The only inference that can be drawn from the constant delays over making the results of the annual survey public is that the council is having a hard time finding the positive outcomes.

Results of the Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey were issued to councils by the state government in mid-July and many other councils have already provided the results to their communities.

Despite assurances that the survey would be released early in August, the City of Ballarat results remain hidden from public view.

While it is understandable that council would want comprehensive knowledge of what people think about its programs and processes, it is fair to suggest the community deserves the same opportunity.

It is true that the council is an easy target for criticism for all manner of anecdotal complaints and it hasn’t been the easiest time for the council.

There’s been instability on the council itself and significant ongoing reforms of the organisation’s direction and focus.

However, the beauty of the survey is that it is clearly designed to focus on delivery of services and perceptions of performance which can be measured. 

It is one thing for an individual, a business or a community group to request a better deal; it is another level completely for ratepayers, as a whole, to provide an assessment and therefore lay bare its issues.

It is important that the council knows how residents assess its performance and equally it is important for the public to know what areas the council intends to confront as an organisation. 

The two must align.

The council has a duty to provide all details of the community satisfaction survey warts and all.

 If it seems unpalatable on paper maybe an approach that lays down real plans and policies that go to the core of addressing ratepayer complaints might help swing public opinion back to a more positive footing.

We await with interest just when, and how, the council chooses to keep its constituents in the loop.