Parkes Shire Council first engaged Place Score for the 2021 Australian Liveability Census, capturing baseline insights into what matters most to its community. Building on this foundation, a full LGA-wide liveability study was conducted in 2023 to inform the development of Parkes’ first Liveability Strategy – a landmark move for the regional shire. Demonstrating the versatility and long-term value of community engagement data, the results were also used to shape the 2024 Community Strategic Plan.
In 2025, Parkes again partnered with Place Score to assess the potential community benefit of several major initiatives, including housing, health, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Place Score delivered a tailored assessment framework that provided a clear hierarchy of benefit across the proposals, along with actionable recommendations to maximise social outcomes. This evolving collaboration highlights how evidence-based planning can guide better decisions, from high-level strategy to individual project investment.
