2007/08 Community Survey

Background

The seventh annual Community Survey was conducted from December 2007 to February 2008 to determine local community views of Council across a wide range of services and issues. For the first time, residents had the opportunity to complete the survey online as a Community Panel member.

Research Objectives

The overall objective of the survey was to determine residents' opinions and attitudes to the City of Tea Tree Gully, across a wide range of products and services. This included exploring resident's views in relation to:

• Overall views of Council (ie value for money, range of services, staff service, etc)
• Communication and events
• Community Houses/Centres
• Library
• Recreation and Arts
• Community Safety
• Environment
• Maintenance of parks and reserves
• Roads and infrastructure
• Waste

Methodology

A total of 3426 surveys were analysed, which included 358 completed by panel members. The principal methodology used to obtain the data was self completion hard copy surveys. A survey was distributed to all households in the Council area as an inclusion in the December 2007 Gully Grapevine. This newsletter is distributed with the Leader Messenger. The deadline for responses was 11 February 2008.

In order to encourage participation, respondents were given the opportunity to enter a prize draw.

Key Findings

In terms of the overall views of Council, perceptions have continued to increase positively over the years, particularly in relation to value for money and ratings of Council overall. The full report can be viewed here.

Outcomes

The information gathered from the Community Survey plays an important role in Council decision-making and provides Council with an overall feel for the community's views on a range of issues.

The feedback provided has also been used to provide direction and support for a particular proposal or project. Some examples include:

• Events: confirmation of which events were popular and valued by residents, eg Movies in the Park
• Community safety: provided data to justify grant applications for improved lighting at the Golden Grove Recreation & Arts Centre and Civic Park
• Roads and infrastructure: street signage remodeled and improved based on feedback received
• Library: determine what programs and activities will be offered in 2009; identify where different types of promotion may be required in order to raise awareness of specific Library activities, and; how services will be delivered out in the community, not just in the Library itself