2025 Australian Liveability Census

The 2025 Australian Liveability Census invited residents from across Australia to share what matters most in their neighbourhood.

The results of the census provide a clear snapshot of what residents value in a liveable community and where the greatest opportunities for improvement are¾allowing decision makers to have a better understanding of liveability from the perspective of our country’s diverse population.

Local participation in the census saw a 55.95% increase from 2023, with 2,873 responses received from 1,049 Mackay residents.

Similar to the 2023 census, residents voted for 'elements of natural environment (natural features, views, vegetation, topography, water, wildlife etc.)' as the most important attribute in their ideal neighbourhood.

Council understands that every community in the region is unique in what matters most to its members. However, ideal neighbourhoods capture the key attributes that are important to most people.

For the majority of the Mackay region’s residents, the ideal neighbourhood includes:

• A well-maintained and managed public domain (footpaths, parks, roads and other public assets).
• Locally owned and operated businesses that provide the community with its daily needs.
• Easy to access shared community amenities, like the local shops, on foot or by bike.

Residents also rated 50 metrics of the neighbourhood they currently live in to determine Mackay’s liveability score. In line with the average of Queensland regional councils, we scored 58 out of 100.

Some of the highest rated areas for liveability included being welcoming to all people, physically comfortable and having a diverse population.

The ratings highlighted several highly valued, yet underperforming areas to prioritise to improve liveability. They include:

• The general condition of public open space (street trees, footpaths, parks etc.)
• Evidence of recent public investment (roads, parks, schools etc.)
• Sense of neighbourhood safety (from crime, traffic, pollution etc.)

To continue improving liveability in our region, recent consultations have taken place for various projects, including the Draft Mackay Active Transport and Micromobility Plan which is due for adoption in early 2026 and the Slade Point Off-leash Dog Park.

Council is also working hard to continue to deliver the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy and the Mackay Waterfront Place Strategy, which both provide key actions to maintain and support liveability in the Mackay region.

Other recently completed projects that aim to enhance the liveability of our region include upgrades to Alsatia Park in Walkerston, Langfords Park in Eton, and the completion of Stage 1A of the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

Thank you to all of the residents who took part in the census. Your feedback is essential in shaping a region that reflects the values of the communities that live here.

Interested in more liveability stats?

• Read the Executive Summary Report for a high-level overview of the results gathered from residents of Mackay in 2025.
• Read the Priorities, Values and Performance Report to see key themes from residents of Mackay LGA, compared with QLD and Australia.
• Read the State of Place Report for Australia-wide census outcomes.