Council's satisfaction rating released

Published on 24 May 2021

An independent telephone survey of local residents has shown an 8% increase in the number of people who are very satisfied with Kempsey Shire Council, compared to the previous year.

The survey results, which were presented at this month’s Council meeting, showed that overall, 79% of residents, or almost 4 in 5, are at least somewhat satisfied with Council’s performance over the last 12 months.

Council uses the annual survey, which was conducted in November 2020, to measure the success and importance of their work and helps identify priorities for future planning and funding.

When asked to think of the next 10 years, survey participants rated roads and bridges, the local economy and community safety as the highest priority issues Council faces. Given the survey was completed before the recent floods did so much damage to the roads network that issue will remain a huge priority.

Drilling further into the numbers, which rated the importance and satisfaction for 35 Council services, parks and reserves, long term planning, public toilets and Council engagement all saw significantly improved results.

Local pride was very high with 93% of people rating the quality of life in the Shire as good to excellent, with the region’s natural beauty, close communities and relaxed rural lifestyle listed as some of the most valued aspects of the area.

Council’s community vision, which was published in the 2017 Community Strategic Plan, states that “we live in a community that provides opportunity to all, to prosper in an environment that supports well-being, connectedness and access to resources the community wants and needs.”

According to survey respondents, 90% of residents agree with that vision. Council will are still seeking community input on the vision over the next six months while they draft the next 20-year Community Strategic Plan. To view and have your say on Council’s Community Strategic Plan, please visit: http://ksc.pub/csp