The IRIS survey found 424 local residents polled were significantly happier with their lives and wellbeing than residents polled in other local government areas across Australia.

The annual Shoalhaven City Council-commissioned Community Satisfaction survey was conducted via phone and web, and used age and gender quotas based on the 2016 census.

It revealed the Shoalhaven scored 83.1 on the happiness index, well above the national average of 75.

Shoalhaven mayor Amanda Findley said feedback indicated the Shoalhaven is a liveable city offering a relaxed lifestyle to residents.

“People love our swimming pools, our libraries, our entertainment centre,” Mayor Findley said.

“People connect with others, with what’s going on, I’m not surprised to see they’re our number-one assets.”

The quality of sealed local roads remains a major bone of contention, with 55 per cent of respondents communicating dissatisfaction. 

“I would say to people who are dissatisfied, be patient, make sure you understand where council’s heading with its road program, look online, there’s stacks of road maintenance going on,” Mayor Findley said.

From 2017-18, overall satisfaction with the performance of Shoalhaven Council dropped slightly from 68 per cent to 64 per cent.

Residents surveyed in 2018 compared to those polled in 2017 were more satisfied with the Shoalhaven’s community buildings and halls, parks, playgrounds and reserves and hygiene standards of retail food outlets and significantly less satisfied with the efficient processing of development applications, maintenance of beaches and dunes and opportunities to participate in council’s decision-making processes.

IRIS used age and gender quotas based on the 2016 census to provide council with a fair sample of residents. Of respondents, 49 per cent were male, 51 per cent were female, 20 per cent were aged 18-34, 20 per cent were aged 35-49, 27 per cent were aged 50-64 and 33 per cent were 65 or older.

More details on negative and positive feedback to come