Mackay’s Liveability Priorities Revealed

Residents have spoken! The 2025 Australian Liveability Census reveals the top priorities for local communities, giving council valuable insights to shape a region that’s both liveable and thriving.

Mackay residents were strongly represented in this year’s census, with local participation increasing by 55.95 per cent compared to 2023.

A total of 2873 responses were received from Mackay locals, offering valuable insights into what matters most to our region.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the results were consistent with the 2023 census.

“Residents identified the natural environment as the most important attribute of their ideal neighbourhood,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Residents also value a well maintained and managed public domain, including footpaths, parks, roads and other public assets,” he said.

“They want access to locally owned and operated businesses that meet their daily needs, and they want easy access to shared community amenities, such as local shops, by foot or bike.”

Residents rated 50 aspects of their current neighbourhood to determine Mackay’s overall liveability score.

Mackay achieved a score of 58 out of 100, which is in line with other Queensland regional councils.

Some of our highest rated strengths included the region being welcoming to all people, physically comfortable and having a diverse population.

The census also identified several highly valued but underperforming areas that present opportunities for improvement.

These included the general condition of public open spaces, such as street trees, footpaths and parks; visible public investment in infrastructure, like roads and parks; and a stronger sense of neighbourhood safety, including safety from crime.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to addressing these priorities and had recently undertaken community consultation on several key strategies, including the Draft Mackay Active Transport and Micromobility Plan, Draft Mackay Region Housing Strategy and Small Business Action Plan.

In addition, council continues to progress major initiatives such as the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy and the Mackay Waterfront Place Strategy, both of which outline targeted actions to enhance and support liveability across the region.

“We have also undertaken a series of liveability-centric projects in 2025,” Mayor Williamson said.

“These include everything from the Slade Point Dog Park project consultation to the construction of Stage 1A and 1B of the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

“We have also undertaken several parks upgrade projects like Stan Camm Park, Alsatia Park, Tanglewood Park, Langfords Park and the John Breen Park disc golf course.

“Council is also investing heavily in our road networks – large projects are currently under way to upgrade Oak Street in Andergrove and complete the Reed Street extension in the Northern Beaches.”

Residents can review the full reports and findings from the 2025 Australian Liveability Census at connectingmackay.com.au/census

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council

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