Local Government’s response to Covid-19 in Western Australia has been rated as “good”, with communities giving it 68/100 for its overall performance.
The survey of 7666 community members across 128 local government areas found that a majority:
- Believes local government has demonstrated clear thinking and decision-making;
- Feels local government has shown empathy and compassion;
- Has confidence and trust in local government to make good decisions; and
- Agrees there are good health and safety practices in place at community facilities to manage Covid-19 risk
The MRKYT Community Resilience Scorecard was undertaken by CATALYSE, a management consulting firm, with support from LG Professionals WA and funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The survey period was 5 June to 8 July.
Survey participants rated the main recovery priorities for local government as:
- Economic recovery and local employment opportunities (48 percent);
- Community health and wellbeing sport and recreation, library, community development, etc (37 percent);
- Local infrastructure to improve roads, footpaths, cycleways, facilities, internet, etc (35 percent);
- Recovery plan in collaboration with local business and community (35 percent);
- Support services for people most vulnerable to Covid-19 (27 percent); and
- Community safety and crime prevention (26 percent).
Those surveyed said they would like local government to prioritise economic recovery and employment opportunities in the short-term (next six months).
Secondary priorities are community health and wellbeing initiatives, local infrastructure projects and engaging with local businesses and the community to develop local recovery plans.
The community does not consider public health education to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to be a high priority role for local government. Instead, they say the sector’s focus should be on providing support services for those most vulnerable to infection.