Satisfaction surpasses previous best

Published on 19 March 2025

Satisfaction with performance and service delivery has hit record highs in a number of areas in Council’s most recent Annual Community Survey.

Overall satisfaction received a score of 7.0, which is a ‘good’ level, and equal highest with 2020. This is also the seventh year ratings have exceeded the long-term average demonstrating increasing satisfaction over time.

Customer service, the planning approvals process, governance and leadership, and appearance and quality of new developments also reached record levels of satisfaction in the 2024 survey, reflecting greater satisfaction with Council performance in addressing specific community needs.

There was also a further increase in average satisfaction with Council’s 39 services and facilities - up an additional 1% to 7.6 - the highest recorded - remaining at a ‘very good’ level which is also notably higher than the long term average of 7.2 or ‘good’.

The same seven services and facilities received a score measurably higher than the average – fortnightly recycling, weekly garbage collection, library services, fortnightly green waste collection, annual hard rubbish collection, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, and provision and maintenance of playgrounds, with this year services for children from birth to five also rating above average.

Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari said these results demonstrate a broad-based notable and ongoing improvement in community satisfaction with Council provision of services.

“While helpful in showing us what you feel we are doing well, it also shows us where you want us to change or add focus,” he said.

This includes parking enforcement, footpath maintenance and repairs, maintenance and cleaning of Footscray CBD, maintenance and repair of sealed local roads, and public toilets being rated measurably lower than average. Similarly, in line with previous years, traffic management and road maintenance and repairs remains the top issue ‘at the moment’ the community wants Council to address and is consistent also with support from 64% of respondents for increased spending in these areas.

The latest survey also shows a decline in the perception of safety both during the day and at night across the municipality, continuing a trend of increasing concerns around safety, policing and crime issues in Maribyrnong - mostly focused on the Footscray CBD.

Mayor Tiwari noted drugs and alcohol were among the issues highlighted and has reaffirmed Council’s continued efforts to address the challenges, working closely with Police and other agencies.

“Footscray is not immune to the challenges other areas face with cost of living and mental health issues for vulnerable people. We understand the impact homelessness and addiction can have on the broader community and continue to work closely with the State Government and local organisations to improve outreach services to ensure those in need receive the right care and support.

“Council also maintains a CCTV system, has installed additional lighting and reconstructed Dalmahoy Street to enhance community amenity and is working with developers to facilitate action on derelict and vacant sites in central Footscray, including investigating opportunities for temporary activations. Our focus remains on creating a welcoming, vibrant environment.”

The Annual Community Survey is a requirement of all Local Governments in Victoria, providing opportunity for Councils and communities to view the overall findings and trends for service areas covered in the survey.

This Survey of 802 randomly selected respondents was conducted door-to-door in August 2024.

Maribyrnong News

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