2025 COMMUNITY SCORECARD STUDY
This year’s results are in—our second scorecard shows we’re heading in the right direction.
In March to April 2025, Cook Shire Council once again asked residents and ratepayers across the Shire to share their views on how Council is performing.
We used the MARKYT Community Scorecard, a well-established survey used by local governments across Australia to gather insights into community priorities, performance, and satisfaction.
The survey was open to all residents aged 14 years and older and was promoted widely through post office mail-outs, Council offices and libraries, email invitations, and Council’s social media channels.
Responses were accepted both in print and online between 3 March until 4 April 2025.
This year, a total of 520 community members participated in the survey—an increase from 415 responses in 2023. Read the 2023 report here.
Your feedback has played a vital role in helping Council better understand community expectations, assess our performance, and shape the development of strategic plans and service improvements.
Here’s what you told us
Most improved areas from the 2023 results include:
- Community engagement (+20 points from 2023)
- Ranger services (+20 points from 2023)
- Communcations (+15 points from 2023)
- Leadership (+11 points from 2023)
- Financial Management (+11 points frm 2023)
Key Strengths in 2025
According to the 2025 results, the areas where Cook Shire Council is performing most strongly include:
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Airport facilities and services
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Library services
- Wastewater Services
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Reconciliation and recognition of First Nations peoples, cultures, and heritage
Top Priorities for Improvement
The community told us there is still more work to do in the following areas:
- Access to affordable and suitable housing
- Local roads and bridges
- Health and community servicees
- Aged care and accommodation
- Safety and crime prevention
Many of these areas were also identified as priorities in 2023, reaffirming their importance to our community.
What Happens Next
Council is using the 2025 Scorecard results to guide the development of a targeted Action Plan that responds directly to the community’s top concerns. This plan will include:
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Continued advocacy to state and federal government
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Service improvements where possible
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Increased community engagement
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Improved clarity around Council’s functions, partnerships, and areas of responsibility
The Action Plan will be published and publicly available on Council’s website once finalised.
To keep our community informed and involved, Council will report on the progress of this plan quarterly. These updates are part of our commitment to greater transparency, accountability, and meaningful community engagement.
Stay Involved
If you’d like to stay informed about upcoming community consultations, engagement opportunities, or Council events, please get in touch with us:
mail@cook.qld.gov.au
4082 0500
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Community Scorecard. Your feedback helps guide our decisions and shape a stronger, more connected Cook Shire.