both remain low performing, despite both increasing by five points and four points respectively. These results potentially reflect ongoing community dissatisfaction with planning processes, red tape, and responsiveness.
Roadside Slashing and Weed Control (46): Declined by two points and sits below the Large Rural Shire (49) average.
Unsealed Roads (38): Continues to be the most underperforming area. Despite an increase of two points on the prior year, and being roughly comparable to the Large Rural Shires (41) and Statewide averages (42), it remains at a low score following significant declines in prior years.
