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Bass Coast Improving, But More Work To Be DoneBass Coast Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, says the organisation is encouraged by the results of the Annual Community Satisfaction Survey for 2006, released by the Department of Victorian Communities this week. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 29th May 2006 - Back to News "Council’s low ranking in previous surveys has been a cause of concern for us.
"We have put in place a number of measures to address this, so it is pleasing to see an increase in Council’s ranking in some key areas," said Mr Bawden.
The survey recorded improved results in Overall Performance, Advocacy, Community Engagement and Town Planning Policy and Approvals, while the rest of the results remained relatively stable.
Mr Bawden conceded that whilst community satisfaction with Council is increasing, Bass Coast was still behind many other councils.
"To see a further improvement this year is confirmation that we are on the right track, but we still have a way to go.
"Our goal is to maintain this upward movement in order to achieve significant improvement in our Community Satisfaction ratings," said Mr Bawden.
The Survey measures customer satisfaction across a range of services and functions as well as overall satisfaction for the performance of Council for the preceding 12 months.
The Survey is conducted by telephone interview with the ‘head of households’. Those surveyed are asked to give a rating to indicate their level of satisfaction. Ratings are on a five-point scale from 5 being ‘Excellent’, to 1 being ‘Needs a lot of Improvement’.
The survey analysis registers an improvement when the ranking shows a four point (or more) increase on the previous year. Improvements of this amount are considered statistically significant.
Improvements
Town Planning Policy and Approvals registered the most significant improvement for the Council, increasing by six points.
"Our Planning Department also now has a full quota of staff, which has improved our turn-around times and service delivery," said Mr Bawden.
"The improved rating is probably also a reflection of the work that has been done in relation to strategic planning.
"All major towns now have design frameworks and the Coastal Framework has ensured that we have town boundaries that protect the rural land between towns.
"This means those wishing to develop or change the use of their land now know exactly where they stand.
"The next step will be to implement the work that has been done in strategic planning into our planning schemes so that these are totally enforceable," explained Mr Bawden.
Two other key areas Council improved in, by four and five points respectively were Advocacy and Community Engagement.
"The Council has made a concerted effort to improve engagement with the community by making all briefings open to the public and rotating Council meetings around the Shire," said Mr Bawden.
"Our work in advocacy has also seen the Bass Highway duplication confirmed to continue through to King Road and a speed limit review undertaken on Phillip Island.
"Our lobbying as part of the Sea Change Taskforce has also brought the issues of coastal areas higher up on the government agenda, reflected by the release last month of the Coastal Spaces Recommendations.
"This report recommends that Bass Coast receive support for the review the San Remo and Phillip Island design framework," Mr Bawden informed.
More work to be done
Mr Bawden said Council was committed to the continuous improvement of all services and functions.
"For example, these results show we need to continue our focus on improved traffic management, parking and local roads and footpaths.
"This is becoming progressively more difficult with the increase in traffic and budget restrictions.
"However, we will continue the dust suppressant program for busy unsealed roads and expand shared pathways, as well as pushing for a developer contribution scheme.
"Traffic and parking issues are of particular concern in areas such as Cowes and the business area of Wonthaggi and we are working with the community to address these.
"The Bass Avenue car park in Cowes is under construction at the moment to try and relieve the current parking pressure in this CBD," Mr Bawden advised.
The Community Satisfaction Survey was conducted by the Wallis Consulting Group on behalf of State Government and Council.
"The Survey is one way of assessing community satisfaction with the level and quality of services.
"Council is committed to the continuous improvement of all services and functions," Mr Bawden concluded.
For more information please contact Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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