We would like to thank all respondents who completed our reader survey distributed in our September 2003 edition. Our regular surveys are used for planning future editions of FOCUS, ensuring we cover the relevant issues and best practice examples that assist elected members and staff to meet the increasing expectations of their communities.
The breakdown of the 182 responses received was elected members 100 (54.95%), Council officers 75 (41.21%), and just under four per cent representing Local Government peak bodies, other organisations, subscribers or advertisers.
Some 163 (89.56%) of respondents said that they read FOCUS ‘regularly’ and a further 19 (10.44%) read it ‘sometimes’. This is a substantial increase on results from our last survey in 2001 when 78.1% said they read FOCUS ‘regularly’, 20.2% stated ‘sometimes’ and 1.1% indicated that they ‘never’ read it.
In rating the publication, over two thirds of respondents selected ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’. Again this is an improvement on 2001 results when just over half selected these two categories.
The question concerning what readers liked about the publication resulted in many comments about it being informative; regular; up to date and easy to read; its colour; Australia wide coverage; best practice examples and learning from other Councils; diversity and mix of stories; its newspaper format; brief, succinct coverage; and contact details for further information.
Suggestions, or what readers would like to see changed, included greater coverage of rural and smaller Councils and a regular state by state roundup. More letters, opinion pieces, overseas items and a problems and solutions section were suggested.
A change to A4 or magazine style was mooted but again this was offset by a much larger number who said they liked FOCUS in it is current format.
We continue to encourage Councils, particularly rural and smaller Councils, to send press releases or contact us when they have a project or initiative of interest to others in Local Government. Letters and opinion pieces are always welcome.
Email info@lgfocus.com.au or telephone (03) 9416 9900.
