Satisfaction with the availability and cost of housing has hit a record low, according to the Metropolis Research survey, commissioned by the Local Government Association of Tasmania.

The survey of 1200 people state-wide showed that in the past 18 years, no other area of council performance had ever scored as poorly.

"Satisfaction with the availability of housing that meets the needs of the community and the affordability of housing were both rated at very poor levels.

"This is a very low result and well less than any other area investigated as part of this or past community satisfaction surveys.

"In addition, more than forty per cent of respondents were dissatisfied with these two aspects of housing," the report said.

Other issues that residents most often named as problems were road maintenance and repairs, and traffic management.

Local roads, local traffic and parking ranked down the bottom of satisfaction rates for council performance, although residents regarded them as important.

Topping the satisfaction rank were regular garbage collections, museums and art galleries, community events and parks, gardens and playgrounds.

Most commonly named by satisfied residents was that their council was responsive, proactive, engaged, accessible and consultative. People were also pleased with the cleanliness of the local area, libraries, and parks and gardens.

Overall satisfaction with councils' performance averaged 'good'.

Since 2009, the rate has been stable, after falling from a high of 'very good' in 2001.

Residents from the North-West councils were more satisfied than the state average, as were younger folk, senior citizens and new residents who had lived in their area for fewer than five years.

The survey has been tabled at the LGAT general meeting, which is being held during the annual conference in Hobart from Wednesday to Friday this week.

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