Shire services rate highly

West Wimmera Shire Council has received positive results in its latest Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey.

Following consecutive years of declining rating figures, the council’s overall performance rating increased by six points since 2016 results, placing it higher than before 2015.

Chief executive David Leahy said the council was pleased to receive encouraging results from residents regarding council services.

“This rating of 64 index points is higher than the statewide average of 59 points, and significantly higher than a Small Rural Group index figure of 58,” he said.

Five of seven core categories returned an increased performance rating, including consultation and engagement, and overall council direction, which both increased by five points.

In addition, the appearance of public spaces and recreational facilities also returned figures higher than statewide and Small Rural Group averages.

“The rating for customer service rose to 74 points, with 67 percent of surveyed residents having had recent contact with our customer service staff,” Mr Leahy said.

“This provides further evidence of the outstanding survey results this year.”

JWS Research ran the annual survey in February and March and interviewed 403 residents of varying age groups across the shire by phone.

The West Wimmera Shire Council Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey results for 2017 are available online at www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au.