Last Wednesday, 11 of us went to Byabarra, and I'd very much like to thank the 14 residents who attended and contributed to a very constructive event.

There were plenty of questions on the usual topics of roads, potholes, bridges and roadside slashing.

But there was also a good discussion about improving the area around the Community Hall, as well as a really insightful question about how council decides whether it is meeting community expectations.

That latter question gave opportunity to outline council's ongoing processes of consultation and feedback, including our biannual independent phone survey of residents - something of which many people are not aware.

The Hall issues are complicated by the site being Crown Land, and council not being the Trustee.

However the meeting provided good opportunity to hear what is wanted for the site, and to discuss and agree on how council can work with the Hall Committee and the Crown to achieve the Hall Committee's goals for site improvements.

Regarding roads and potholes and other works needing to be done, it was reassuring to hear that people had an overall positive experience from reporting issues, with most matters attended in a reasonable time, and council staff delivering a good quality of work.

In brief, council wants you to advise of issues, so please phone the call centre on 6581-8111 or after-hours 6583-2225.

Some concerns were expressed about apparent lack of co-ordination between the different sections of council.

Council staff had a good explanation for some of these occurrences, but in other respects could only agree this is an ongoing challenge, of which management is aware and constantly trying to improve.

In particular, council will address the problem of piles of gravel left after road grading, which has caused difficulty for residents trying to slash verges outside their property.

There was also very good feedback on the work council is doing with the increased rates from the Special Rate Variation.

All up it was a great engagement, many thanks.