Roads and recreation satisfaction low

By Lachlan Ellis

A survey into community satisfaction has found several community concerns in Moorabool, with one Councillor calling on Council to refocus its efforts.

The 2022 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey assessed 67 of Victoria’s 79 local councils, including Moorabool Shire Council, and Moorabool’s results came before the 5 October Ordinary Meeting of Council (OMC).

The survey asked respondents their satisfaction about a range of factors managed by local councils, such as customer service and waste management, with the maximum score being 100.

For overall council performance, the state-wide average was 59 points, with large rural councils – the category Moorabool Shire Council falls under – receiving an average of 55 points.

Moorabool Shire Council’s overall rating was 50.

In addition, none of the factors survey respondents were asked about had a “significantly higher” score for Moorabool than the state-wide or large rural council average.

Compared to the state-wide average, local streets and footpaths, recreational facilities, and sealed roads were “significantly lower by the widest margin” in Moorabool.

Compared to the large rural council average, local streets and footpaths and recreational facilities were also rated significantly lower in Moorabool, while the criticism over sealed lower roads was surpassed by concerns over elderly support services.

Moorabool did rate over 60 points in three categories however, with the best rating being customer service (66 points), followed by waste management and appearance of public areas (both 61 points).

Elderly support services took the biggest hit in this year’s survey compared to last year’s, receiving 55 points on average compared to 67 in 2021.

Cr Rod Ward said the survey results showed Council had some clear sectors to improve upon.

“I read with some interest that despite the record infrastructure spend, that there has been concern about the recreation facilities expressed. I also note the low rating of 40 for roads,” Cr Ward said.

“I just want to stress that I’d encourage Council to consider a renewed focus, and look at increasing the resources we can put towards road improvement, because the message from ratepayers in Moorabool is clear.”

Cr Ward moved for Council to accept the survey results, with Cr Paul Tatchell seconding the motion, and all Councillors present voting in favour.

Cr Ally Munari was an apology at the meeting.