Community Satisfaction Survey results are in

Published on 01 July 2025

Mount Alexander Shire Council has released the local results of the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey, conducted between January and March this year.

Held annually, the phone survey of 400 residents measures the performance of Victorian Councils across a range of services areas.

Survey results show Council continues to perform well in strength areas such as community and cultural activities, and customer service and appearance of public areas.

However, as has occurred in Councils across the state this year, community satisfaction across other service areas has declined.

Low performing areas were unsealed roads, population growth, along with planning and building permits. The performance for sealed roads was higher than other large rural Councils.

76% of residents rated Council’s overall performance as good, very good or average.

Seven in ten respondents (70%) had been in contact with Council over the past year. More than 60% of residents provide a positive customer service rating of ‘very good’ or ‘good’. 

Perceptions of value for money have continued the upward trend from 2023.

Survey respondents identified elderly support services (79%), waste management (78%), and local streets and footpaths (77%) as the most important service areas.

“A big thank you to the 400 local residents who took part in the 2025 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey,” said Mr Darren Fuzzard, Chief Executive Officer at Mount Alexander Shire Council.

“We truly appreciate your feedback – it gives us a clearer picture of what we're doing well and where we need to do better.

“While we’ve held strong in some areas, community satisfaction dipped in a few service areas. That mirrors a broader trend across Victoria, where overall satisfaction with local governments has gone down.

“We're taking this seriously and are committed to lifting our standards. Your input helps guide our efforts as we continue to improve the services that matter to our community,” said Mr Fuzzard.

Council’s results were measured against other participating council’s classified as large rural, including Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Campaspe, Colac Otway, Corangamite, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, Moira, Moorabool, Moyne, South Gippsland, Southern Grampians, Surf Coast, Swan Hill and Wellington.

The survey was undertaken by JWS Research, on behalf of the Victorian Department of Government Services and participating councils.

Each year, Council makes the full report publicly available in the interests of transparency and open government.

View the results of the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey.

Mount Alexander Shire Council – Community Satisfaction Results 2025

Summary of core measures