Over about three weeks, 1000 randomly selected Lake Macquarie residents will be asked to rate the importance of council services and facilities, and indicate how satisfied they are with them.

Council’s community development director, John Ferguson, said the survey provided council with essential information.

“This feedback from the community allows council to prioritise activities and set targets so we can continue to improve upon the services the community considers important,” Mr Ferguson said.

“These priorities are then included in council’s future plans and budget.”

Locally based Micromex Research will undertake the phone survey on council’s behalf.

The results are expected to be available in April.