It also achieved industry standards for its work on the central business district and access to health services.

The results follow a postal community perceptions survey in September and October last year.

Elise Alexander from strategic planning company Catalyse presented the survey’s results at last week’s council meeting.

Ms Alexander said the shire’s “levels of delight” were the highest they had been since tracking started in 2004.

However, Collie was not considered ideal for young people or tourists.

In the results, Ms Alexander said the top nine areas that needed to be improved included the Collie River, entertainment, community consultation, extended trading hours, parking in the town centre, sport and recreation, footpaths and cycleways, tourism and encouraging workers to live in Collie.

“Eighty-six per cent of residents are satisfied with Collie as a place to live,” Ms Alexander said.

“They value the strong community spirit, and consider it to be a great place to retire. They believe Collie has a bright future and that it is somewhat attractive for families. However, it is not regarded to be a great place for young people or tourists,” she said.

“Council is considered to be a strong advocate for Collie, and efforts to revitalise the town centre have earned the shire an industry standard.

“However, there is a need for a stronger, more clearly communicated vision and improvement in the nine key areas. To cater for a growing population, council will also need to provide improved health and education services and more housing or land releases.”

Ms Alexander said 461 surveys were returned and included 360 resident responses, 56 youth surveys and 45 organisation surveys.

The shire’s acting chief executive, David Blurton, said the shire was “pleasantly surprised” with most of the survey results.

“However, there are obviously some areas of concern within the community,” he said.