The highest priority issues for residents in 2020 were:
- Condition and maintenance of roads – 18% of residents listed in top two priorities.
- Affordability/availability of housing and land – 16% of residents listed in top two priorities.
- Managing development – 11% of residents listed in top two priorities.
The three most important services for residents were:
- Local Roads
- Planning for the Future
- Recycling Services
The three services residents were most satisfied with were:
- Libraries
- Water Supply
- Garbage Collection
The three services residents were least satisfied with were:
- Local Roads
- Affordable Housing (a service provided by NSW State Government)
- Public Transport (a service provided by NSW State Government).
Summary of results
It can take time for Council decisions to start to return results and there is often an interval, sometimes years, between decisions being made and positive outcomes being seen ‘on the ground’ by residents.
One example is the past Council decisions and projects to generate revenue that are now enabling record investment in roads, culverts and bridges.
Another example was the decision to invest in upgrading Council’s website that created the current capability for increased communication and engagement, another area residents are now more satisfied with.
Overall, the 2020 results are positive but there is always room for improvement and, based on the results, Council will continue to focus on a number of key areas including:
- Local roads and infrastructure and management of development.
- Council leadership and future planning, with a focus on keeping community informed and involved.
- Housing affordability, which is a State Government responsibility but because of its importance to our community, it remains an area where Council will look to innovate and strongly lobby for improved outcomes in the Shire.