Lake Mac residents satisfied with Council service
Date Posted: 20 June 2012
Lake Macquarie City Council has been given a glowing review in a resident survey, which found that almost three-quarters of participants were pleased with Council’s performance across a series of indicators.
Specialist survey company, Micromex Research, conducted a biennial survey on Council performance between 20 January and 8 February this year, interviewing 1000 randomly-selected residents and asking for their views on Council’s performance in 67 service areas including beach patrol, kerb and guttering, bulk waste collection, cemeteries, and bushland maintenance.
Residents were also asked to state the importance they placed on each of those 67 services – how highly they prioritise them.
Lake Macquarie City Council General Manager, Brian Bell, said he was delighted with the outcome of the survey, which was conducted after the announcement of Council’s intention to apply to IPART for a rate variation.
“We are proud that the survey results show community satisfaction is increasing, particularly in the areas of waste and recycling, sustainability, and community facilities,” Mr Bell said.
“We are pleased that many people in our community are satisfied with the services and facilities provided by Council.”
“I thank the dedicated staff who work hard to meet the community’s needs across the city.”
Mr Bell said Council acknowledged there were some areas in which it could improve, and said Council was committed to improving in those areas and was aiming for an even higher satisfaction rating in the future.
“When compared with the 2009 survey, resident satisfaction has increased across the board, which shows we are heading in the right direction,” Mr Bell said.
“Lake Macquarie City Council’s overall satisfaction is well above the local government benchmark, with low levels of resident dissatisfaction recorded.”
Lake Macquarie City Council has conducted a biennial community satisfaction study since 1999.
2012 Community Survey results
Survey Overview
Considered of high importance to residents, with a high satisfaction level
- Playgrounds
- Road and traffic safety
- Reducing waste generation
Considered of high importance, with residents seeking improvements in delivery
- Maintaining road surfaces
- Visitor and tourism services
- Public toilet cleaning
Considered of lower importance to residents, with a high satisfaction level
- Protecting heritage values and buildings
- Skate parks
- Multipurpose centres and community halls
Considered of lower importance, with residents seeking improvements in delivery
- Council’s response time to requests
- Parking enforcement by ranger services
- Strategic land planning