Sutherland Shire Council has launched the most comprehensive survey it has ever undertaken to get residents’ views on how to meet growing financial pressure.
Residents are asked in the online interactive survey what value they place on council services and facilities, including beaches, parks and open spaces, playgrounds, sporting fields and leisure and arts centres.
Options canvassed range from rate rises above the annual figure set by the state government to asset sales and reduced services.
The survey, which council staff say will take about 20 minutes to complete, “went live” on Monday evening.
General Manager, Scott Phillips said the council faced big challenges.
Mr Phillips said the council managed more than over $2 billion of infrastructure.
“How we continue to manage and maintain those assets and services in the face of an increasing population and rising energy costs is a question we need our community’s help in answering,” he said
“By 2026 Sutherland Shire’s population will grow by 20,000, and we’re required to accommodate for this rise in population.
“Increasing population means more pressure on current services and the need for more investment.
“We need to know what is important to our residents and no decisions will be made until we have our community’s input.
“Council will base our future direction on the feedback that you give us.”
- A full report on the survey will follow.`
