Results are in following Mitchell Shire Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey, with low scores across several categories – particularly those in relation to roads and footpaths.
Managed by Local Government Victoria (LGV), the survey aims to help Victorian councils gauge public sentiment, identify areas of concern and in need of improvement, and help them to tailor their strategies to better serve the needs and wants of residents.
The Mitchell Shire survey is conducted quarterly via phone calls to local residents, with the results from the survey’s Core Measures section forming part of Council’s Annual Report and included in the Local Government Performance Reporting Framework.
In the Mitchell Shire, the survey results show a gradual decline in scoring across all categories since 2019, with Overall Performance dropping from 55 per cent in 2019 to 42 per cent in 2024, and Overall Council Direction dropping to 38 per cent – its lowest score since 2019 when it scored 54 per cent.
The lowest scoring categories were Sealed and Unsealed Local Roads, and Local Streets and Footpaths, with the categories scoring 25, 28, and 33 per cent respectively, down from 46, 41, and 45 per cent respectively in 2020.
Customer Service and Family Support Services were the highest scoring categories, with residents’ scores averaging the result of the former to 62 per cent (down eight per cent from 2019 but up two since last year), while Family Support Services scored 60 per cent.
Mitchell Shire Council Chief Executive Brett Luxford stated that while many of the results were disappointing, he was pleased to see the improved response in the Customer Service and Family Support Services categories.
“The recent community satisfaction survey results are disappointing and have highlighted some key areas where we need to improve – particularly in maintaining our road networks,” he said.
“While we understand the community’s frustration and share their concerns, we have also been undertaking significant work in many of the areas highlighted by the survey. The recently adopted 2024/25 Council Budget reflects our focus on infrastructure, with $16.15 million allocated for roads, $4 million for bridges, and $1.46 million for footpaths and cycleways. This continues our commitment to improving our transportation network.
“It is encouraging to see that our efforts in Family Support Services have been well-received, with higher satisfaction ratings reflecting our commitment to providing essential resources and programs for families in our community … The community has previously identified this as an area needing improvement, and I am proud to say we have made considerable progress.”
Council noted, however, that the lack of context around why a category was rated as such was a limitation of the survey, stating that they only had access to respondents’ age group, their time lived in the Shire, and their location, preventing further analysis into any additional contributing factors to a low or high scoring result. Furthermore, the mode of consultation for the survey (via phone) may have under-represented or over-represented certain demographics.
“It is important to note … that these results are just one aspect of the broader picture and do not fully reflect the extensive work Council is doing across multiple areas to enhance the quality of life for our residents,” Mr Luxford said.
“Council staff have achieved significant success in securing support and funding for major projects. In May, we welcomed an additional $750 million in the Federal Budget for the Camerons Lane interchange on the Hume Freeway at Beveridge, $15 million for the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub, as well as $20.6 million for a new Family and Children’s Hub in Wallan. This is in addition to funding for various community projects across the Shire, including the Greenhill Recreation Reserve upgrades, Broadford baseball lighting improvements, and multiple play spaces in Seymour.”
Mitchell Shire Acting Mayor Councillor Nathan Clark thanked residents for their participation, stating their responses helped point out areas that needed improvement.
“Our main goal is to enhance the quality of life in the Shire,” Mr Clark said.
“I recognise the need for better communication and transparency between Council and residents. This is a key part of our new Customer Experience Strategy – your needs are our top priority.
“I understand there’s a general feeling of disappointment and a loss of trust in institutions. It’s not just about roads and footpaths, but also the cost of living and the ongoing impacts of COVID. I share these concerns as a resident of Mitchell Shire.
“I’m committed to making Mitchell Shire a great place to live, work, and play. We need to move beyond the old idea of local government being just about roads, rates, and rubbish. Our community needs more – like family services, libraries, early learning, waste management, economic development, tourism, and advocacy.”
Compared to the state average, the Shire sits only just below in most categories – typically no more than 11 per cent – except in Council’s lowest scoring categories, where they sit 19 per cent below the state average for Local Streets and Footpaths, and 17 per cent below for Sealed Local Roads.
The state average highlights Victoria’s general dissatisfaction with their relevant councils, with the median score for Overall Performance just scrapping in past the midway mark at 54 per cent.
To view the survey results, visit www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au and search for ‘Community Satisfaction Survey’.
