Sealed roads and footpaths, water supply and waste were the most common issues that Central Otago ratepayers contacted the district council about in the past year.

The Central Otago District Council’s 2024 Resident Opinion Survey is now in its ninth year, with 455 responses.

The most important issues ratepayers commented on was the state of sealed and unsealed roads, uneven footpaths in Clyde, Millers Flat and Naseby, and the Cromwell Mall.

Improvements to playgrounds, the amount of litter in public places and maintenance to bike parks also attracted comments, including hazards that were identified.

Stinky red bins in summer, and improvements to water supply in Naseby, Omakau, Cromwell, Ranfurly, Clyde and St Bathans were also topical, and better communication was requested from council around water supply repairs.

There was even a recommendation from the Ranfurly community that it monitor its own water supply on behalf of council, from residents frustrated the ongoing deterioration or faults resulted in repeat losses of service.

Ratepayers also wanted more personal interaction with council staff, and a way to resolve problems more quickly.

In a report to council, communication and engagement officer Deborah Beange also included the annual Service Request Survey.

Receiving 470 responses, the vast majority of respondents (89 percent) indicated that the service provided by council was friendly and courteous - slightly better than in 2023 with (86 per cent).

This year, 76 per cent of respondents found the service to be fast and efficient, compared to 67 per cent in 2023.

Seventy-six per cent of respondents indicated that the service request was dealt with effectively, compared with 64 percent of respondents who said the same in 2023.

Nine per cent of respondents expressed concern that their issue had not been resolved. 

Four per cent of respondents noted the need for better communication, citing “a lack of response” and need to “close the loop” as examples.

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