Highest priorities in 2024
- Affordability/availability of housing and land – 50% of residents
- Managing population growth and development - 33% of residents
- Condition and maintenance of roads – 28% of residents.
The three most important services for residents were:
- Local roads and drainage
- Planning for the future
- Garbage and recycling collection.
The three services residents were most satisfied with:
- Libraries
- Water supply
- Community halls.
The three services residents were least satisfied with:
- Affordable housing (which is a service provided by State and Federal Governments)
- Public transport (which is a service provided by State and Federal Governments)
- Local roads.
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 to generate revenue that continue to enable record investment in roads, culverts and bridges – which was the one service in 2024 where resident satisfaction increased.
Overall, the 2024 results are lower particularly in Mullumbimby which was badly impacted by the devasting 2022 floods. Council will continue to deliver the large program of flood recovery works, as well as focus across the Shire on:
- 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.