By Denise Deason
A RECENT survey has given an improved performance rating to Wyndham City Council for its service delivery to the community.
The 2007 Department of Victorian Communities (DVC) Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey was held in February-March this year.
Telephone interviews were carried out with 350 Wyndham residents who were asked to rate a broad range of council services.
Wyndham’s overall performance improved from 66 points last year to 70 points.
This equates to a rating of 90 per cent this year grading services as good or better, compared to the State average of 81 per cent.
There were significant improvements in ratings for local roads and footpaths, and traffic management and parking.
Wyndham mayor Shane Bourke said keeping up with the management of local roads, footpaths and parking was a priority for the council.
“It is reassuring to know that the community’s satisfaction with service delivery in these important areas is increasing,” he said.
“The score of 59 for local roads and footpaths is the highest recorded for Wyndham since the survey was first conducted in 1998.
“The council is proposing to spend a further $19.9 million on local road projects in 2007-08 to continue to meet community expectation.”
There was also an increase in the rating of waste management services, customer contact and advocacy.
The Community Satisfaction Survey also highlights opportunities for improvement.
Cr Bourke said despite achieving a slight increase in the rating for the appearance of public spaces, it was disappointing that higher satisfaction was not reported, given the significant work undertaken in this area.
Throughout 2006-07 a substantial tree planting program was completed as well as other major landscaping projects such as the Old Geelong Rd streetscape master plan and the Princes Highway median strip.
The ongoing development of Lollypop Creek was a major focus, as well as the completion of the Werribee CBD urban park and re-developments of car parks and associated landscaping at Chirnside Park and Presidents Park.
In the coming year, the council has projects planned for Grange Reserve, Possy Newland Reserve and the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands, as well as ongoing works at Chirnside Park and Lollypop Creek.
“Despite being the highest score for the region, it was somewhat disappointing to not see a more substantial increase in the rating of community engagement, which moved from 62 points to 64,” Cr Bourke said.
“In 2006-07, the council undertook a program of neighbourhood meetings and Wyndham Talking Points, which focused on engaging with the community.
“The council will continue with the next round of neighbourhood meetings, due to commence in July.”
