Results from over 26,000 Australians revealed four major opportunities: investment in soft and hard infrastructure that will make local neighbourhoods better for the communities they serve. Improving walkability, maintenance and safety, the protection and integration of nature and quality of open space are all key to improving national liveability outcomes.
Prioritising the Common Good
Place Score’s methodology highlights the gap between what communities value and how well those needs are met. The 2023 State of Place (download here) charts show whether neighbourhood attributes are over- or under-performing. Four themes consistently underperform: Movement, Safety and Management, Environmental Sustainability, and Open Space. Different communities value different things—this is where place-based research is most powerful.
Walkable, Connected Neighbourhoods
Post-Covid, Australians remain eager for walkable, connected paths linking homes with key destinations. Public and active transport options rank high in importance (#5 and #9) but underperform, while driving and parking (ranked #31) perform better despite lower importance.
About 39% (14,000+) of neighbourhood improvement ideas relate to movement— mostly requesting better local paths and transport options, especially from those aged 25–64, who seek more lighting, signage, and extended transit hours.
Maintenance and Safety Build Trust and Belonging
The condition of public open space ranks as the #2 shared value, with poor maintenance tied to reduced perceptions of safety. Clean, well-maintained spaces foster place pride and social connection.
Roughly 24% (9,000+) of community ideas call for better place management and safety. Basics like curbs, crossings, and footpaths improve access and experience, especially in lower-density growth areas that often lack the funding to maintain public infrastructure.
Nature as a Foundation for Unique and Sustainable Places
The natural environment ranks as the #1 shared value (71%), and it performs well (PX7.5). However, protection of these assets is lagging.
More than 5,000 ideas call for integrating trees, planting, and natural features—for shade, beauty, and biodiversity. Sustainability is especially important to under-25s and communities in the ACT and NT, who want walkable, green neighbourhoods with low environmental footprints and efficient public transport.
Denser Neighbourhoods Need Stronger Social Infrastructure
Social infrastructure—parks, libraries, healthcare, education—will be increasingly vital as cities densify and living costs rise. 31% (11,500+) of community ideas focused on improving shared spaces. These places should support rest, activity, socialisation, and nature connection, with evening access and cultural responsiveness. As private open space shrinks, public amenity must fill the gap, despite the higher costs of delivery and maintenance. This is a key trade-off in city densification.
For the full 2023 Australian Liveability Census results please download the 2023 State of Place HERE
