The 2009 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey has again placed Hepburn Shire Council among the lowest ranked councils in both small rural shires and across 78 Victorian municipalities.

The survey of 350 respondents found that the council was "significantly" lower than the mean score for small rural shires in 12 of 13 areas and in nine of 13 areas for all councils in the state.

Areas in which the council was lower in both categories included overall performance, community engagement, customer contact, local roads and footpaths, recreational facilities, appearance of public areas, waste management, enforcement of local laws and town planning policy and approvals.

But while 10 areas were unchanged from last year's performance, there was an improvement in overall performance, advocacy and community engagement.

Reasons given that improvement was needed included that the council does not listen to the community, was too involved in internal politics, does not represent the interests of the community, does not follow up customer contact and should encourage more tourism.

Respondents also complained they did not have garbage collections and wanted tip vouchers.

Despite the results, shire chief executive officer Kaylene Conrick last week issued a media release saying "performance is on the rise".

Ms Conrick said the results showed that 31 per cent of residents surveyed felt that that the council had improved its performance since 2008.

The council had been undergoing an exciting period of change over a number of months and the results were beginning to show, she said.

"We are committed to change and to improving our services to better meet the needs of our communities," Ms Conrick said.

"The council's new strengthened organisational structure came into effect on 1 June and we expect many benefits from this change particularly in relation to

environmental sustainability, community development, governance, economic development and tourism."

Ms Conrick said that while the council's scores remained at the lower end in terms of results in the small rural shires group improvement in all areas was a priority.