Survey points to overall improvement for Council
17th June 2026
Community satisfaction with Council’s performance is on the rise according to annual survey results.
Council released its 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey results this week, which show significant increases in areas such as spending of local funds, general direction and overall performance.
Customer service, opportunities to give feedback, waste management, making decisions in the interests of the community and the condition of sealed local streets also recorded increases.
The Community Satisfaction Survey is a state-wide program that measures how residents rate the performance of their local Council. It provides Councils with an independent, consistent and comparable view of community perceptions across key service areas.
The survey was conducted throughout February. Over 500 residents across Colac Otway Shire participated through phone and online surveys.
CEO Andrew Tenni said the survey captured community perception of Council’s performance across all areas.
“The feedback captured shows us how we are going, what are the areas of strength and what are the areas of focus for improvement. It also shows us how we are perceived against State and Large Rural Council averages,” Mr Tenni said.
Mr Tenni said the results were a fantastic outcome and a great endorsement of the efforts of Councillors, the Executive and staff over the past 12 months. One of the most pleasing results was in Council’s overall performance which jumped eight points, placing Colac Otway ahead of other like Councils.
“We received some positive feedback, but we also understand that some of our improving scores are still not quite where we want them to be. There is still more work to be done to improve our services and processes, as well as making it easy to access support,” he said.
“The results suggest we are doing something right. Further improvement will come through a continued focus on customer service and that’s both for our external customers and for how we help each other internally.”
Mr Tenni said it was pleasing to record improvements in some of the traditionally low-scoring areas of sealed and unsealed local roads, and in planning.
“Sealed roads went up seven points, unsealed roads went up two points, and in the planning space we had a great result, going from 31 points in 2025 to 46 in 2026,” he said.
The full report can be accessed via the Council website.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400