In the resident opinion survey, conducted in April, more than 78 per cent of respondents identified it as their main concern. 

More than 1170 surveys were returned, which was only about 11 per cent of the surveys issued. 

However, this was a 3.8 per cent increase in returns compared to the 2016 results. 

The survey showed West Tamar residents were 80 per cent happy with the council’s direction.

West Tamar Council’s general manager Rolph Vos said an increase in the overall satisfaction and a strong increase in participation was “pleasing”.

TasWater’s responsibilities were also portrayed in the survey, but in light of the government takeover, were taken out of the survey.

“The removal of questions relating to functions which are the responsibility of TasWater, now provide a better picture of priority issues which are the responsibility of council,” Mr Vos said. 

“The data will now be used by employees [of the council] to assess how they can continue to improve customer satisfaction.”

Councillor Peter Kearney said while the survey showed residents were 4.1 per cent happier with the council, there was still more “fine tuning” to do before the next resident survey.  

Safe and well-maintained council roads and bridges was the region’s second biggest concern. The same issue was rated issue number six in last year’s survey. 

Residents rated the price of rates, compared to the services the receive came in at their third top priority. 

“While roads, rates and rubbish remain high in the importance ranking, it is interesting to see that the mix of important services, which are rated highly, reflect the work council does ... to provide a sense of place ... for its residents,” Mr Vos said in the council agenda.

Residents were less satisfied with the operation of the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, council input to community activities and the services and programs provided by the council for the community and its young people. 

Another resident opinion survey is expected to be circulated next year.