Kempsey Council Score: 43/100 — What Residents Should Know
Kempsey scores 43/100 overall, with its strongest performance in Lifestyle & Amenity (57/100). Ranked #63 of 79 regional councils in NSW.
Kempsey records a composite score of 43/100 (developing), ranking 64th of 79 in its regional peer group and 103rd of 128 across NSW. It sits in the bottom quartile of NSW's regional councils, serving around 30k residents in a regional centre.On Financial Sustainability, Kempsey posts 45/100 (developing). That sits modestly below the regional peer average of 51 and sits modestly below the NSW state average of 51. It captures how well the council balances its books, manages debt, and funds future infrastructure without over-relying on rates increases.Community Services comes in at 34/100 for Kempsey, rated needs improvement. That lags well behind the regional peer average of 51 and lags well behind the NSW state average of 51. It captures the reach and quality of libraries, childcare, aged support, community centres, and grants that touch daily life.The council's Lifestyle & Amenity result — 57/100 — reads as solid. That sits modestly above the regional peer average of 51 and sits modestly above the NSW state average of 51. It captures parks, sportsgrounds, cultural venues, events, and the general liveability of the area relative to what residents pay.For Core Operations, Kempsey lands on 35/100, a developing result. That lags well behind the regional peer average of 51 and lags well behind the NSW state average of 51. It captures the essentials — roads, waste, planning approvals, and how efficiently the council runs its day-to-day services.
What This Means For Residents
Kempsey's strongest showing is on Lifestyle & Amenity (57) and Financial Sustainability (45). Practically, strong lifestyle and amenity scores point to better-maintained parks, sportsgrounds and cultural venues, and generally a more liveable public realm. Alongside that, a stronger financial position tends to mean rates rises are less likely to be driven by budget shortfalls, and long-term infrastructure planning is better funded.On the flip side, a low core operations score is often felt through slower planning approvals, patchier road maintenance, and rougher waste and customer service experiences. And a lower community services score usually means thinner program hours, fewer support staff, or gaps in facilities like libraries and community centres. The weakest dimensions here — Core Operations (35) and Community Services (34) — are the areas most likely to shape resident complaints and future rates decisions.Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sustainability | 45/100 | developing |
| Community Services | 34/100 | needs improvement |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 57/100 | solid |
| Core Operations | 35/100 | developing |
| Composite | 43/100 | developing |
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