Mayoral Column 12 June 2017
Published on 12 June 2017
Community Satisfaction Survey results
I’d like to thank residents who were surveyed for providing their valuable feedback for the annual Community Satisfaction Survey.
According to the survey results, residents in our Shire rate Council’s overall performance above the state-wide average. Loddon Shire received an average score of 62 from our surveyed community members, which is above the average for councils across the state and for small rural councils.
According to our residents, Council’s top three performing areas are waste management, recreational facilities and the appearance of our public areas. Customer service also rated highly, with a score of 71.
The survey also highlighted areas where Council needs to do more work, particularly our unsealed road network, local streets and footpaths, and consultation and engagement.
Council recognises that these areas, which are of great concern to our residents, do need to improve and I’d like to assure our community that Council is committed to this improvement, including through our Council Plan.
As I’ve written about before, the draft Council Plan is the result of extensive consultation with our community and sets Council’s direction for the next four years. The Plan, which will be considered for adoption by Council at its meeting later this month, has a strategic commitment (among others) towards infrastructure and engagement.
This includes a target of fixing 95 per cent or more of road defects in our local network according to established intervention levels, improving the appearance of our townships and initiatives to encourage community inclusion and engagement.
Become a Loddon Ambassador Tour Guide
Council is putting the call out for expressions of interest from enthusiastic volunteers who are interested in providing walking tours around Wedderburn.
Managed and coordinated by staff at the Loddon Visitor Information Centre, volunteers will guide visitors around the Wedderburn walking tour route, showing and providing information about specific places of interest.
To be a successful volunteer you will not only have an interest in Loddon communities and tourism, but knowledge of our Shire’s heritage and tourism destinations. Great communication skills are also a must.
To find out more, you can get in touch with Council’s Tourism and Marketing Officer Robyn Vella on 5494 1233. A detailed role description can also be found on Council’s website (www.loddon.vic.gov.au) or call the Organisational Development Unit on 5494 1202.
Expressions of interest close at the end of this month (Friday 30 June) at 9.00am.
Staying well in Loddon Shire
If you’re an older resident who is interested in learning ways to live more independently and improving your physical and problem solving abilities, then the Staying Well in Loddon program could be for you.
Council is pleased to offer this independent living skills program, which will be run over two half days by occupational therapists to older residents across the Loddon Shire.
The program will run on 22 June and 5 July at the Pyramid Hill Seniors rooms starting at 10am on both days. A light lunch will be provided and limited transport is also available.
If you would like to know more about Staying Well in Loddon Shire or take part in the program, please contact Council on 5437 7999 by this coming Monday (19 June).