Council records strong improvement in Community Satisfaction Survey

Published on 21 July 2025

Council’s performance has been rated by the community and the results are in. There has been a significant uplift in community satisfaction with Council, as reflected in the results of the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey.

Conducted annually by independent firm JWS Research, the survey provides valuable insights into Council’s performance. It also enables strong benchmarking, with 56 of Victoria’s 79 councils participating.

A total of 401 Mansfield Shire residents were surveyed between 28 January and 16 March 2025, including 236 from Mansfield township and 165 from surrounding communities. The survey format remained consistent with previous years, allowing for a meaningful comparison with Council’s past performance.

Council’s overall performance score rose to 62 in 2025, marking a 5-point increase from the previous year and placing the Council significantly above both the State-wide average (54) and the Small Rural group average (53). Residents aged 65 and over scored Council highest (average of 66), while younger residents aged 18 to 34 scored it lower (average of 52).

On value for money, Council’s score increased by 9 points to 57 — the highest since the question was introduced in 2021.

Perceptions of Council’s overall direction also improved, with a 7-point increase resulting in a score of 58. This reverses a 2-year downward trend and widens the gap between Mansfield Shire Council and the State-wide and Small Rural group averages (both 46).

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said he was pleased that the community could see that Council was performing.

“We have worked hard to deliver bang for your buck and make sure that every dollar goes as far as possible with our Council budget,” said Cr Rabie.

Among service areas the appearance of public areas continues to be the highest-rated category, maintaining an index score of 82. This area saw a 5-point increase since 2024 among residents in Mansfield Shire’s outlying communities. Art centres and libraries followed with a score of 76, while tourism development, recreational facilities and waste services each scored 69. Waste services saw a notable 6-point increase from 2024.

Road-related services showed marked improvement, with sealed roads increasing by 6 points to 53 and unsealed roads increasing by 4 points to 44. Both scores exceeded the State-wide and Small Council group averages. Other areas where Council has improved included parking (up 9 points to 62), lobbying (up 8 points to 61) and local streets and footpaths (up 6 points to 58).

Both planning for population growth and planning and building permits improved by 6 points compared to 2024, showing that Council’s increased focus on these areas since 2022 has helped move them in the right direction.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council appreciated the community’s feedback and reaffirmed Council's commitment to continued improvement.

“We’re encouraged by the community’s recognition of our efforts. We will continue to build on this momentum and work with our community to make Mansfield Shire the best little shire in Australia,” Cr Rabie said.

The full survey results were presented at the 15 July 2025 Council Meeting and are available on Council’s website.