In 2009, 91 per cent of locals were 'somewhat satisfied' with the council - fast-forward to January this year and that number has dropped by 42 per cent.

Among the top concerns for residents was financial management, planning, a lack of communication and staffing.

To improve this, locals were given the opportunity to provide feedback and direction for the incoming council in the 'Our Plains, Our Future' consultation and survey.

The council declined to comment on the community satisfaction rating when questioned by the Leader.

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But, general Manager Jo Sangster said the survey results will help the council make better informed decisions.

"While council is responsible for taking the lead in developing the Community Strategic Plan, this is very much a community-owned plan and represents the community's aspirations, not council," she said

The LPSC have also identified an ageing and declining population, rate pegging and cost-shifting, and infrastructure renewal and maintenance as key challenges into the future.

The feedback from the survey will be the foundation for the new strategic plan.

To put the plan into action the new council will develop the Delivery Program and Resourcing Strategy which will be available for community consultation before it is implemented.

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