New survey aims to gauge Lake Mac liveability

Published on 30 March 2023

Lake Mac residents are being urged to take part in a new survey aimed at rating the city’s liveability and comparing it to other places in Australia.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said Council had signed up to this year’s Australian Liveability Census, which aims to understand community values and priorities at grassroots level.

“More than 40 councils took part in the last survey by research company Place Score, and we’re excited to be on board in 2023,” Cr Fraser said.

“The results will help show us what people value most in the community, what we’re doing right and where we should be focusing more attention.”

“They’ll also be used to inform next year’s review of the city’s Community Strategic Plan.”

The online census asks participants a range of questions, from what is most important to them in their ideal neighbourhood, to what would make their neighbourhood a better place to live.

It also asks participants to rate the importance of a wide range of ‘liveability attributes’, such as the natural environment, access to amenities, proximity to walking and cycling paths and a neighbourhood’s overall visual character.

Results of each survey are instantly collated to provide a participant with an overall score out of 100 that they rate their neighbourhood.

The national average is 67.

“I might be slightly biased, but I truly believe Lake Mac is one of the best places in the world to live,” Cr Fraser said.

“We have beaches, mountains and the lake at our doorstep, we are close to major services and facilities, and we have a lifestyle that’s the envy of many. But we can always do better, and this survey will help show us how.”

Go to https://survey.placescore.org/s3/lc23-do-nsw-lakemacquarie before 30 June to participate in the survey.