The first-ever annual community satisfaction survey conducted for Northern Beaches Council has found that community satisfaction with Council is above the metropolitan council benchmark* and a majority of residents are satisfied with the performance of Council staff. 

The random telephone survey of 756 residents conducted in June by independent market research consultants Micromex Research found that 88 per cent of residents are somewhat satisfied, satisfied or very satisfied with the overall performance of Council.

Half of respondents had been in contact with a Council staff member in the previous 12 months and 84 per cent were somewhat, satisfied or very satisfied with staff performance in dealing with the enquiry.

Northern Beaches Council General Manager Mark Ferguson said that the findings are solid and pleasing.

‘These results represent the combined attitudes and opinions of our Northern Beaches community and reflect the commitment and great work from Council staff since we became one Council,” Mr Ferguson said. 

“It’s been a very busy year and we are certainly on the right track. We will continue to focus on our customers and constantly improve our service delivery for residents and rate payers,” he added.

Areas of greatest satisfaction included the provision of lifeguards on beaches, domestic waste collection services and libraries.

The results also found that 99 per cent of residents rated quality of life on the Northern Beaches good or better, with 64 per cent selecting ‘excellent’. 

Residents’ biggest concerns were traffic congestion, public transport, population pressures and over development.

The results provide Council with important information to help strategic planning and service delivery.

*The Metropolitan Council Benchmark is based on a number of studies conducted by Micromex Research