Thursday, 11 July 2024

Community gives top marks to City



The City of Subiaco has received top marks from the community in its latest scorecard report, emerging as industry leaders in 17 areas – the most of any WA local government.
 
As well as leading the industry, the City recorded a personal best, receiving its highest scores in the past 10 years and a 99 per cent positive rating as place to live.
 
The independent MARKYT® Community Scorecard is undertaken annually by an external consultancy to evaluate community priorities, gain important feedback and measure performance.

Industry highs this year, as scored by the community, include playgrounds, parks and reserves; festivals, events, art and cultural activities; maintaining built heritage and identity; place to work or operate a business; and tree management.

The most improved scores from last year were for the Subiaco Town Centre development and activations, and support for local businesses.
 
Mayor David McMullen said the results demonstrate the high level at which the City of Subiaco is performing for the local community.
 
“We had almost 1000 people fill out the survey this year – the most we’ve ever had – and I thank everyone who took part; this feedback is so important because it comes directly from the people whom we represent. It tells us that we are delivering what we have set out to deliver,” he said.

“The score for ‘Leadership by the Mayor and Councillors’ has increased for the third consecutive year to a 79 per cent positive rating; this is a substantial cumulative increase from the first half of 2021, when it sat at a low 46 per cent. As a ‘governing organisation’, the City scored an 87 per cent positive rating. Both these categories are the highest they’ve been in a decade – if not more. Good governance has been a core priority for me and this Council; and to see the results in these categories therefore serves as especially positive reinforcement and motivation.

“Last year, with two years of substantial positive movement, I said that 2023's positive results were no accident or coincidence. This year, the third consecutive year of our positive trajectory, it is fair to say there is now a noticeable and measurable trend of annual improvements.”
 
A large number of areas achieved over a 90 per cent positive rating from the community including Lords Recreation Centre (95 per cent); playgrounds, parks and reserves (96 per cent); Subiaco Library (94 per cent); how local history and heritage are preserved and promoted (93 per cent); place to work or operate a business (96 per cent among business owners/operators); efforts to promote the area as a desirable place (92 per cent); and place to visit (97 per cent).

“We will only maintain our upwards trend into 2025 and beyond if we listen to our community, and continue to get the very best out of our people here at the City. I have every confidence that Council and our staff will do just this,” Mayor McMullen said.
 
“The scorecard results are about more than statistics. They affirm what we believe to be true based on day-to-day feedback: that the City is positioned to deliver value and to meet community priorities – as a leading local government should.”
 
The scorecard was open to the public from 15 April to 6 May 2024 via Have Your Say Subiaco – the City’s dedicated engagement hub. In addition, invitations were sent directly to a random selection of local residents and businesses.

The scorecard was completed by 990 community members, including 133 local businesses. You can read it in full here.

The City of Subiaco is leading the industry in 17 areas:

  1. Efforts to promote the area
  2. Place to work or operate a business
  3. Support for local businesses
  4. Family / children services and facilities
  5. Health and community services
  6. Playgrounds, parks and reserves
  7. Festivals, events, art and cultural activities
  8. Promoting local history and heritage
  9. Maintaining built heritage and identity
  10. Local roads
  11. Public transport
  12. Sustainable practices
  13. Tree management
  14. Emergency management
  15. Talk about Subi
  16. City’s e-newsletters
  17. Have Your Say Subiaco
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