JWS Research have just released their 2023 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey with a devastating report card for the performance of our Council.
The report's findings are alarming. The overall performance index score of 45 in 2023 has trended downwards from a peak score of 53 recorded in 2019. This is now at a record low, and the decline is not statistically insignificant. The downward trend is not just a reflection of dissatisfaction; it's a warning sign of a deeper malaise that has set in.
Poor value for money. Ratepayers who receive very poor value from council is at the heart of this crisis. Only 32% of residents rate the value for money they receive from the council in infrastructure and services as 'very good' or 'good'. This contrasts sharply with 27% who rate the council as 'very poor' or 'poor', and a further 35% who consider the council 'average' in terms of providing value for money. These numbers are not just statistics; they are a stinging indictment of a council that seems to have lost touch with the very people it serves.
The dissatisfaction goes deeper. Almost half of the residents (49%) would prefer cuts in council services to keep council rates at the same level. This reveals an increased desire for service cuts over rate rises. It's not just a fleeting frustration; it's a clear call for change, a demand for accountability, and a plea for fiscal responsibility.
Council's performance declines. Key areas such as planning for population growth, lobbying, community decisions, and planning and building permits are at an all-time low. The report highlights that ratings in both lobbying and community decisions are at a record low, and the council's performance in these areas is rated significantly lower compared to the Metropolitan group average. These low-performing areas are not isolated failures but part of a pattern that points to systemic issues within the council.
A few green shoots appear. Council's top-performing service areas include art centres and libraries, with an index score of 71, followed by recreational facilities at 69, and waste management at 67. These ratings have remained stable, reflecting a commitment to maintaining quality services in these domains. The success in these areas demonstrates that the council has the potential to turn things around.
A plea for change. The findings of the Community Satisfaction Survey 2023 are a cry for accountability, transparency, and a return to the principles of good governance. The residents of Port Phillip deserve a council that listens, acts, and delivers value for money. The falling levels of customer satisfaction and the perceived lack of value for money are not mere bumps in the road; they are symptomatic of deeper issues that must be addressed with urgency.
The Community Satisfaction Survey 2023 is not just a report; it's a demand for change, a blueprint for renewal, and a call to action. The residents of Port Phillip have spoken, and their message is clear: They expect more, they deserve better, and they will settle for nothing less.
