A Decade of Forced Merger Hell, Let’s Celebrate and Tell Council/Councillors What We Think!
Last week saw the announcement that Cootamundra-Gundagai Council (CGRC) will be de-merging. With a rolling deficit and losses now headed for $60m, Hilltops poor financial position dwarfs that of our physical neighbours. We understand staff can only work with what resources in front of them. Council is calling on you to have your say. Are you happy with the cost of your rates, lack of local decision making, detachment, response times to issues, number of staff, cost of water, cost of garbage disposal including tip fees and Council’s ability to keep up with maintenance in general including Harden’s Water Main Network or Sewer Main Networks.
Jump in have some fun, one and all, tell Council what you REALLY think, weigh it up against the last nine years, see if it will make a difference. You’ve got to be in it to win it. Everyone’s a customer.

The survey, last conducted in September and October 2024, aims to measure residents’ levels of satisfaction with Council’s performance, understand residents’ views about the importance of different services, and identify opportunities for improvement. Participants will be asked a series of questions and requested to provide feedback across the full range of Council services.
The survey is part of their commitment to measuring and improving our performance and how we deliver services to our community. It will provide Council with data for measuring our progress and provide a benchmark for future comparison.
The Customer Satisfaction Survey will provide community insights on a number of matters including:
• Levels of satisfaction with Council’s overall services and facilities
• Council’s overall performance
• Community priorities for service delivery
• Community improvement ideas for Council

The data gathered will be used to develop a report which outlines the aggregated results and trends. “Council is always looking at ways to improve its services and review the way we do business to ensure best value for residents and sustainability both now and into the future,” said Hilltops Acting General Manager Sarah Karaitiana.
“This Customer Satisfaction Survey is one tool Council can use to listen to community feedback, track our progress and consider opportunities for future improvement,” she said. “The survey also enables customers to have their say on the services and facilities Council provide. We ask residents completing the survey to be frank and open as ultimately the information we receive will be used to help inform future priorities and programs,” Sarah concluded.
Information gathered from the survey will be reported back to Council and used to guide the delivery of future services and improvements. The survey opened on Monday 21 July and residents are invited to have their say by completing the survey online at: https://www.hilltops.nsw.gov.au/council/have-your-say/
The survey can also be completed in person at Hilltops Council Offices and Library branches or by assisted telephone call – 1300 445 586.

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