Murray River Council has released the results of its 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey, providing a valuable insight into how residents view Council's performance, services and priorities for the future.
A representative sample of 300 randomly selected residents from across the Local Government Area took part in the survey, providing feedback across 30 Council service areas.
Overall satisfaction with Council was positive, with 49 per cent of residents reporting they were satisfied with Council's performance over the previous 12 months, compared with 16 per cent who were dissatisfied.
The overall satisfaction mean score was 3.38 out of five. While slightly below the 2019 result, it was notably above the average recorded for regional NSW councils in Taverner Research Group's benchmark database.
Mayor Cr John Harvie said the survey provided Council with an important opportunity to hear directly from residents about what is working well and where there is room for improvement.
"We want to hear from our community; not just when things are going well, but also when residents believe we can do better," he said.
"These results give us a clear picture of the services residents value, the issues that matter most to them and where they want to see greater focus."
Waste management and public amenity services were among the highest-rated areas, with strong satisfaction recorded for kerbside waste collection, bin size suitability, parks and reserves, cemeteries, green waste and recycling services.
Footpaths, community services and cemetery management also recorded relatively high satisfaction compared with regional NSW benchmark results.
The survey identified several areas where residents believe improvement is needed, including development application processes, development information and road conditions, particularly unsealed roads.
Residents cited issues including potholes, road maintenance, development approval processes, communication about planning matters and concerns about equitable service delivery.
Roads were also clearly identified as the community's highest priority for the future, with maintaining and improving local roads and transport infrastructure receiving more than twice the support of any other priority.
Healthcare and aged care services, economic development, water security and housing were also identified as important future priorities.
Cr Harvie said the survey results would not only help inform Council's planning and decision-making, but also strengthen its ability to advocate for the community.
"At a time when local government is under increasing financial pressure, having clear and representative evidence of what our community needs is particularly important," he said.
"The survey gives us stronger evidence to take to State and Federal governments and other funding bodies when advocating for the investment needed to maintain and improve the services and infrastructure our community expects and relies on."
"Our community has told us that roads matter, while also highlighting the importance of health, economic development, water security and housing. Having that feedback captured through a representative survey gives Council a stronger voice when making the case for our region."
Council will use the survey findings alongside other community feedback, data and planning processes to help inform future priorities and advocacy.
The full 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey results are available on Council's website.
