East ward praise
East ward residents surveyed as part of the annual community satisfaction survey were the most positive about their engagement with Baw Baw Shire councillors.
Monthly visits by shire chief executive officer Alison Leighton to Erica and improved advocacy by ward councillors were attributed as key reasons for the favourable survey responses of east ward residents.
East ward residents rated council highly for its decisions made in the interest of the community.
However, on the down side, east ward residents rated council the lowest for its condition of local roads.
A report accompanying the survey results said council should not ignore what was working amongst key demographic groups, particularly residents in east ward, and to “use these lessons to build performance experience and perceptions in other areas.”
Cr Darren Wallace said residents in the east ward rated council’s community consultation and engagement as significantly higher than in 2017 which showed “we are making a difference in the community.”
Cr Michael Leaney said the east ward had performed well in survey results.
He said east ward residents viewed council’s community consultation as significantly higher compared to other responses.
He said the east ward also provided the most favourable responses for the overall direction of the shire.
Cr Leaney said the east ward also recorded improved performance in lobbying and customer service.
“The fact we have achieved these results show the positive actions taking place. I congratulate Alison (Leighton) for getting out there – she attends Erica once a month to meet with the community.
Cr Leaney said a recent “pop-up office” at Willow Grove also had proven popular and was an opportunity for residents to drop into.
“It’s a way of being seen. The biggest challenge in remote areas is actually having a presence.
“This type of community engagement allows residents in our remote areas to bridge gaps with council and converse in a relaxed environment. The mere fact that we’ve been able to achieve improved results in such a short amount of time shows the positive impact of getting out there and engaging with our community,” Cr Leaney said.