THE cost of kerbside bin collection in Bendigo was greater than comparable regional cities, but the city performed well on its transparency, animal control and resolving planning matters.
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The Planning Department released data on all 79 Victorian councils last week, allowing them to be compared with one another on a range of factors.
The City of Greater Bendigo had far lower rates of decisions closed to the public than Ballarat and Geelong, at 5.7 per cent compared to 16.8 per cent in Ballarat, but a slightly higher number than Shepparton.
Bendigo also had the quickest planning application approval time, the lowest cost to seal roads, the lowest staff turnover and the highest percentage of animals reclaimed from the council.
Bendigo’s cost of kerbside bin collection was far higher, at $145 per bin per year, compared with $111 in Ballarat and $101 in Geelong. The cost of kerbside recycling collection was also higher in Bendigo.
Average residential rates in Bendigo were slightly higher than Ballarat and Geelong, but lower than Shepparton.
City of Greater Bendigo performance director Andrew Cooney said they were, on the whole, pleasing results for the council.
“Our local road performance is also strong; almost 100% of our roads are maintained to condition standards and we have higher than average community satisfaction with sealed roads,” he said.
“We understand that there could be some improvement in results such as the costs of garbage collection services; a large part of this cost is associated with the mandatory payment of the landfill levy to the Environment Protection Authority.
“We continue to review arrangements of garbage collection services to ensure we are providing a high quality service that delivers value for the community.”
Data is available to view at knowyourcouncil.vic.gov.au
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