DESPITE rating in-line with other councils across the state in overall performance, Swan Hill Rural City Council said the results of its community satisfaction survey contain a “clear message” from the public.
Swan Hill Rural City Council chief executive officer John McLinden presented the results of the survey at this month’s ordinary council meeting in Robinvale.
“The overall performance index score of 59 for Swan Hill Rural City Council represents a one point improvement on the 2017 result,” Mr McLinden said.
The survey is conducted annually by a consulting firm, engaged by the state government, to gauge an understanding of the performance of local government.
Mr McLinden said council’s performance rating had remained “relatively consistent” for the past three years, and its score, while in line with the overall state average, was “statistically significantly higher” than the average score of 56 received by its peer council groups of large rural municipalities.
Council scored highest in the areas of waste management, recreational facilities and elderly support services.
But, the condition of sealed roads, decisions made in the interest of the community and local streets and footpaths were listed as the council’s worst performing areas.
Residents in the Lakes Ward were the most satisfied with the overall direction of council, while those in the Murray Mallee and Robinvale wards were the least satisfied.
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