More than 2300 residents within one of Australia’s top holiday destinations have revealed what they value most in the area and what could be improved.
Locals at Noosa took part in a Liveability Survey, conducted by Noosa Council and Place Score.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said the results would enable data-based planning and decision-making.
“Noosa’s overall performance this year paints a positive picture about how people who live, work and visit our shire feel about their experiences here, but results also provide an understanding of areas that can be improved to enhance liveability in the shire,” he said.
“The data is important as these surveys help guide our discussions and form part of evidence-based decisions on future planning.”
Noosa’s overall Liveability Index of 69 out of 100 was one point lower than the region’s first Livability Survey in 2021 but outperformed the state (62) and national (64) benchmarks, recorded in the Australian Liveability Census undertaken by Place Score in 2025.
The natural environment, public open spaces and neighbourhood safety were seen as the region’s biggest strengths.
The condition of public open spaces, the quality of pathways connecting homes to shops and services, the accessibility of walking, cycling and public transport, and local job opportunities were highlighted as key areas for improvement.
Neighbourhoods with the highest liveability scores were Noosaville, Noosa Heads and coastal communities in the south of the shire.
The council’s principal strategic planner Michelle Tucker said the feedback was significant.
“They’ll guide our future planning and ensure our decisions deliver the greatest benefit to people’s wellbeing.
“They also remind us that every neighbourhood in our shire is unique, with its own values and experiences.”
“These results will help us identify and focus on what matters most to our community,” she said.
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