RESULTS from the 2022 Community Satisfaction survey have revealed residents of the Southern Grampians Shire think Council have room for improvement in key areas such as roads and engagement.

 The annual survey, coordinated by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions and completed by an independent research company, interviewed 400 Shire residents between February and March 2022 about their opinions of the place they live, work, and play.

The results were officially received by The Southern Grampians Shire Council at last Wednesday’s Meeting and indicated Council’s overall direction was on par with the statewide average at 50 points, however satisfaction with roads (37) and engagement (50) had declined from 2021 (scores of 42 and 57 respectively).

Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, Cr Bruach Colliton, said while the results were slightly disappointing, they solidified Council’s commitment to investing in capital works, roads and infrastructure.

“The Community Satisfaction Survey really provides us with an important pulse check each year to see how we are measuring up to other similarly sized Councils across the State,” he said.

“The local roads satisfaction score has fallen and while that is disappointing to see, I think our 2022-23 Council Budget where we have committed our largest ever total of $30 million to capital works, major projects and importantly roads, will go some way to address this.”

Of the $30m invested in capital works, $4.8m will go towards local road projects, $2.2m to local road reseals, and $2.4m to rehabilitations.

Council also stated $250,000 would be allocated to gravel resheets, $765,000 to bridges and culverts, and $425,000 to footpaths and cycleways.

Cr Colliton said they were aware of locals’ frustrations with road conditions and assured they were doing their best to encourage improvements.

“We know there are key arterial roads within our shire, including between Hamilton and Dunkeld, that are in seriously poor condition,” he said.

“These are VicRoads roads and Council will continue to advocate for better State and Federal Government funding to enhance roads and increase road user safety within the Southern Grampians region.

“Residents are encouraged to check our Roads Register on the Council website and continue to report issues as they arise to the relevant authority.

“Residents can report concerns or issues with VicRoads roads via a link that is accessible on our website.”

The score of 50 for engagement and consultation was also down significantly from last year’s score of 57, but was comparative to other large rural shires (51).

Southern Grampians Shire Council chief executive officer, Tony Doyle, said Council would continue to look for new ways to reach out to residents despite facing challenges.

“There’s no doubt, Council and our community has faced widespread challenges over the past few years which has limited the way we have been able to engage with residents, restricting contact to online engagement which we acknowledge is not for everyone,” he said.

“However, since the survey was undertaken earlier in 2022, we have worked hard to reconnect with our communities including getting back out to all our outer townships via our successful Listening Post program which will continue throughout the year and through successful events like IDAHOBIT Day, Harmony Day and our New Residents Function.

“A new online newsletter has also been launched to help keep residents informed, and our Council meetings, which continue to be livestreamed and recorded, ensure locals have direct access to Council decisions in real time.”

Council’s COVID-19 response (70 points) was slightly higher than the state average (69), but slightly lower than the Large Rural (71) which Mr Doyle said was a “pleasing” result.

“The 2022 survey (showed) our overall COVID-19 response results still rank higher than the State average and we have seen slight improvements in our waste management since the introduction of our Food and Garden Organics kerbside service, which has increased by two points from the previous year,” he said.

Recreational/Sporting Facilities, Community Support Services, and Parks and Gardens were ranked as some of the best things about the Southern Grampians Shire Council, while Sealed Road Maintenance, Community Consultation, and Financial Management were the top three items requiring improvement.

To access Council’s Road Register or to report an issue with Council’s roads, visit bit.ly/3AlgZVL

To report an issue with VicRoads roads, please visit bit.ly/3QHJB0P