General News
29 September, 2024
Satisfaction decline action put to ward candidates
TARNAGULLA Ward candidates were quizzed on Sunday on how they would work to reverse declining satisfaction ratings given by residents in key services areas. Loddon Shire satisfaction ratings have dropped in the past four years, mirroring the state...
TARNAGULLA Ward candidates were quizzed on Sunday on how they would work to reverse declining satisfaction ratings given by residents in key services areas.
Loddon Shire satisfaction ratings have dropped in the past four years, mirroring the state trend for rural councils but consistently rated lower by Tarnagulla and Inglewood Ward residents compared with annual survey respondents in Boort, Terrick and Wedderburn Wards.
Carly Noble said as a councillor she would advocate residents ‘desires and communicate back to communities and follow up even “three or four times”.
She said communication with residents had to be open.
“If we do not follow through and do what we say we are going to do ,,,”
Ward incumbent Linda Jungwirth said the biggest issue was roads with confusion among residents at times between State Government roads and shire managed roads.
“I don’t know why Tarnagulla and Inglewood Wards are getting a worse response (to the surveys) ... maybe we have people with higher expectations,” she said.
Cr Jungwirth said council needed to communicate better what it was doing. She said council road maintenance statistics showed good work on shire roads.
Nick Angelo said: “I think the biggest thing is we need to get out into our communities and listen to what’s being said and follow up, not just flick them a link and send them on their way.”
Mr Angelo claimed some Tarnagulla Ward roads had not been graded in 10 years “and someone needs to stir the pot”.
In their final pitches at the forum, Cr Jungwirth said she wanted a second term on council because she knew her communities to be their voice. Ms Noble said she wanted to be a community champion and have conversations with residents .
Charmain Sheppard (Tarnagulla) and Colleen Condliffe (Inglewood) were apologies for Sunday’s forums.