2026 Community Satisfaction Survey results show positive progress
The City of Port Phillip's 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey has recorded an overall improvement in community sentiment, with residents reporting higher levels of satisfaction across most areas measured by the survey.
Conducted independently by authorised research agencies Klein Research and Metropolis Research, the survey provides Council with valuable insights into community perceptions of services, facilities, governance and local priorities. As part of the research, Metropolis Research undertook 900 face-to-face interviews with residents across the municipality.
The use of two independent research providers supports broader community participation, while maintaining consistency with previous survey methods. It also ensures compliance with audit requirements and preserves the integrity of long-term trend analysis.
Overall satisfaction increased from 6.9 to 7.1 out of 10, with improvements recorded across most measures included in the survey.
Mayor Cr Makin said the results were encouraging and reflected the value of listening to community feedback and continuously improving services.
"The uplift across several areas reinforces the work this Council is undertaking in representing our community. While encouraging, we will not be resting on our laurels, the Community Satisfaction Survey identifies clear priorities that this Council will review and address.
I thank everyone who participated in the Community Satisfaction Survey. Your feedback is how we understand what matters most to our community and how we can continue to improve.
More information on our Action Plan will be available shortly."
The survey showed positive results across a number of areas, including governance and leadership, community consultation and engagement, communications, customer service and advocacy.
Residents also continued to rate many of Council's everyday services highly, including waste and recycling services, local library services, parks and gardens, early years services, youth services, playgrounds, community and cultural programs, and emergency preparedness.
Safety remains the issue most frequently identified by residents. However, the proportion of respondents identifying safety as a key concern reduced from 21 per cent to 13 per cent over the past year, while perceptions of safety in public spaces and local activity centres also improved.
The survey also identified areas where residents continue to expect improvement, including value for money, decision-making, parking and aspects of local amenity. In August, Council will publish an action plan addressing focus areas for improvement over the coming year.
The Community Satisfaction Survey is one of a range of measures used by Council to understand community sentiment and identify opportunities for improvement. Survey results are considered alongside service performance data, community feedback, financial information and other organisational measures when assessing performance and setting priorities.
Council will use the findings to help inform future service planning, policy development and improvement initiatives.
Community feedback will continue to play an important role in shaping Council's priorities as we work to improve services and deliver outcomes that matter to our community.