RESIDENTS from Noosa Shire have participated in the region’s first Liveability Survey conducted by Noosa Council and Place Score and the results show that protecting the natural environment, neighbourhood safety and the importance of local business are considered Noosa’s greatest strengths by those who live, work and visit the shire.
Over 1600 people shared what they care about most in their neighbourhood and rated their experience in their area.
Mayor Clare Stewart said the overwhelming response gives Council a clear way to prioritise future investment and works.
“I want to thank the community for providing their opinions which have given us valuable data to utilise when making future decisions,” the Mayor said.
“The information will also be used in current budget deliberations.
“It was no surprise to see sense of community and our natural environment rank highly as strengths of this shire,” Cr Stewart said.
According to the findings, Noosa’s neighbourhoods are performing well where it matters most, meeting community members’ values regarding the local economy and environmental sustainability.
Another key finding was that regardless of how long people have lived here, the importance of Noosa’s unique natural features and protecting the natural environment rated highly.
The general condition of public open spaces and walking/cycling paths also are highly valued by the community.
Noosa scored 70 out of 100 for liveability – 2 points above Place Score’s national benchmark average and a higher score than similar surveys in Brisbane, Townsville and the Sunshine Coast.
The neighbourhoods with the highest levels of liveability include Noosa Heads (74/100), Peregian Beach and Marcus Beach (73/100), Noosaville (72/100), and Pomona (71/100).
“The beauty of this data is that it will assist us to better understand the different values and experiences in neighbourhoods and villages across the shire,” Council’s Principal Strategic Planner Michelle Tucker said.
“Some areas that are highly valued could be improved, which centred on the condition of public open spaces and the need to potentially invest in active and public transport options to improve connections,” Ms Tucker said.
An executive summary of the results is now available on Council’s website as well as local neighbourhood snapshots – noosa.qld.gov.au/liveability-noosa