CARDINIA Shire Council is proving that it pays to keep residents happy, earning a 12 per cent jump in its satisfaction rating.
In the 10th annual satisfaction survey the council’s performance showed a 12 per cent improvement on its 2006 results.
The results show that the council has improved significantly on its customer service ratings.
It had an overall improvement of 12 per cent, a 10 per cent increase in advocacy and community engagement, a 9 per cent improvement in health and human services, an 8 per cent jump in economic development and a 14 per cent increase in recreation facilities.
Mayor Kate Lempriere said she was delighted with the results.
“Given the current council’s commitment to these areas, this significant improvement is particularly pleasing,” she said.
Cr Lempriere said the survey also indicated that the community throughout the shire was acknowledging that the council was listening to residents’ concerns and working to address them.
The annual survey was undertaken in February and March, with more than 27,000 10-minute telephone interviews taken.
The only area in which the council fell short in the survey was that of local roads and footpaths, with residents outlining a need for more frequent road and footpath resurfacing and an improvement in the standard of unsealed roads.
Cr Lempriere said the council acknowledged the need for improved service on local roads and has allocated extra funds in its forward financial plan, which should lead to increased levels of satisfaction in the future.