Whether it’s to report a water leak, order a new bin or check your rates balance, the one stop shop for people in the Central Highlands is council’s 1300 number – 1300 242 686.
Central Highlands Regional Council CEO Scott Mason says it’s now easier to contact council following a communications streamline in the customer service centre.
‘We’ve implemented new call centre technology so that when someone calls their problem or question can be resolved by the first person they speak with most of the time.
‘If a question or issue can’t be resolved immediately, it’s lodged in a customer request management system and the person calling is given a reference number that they can use to follow the matter up later if need be.’
Mr Mason also highlighted recent improvements to council’s after-hours phone service.
‘If someone calls us after hours with an emergency, such as a broken water pipe, they’ll be speaking to a real person, not a machine,’ he explained.
‘Although, I might add, too often these calls are not emergencies and are dealt with the next business day.
‘Council-related emergencies are classified broadly as major water and sewage leaks, animal attacks and urgent local road hazards.
‘Customer service is high on our priority and we’re always seeking ways to improve. We’ll be rolling out some opportunities for people to provide feedback in coming months and we’ll welcome constructive comments and suggestions.’