Are you satisfied with council?

Bass Coast Shire Council has launched the 2024 Community Satisfaction Survey.

The survey will be conducted by the independent market research agency, National Field Services, from January 29 through mid-March.

Residents over the age of 18 years will be contacted by telephone for this anonymous and randomised survey.

The council said the survey is designed to actively engage with residents and gather valuable feedback on various aspects of council services and performance.

"This initiative's main objective is to assess the performance of Bass Coast Shire Council across a spectrum of measures and identify areas for improvement, enhancing service delivery to our vibrant community," a council spokesperson said.

Similar surveys are concurrently being undertaken across various Victorian councils to ensure a comprehensive understanding of community needs and expectations.

In Bass Coast, approximately 800 interviews will be conducted among a representative sample of residents, in order to provide "a well-rounded and accurate reflection of the community's sentiments". 

The council said information gathered will be instrumental in shaping future strategies and policies that align with the aspirations of the population.

"We appreciate the participation of our residents in this survey, as your valuable feedback is crucial for us to better understand your needs and priorities," said Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve.

"This initiative is a key part of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in the services we provide to our community."

Residents are encouraged to share their opinions openly and honestly, as all individual responses and personal details will be kept strictly confidential. Only aggregated and anonymised results will be shared with Bass Coast Shire Council to inform decision-making processes and enhance service provision.

The council said the results will provide "valuable insights" and will help "to foster a stronger, more responsive, and community focused local government.

Last year's survey showed a drop to 54 from 57 in community satisfaction with the council's overall performance.

The results were released in July 2023, however the council only provided a summary of report.

It was criticised for failing to release the full report until late November last year.