Clutha's mayor says a generally positive trend in the district’s latest resident satisfaction survey reflects the council’s hard work.
Clutha District Council began conducting the yearly survey in 2013, allowing it to identify areas and trends of concern in key performance, asset and service delivery areas.
"We always see this survey as a barometer of how we’re doing as a council, and we know it’s been a challenging time for many residents, council included.
"I was pleased to see most areas trending upwards or remaining unchanged, particularly given the unnecessary friction presenting itself in many online and public forums.
"I’m immensely proud of our councillors and the cohesion we’ve shown during this time, operating as an efficient unit."
Among areas for attention identified in the report were unsealed roads and footpaths.
Satisfaction with unsealed roads was up slightly at 49% (2021: 47%), but still below its 52% target.
Footpath satisfaction rose to 60% from 56%, far short of the council’s 80% target.
These areas were of perennial concern to residents, and would keep receiving appropriate council resourcing.
"Given we have the third-longest roading network in the country, I’d say our roads are holding up better than the highways.
"We work within the funding parameters laid down by Waka Kotahi to do the best we can with what we have, and will continue to work for efficiencies."
Mr Cadogan was pleased to see an increase in overall satisfaction with the council of 7% to 71%, although he acknowledged this could be improved further.
"We sat around 80% for years, before dropping sharply last year.
"I believe this reflects the wide-ranging process the council has begun in moving the district forward after years of stagnation. This has brought about considerable change, and with change always comes concern.
"Overall, together as a district, we’re moving in the right direction."
