Feedback Key to Improvement
22 June 2023
The Whyalla community has provided valuable survey feedback which Whyalla City Council is already using to continually improve its services to residents, including initiatives in this year’s Annual Business Plan and Budget.
Nearly 550 responses were received for Council’s third community survey, which was a record number and a statistically valid sample.
The survey looked at areas such as residents’ pride in the city; use of local facilities; and satisfaction with council services.
The majority of areas scored either slightly higher or similar to the previous survey, with several coming in lower than previously. Some of the main differences included:
Increased scores (average scores out of 5; 2023 vs 2021)
- We look after our natural environment (3.34 vs 3.26)
- Satisfaction with experiences with Council (3.29 vs 3.22)
- Council is easy to do business with (3.25 vs 3.20)
Decreased scores
- Opportunities for education are expanding (2.91 vs 3.28)
- Feeling safe, healthy and connected to the community (3.17 vs 3.28)
- Facilities are well used and reflect community needs (3.43 vs 3.52)
Mayor Phill Stone said the increased scores demonstrated Council’s efforts to improve community satisfaction with its services was making a difference; while those areas in decline had been used to identify projects in the recently adopted business plan.
“We have listened to community concerns regarding facilities – in particular foreshore upgrades and leisure centre improvements – and ensured these are priorities in this year’s budget,” Mayor Stone said.
“A new splash park was one of the main facilities referenced. We need to complete the new Surf Life Saving building before that can start, so this will be our first focus this financial year and will pave the way for the splash park.”
Mayor Stone said respondents were also particularly concerned about public safety in the Westland area, as well as a lack of numerous services, such as secondary / tertiary options, doctors, health specialists, and mental health professionals.
“While these aren’t directly in our control, we recognise our role as community leaders and are working with various government agencies – including the Department for Education, SA Health and SAPOL – to influence change in our city in these key areas of concern,” he said.
“A lot of work has already been done by SAPOL to curb anti-social behaviour around the Westland area – including making the area a dry zone and implementing alcohol restrictions – and we’ll continue to work with them on further initiatives to increase public safety.
“In conjunction with a broad range of community representatives, we are also formulating the Whyalla 2040 community plan, which will identify ways we can all contribute to improving our city, including everyone’s health, education and safety.”
Mayor Stone thanked the hundreds of people who took the time to provide their feedback.
“Without these responses, it is very difficult to gauge whether we are meeting community needs and expectations and where we should be targeting our efforts, so this information is truly valuable to our continual improvement, which ultimately benefits the broader community,” Mayor Stone said.
