RESULTS OF COMMUNITY SURVEYS RELEASED
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has released the results of two community surveys conducted earlier this year, with 1,237 completed surveys received. The Community Insights Survey and Community Input Survey were both facilitated by independent research company Micromex.
The Community Insights Survey, a statistically valid phone survey, was completed by 503 residents reflecting the demographic profile of the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics data. The Community Input Survey was an online, self-selected survey open to all who wished to participate.
“It is pleasing to see that 81 per cent of those surveyed in the phone survey are at least somewhat satisfied with the performance of the Council over the last 12 months and 87 per cent of respondents rated their quality of life living in the Dubbo Region as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’,” DRC Mayor Mathew Dickerson said.
“We also recognise the priority areas identified by the community for action over the next 10 years. Addressing community issues, roads and traffic, and infrastructure and services that cater to growth were the most prominent themes reflected in this survey.
The phone survey report highlighted key drivers of overall satisfaction among residents, focusing on leadership and infrastructure. Key areas included Council management, representation and decision-making, public amenities, roads, and parking. Areas needing improvement, according to residents, included affordable housing and the maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads, both scoring below 60 per cent.
DRC CEO Murray Wood said staff are continuing to support the community by addressing priority areas identified in the surveys.
“Our consultation on critical plans and strategies, including the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Action Plan, Water and Sewer Customer Service Plan, North-West Urban Release Area, and several road projects, are ongoing allowing the community to directly contribute to the future of our region,” Mr Wood said.
“While the opt-in nature of the input survey may be less representative of the wider community but provides valuable insights and commentary from participants. This feedback will be crucial for the newly elected body in decision-making, particularly when adopting the Delivery Program and Operational Plan,” Mr Wood said.
The data and sentiment from these surveys will inform future strategy development and help Council staff identify areas needing improvement across services and facilities.
Community members are encouraged to visit the YourSay page to view the full results and stay updated. Follow the page to be kept up to date in 2025 when we will check back with the community to benchmark our progress against our commitments.
Visit https://yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/community-insights-survey-2024 for more information.
Last Edited: 02 Aug 2024