2026 Community Satisfaction Survey results celebrated
Published on 22 June 2026
Gannawarra Shire Council has recorded its best Community Satisfaction Survey results in nine years, but is committed to build on this success.
Presented at the June 2026 Council meeting, the 2026 Local Government Victoria Community Satisfaction Survey results revealed that Gannawarra Shire scored an index of 60 out of 100 for ‘Overall Council Performance’, a four-point increase compared to the 2025 survey and the first time since 2018 the score has been this high.
The overall performance score reflected increases across all responses relating to core service areas, such as Community Consultation, Making Community Decisions and Customer Service, and individual service areas.
“Thank you to all residents who took the time to participate in this survey and provide valuable feedback regarding Council’s performance,” Mayor Garner Smith said.
"The satisfaction survey keeps council accountable to our community between elections. The 2026 results mark the first time since 2014 where key core measures, including overall performance and community consultation, have increased during the second year of a Councillor term. This reflects a positive relationship between Councillors, staff and residents.
"Council appreciates the positive results from the survey, but also respects the areas where we must do better. You have told us sealed local roads and Gannawarra West need more attention. Council has an opportunity to use that feedback, refine our approach, and continue a positive trend.
Appearance of Public Areas (score of 74) and Arts Centres and Libraries (score of 74) continue to be Council’s best performing service areas, with major increases recoded in Overall Council Direction (score of 55, compared to 48 in 2025), Recreational Facilities (score of 70, compared to 64 in 2025), Enforcement of Local Laws (score of 62, compared to 58 in 2025), Informing the Community (score of 60, compared to 56 in 2025) and Consultation and Engagement (score of 55, compared to 51 in 2025).
As with previous surveys, the 2026 survey also enabled residents to identify which local roads were of a concern. As part of this process, all Victorian Department of Transport-managed roads in the municipality, including the area’s two highways and eight arterial roads, were highlighted as being of concern to residents. This continues the trend that was first noted in 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey results that the State Government’s management of roads within Gannawarra significantly influences the community’s perception of Sealed Local Road management in the municipality (score of 42, which is one point higher than the 2025 survey).
Residents also identified Council-managed roads that they felt needed attention. These ranged from various roads within Cohuna, Kerang and Koondrook, various local roads and roads that connect local highways to districts, such as Kerang-Macorna Road, Koondrook-Murrabit Road, Lake Charm East Road, and Murphy’s Lake Road.
“The Roads Focus Group, which was formed in 2025, is providing valuable information to Council relating to local road-related matters. These survey results will be passed onto this group as part of advocacy efforts for improved road conditions for the Gannawarra community,” Mayor Smith said.
Interviews for the 2027 Community Satisfaction Survey began in June, and are scheduled to occur in August-September, October-November and January-March.
“I have enormous faith in the current group of Councillors to listen to the messages outlined in this survey’s results" Mayor Smith said.
“I look forward to this positive trend continuing through Council meeting the needs and priorities of the entire Gannawarra community.”