Melbourne has again been selected as one of the world’s most liveable cities, taking second place in the liveability index run by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU).
Melbourne received a near perfect score of 98.4, unchanged from last year, with just 0.7 per cent separating Melbourne from number one ranked city Vienna.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Melbourne’s 98.6 score for culture and environment was the highest among the world’s top five most liveable cities.
“Melbourne is recognised as one of the best cities in the world and we continue to lead the nation for liveability. Melbourne is Australia’s events, sporting and cultural capital.
“We should all be incredibly proud of what Melbourne has already achieved, but of course there is more to do.
“That’s why the City of Melbourne is investing a record $166 million in capital works this year to build a better community – including $28.2 million on transport projects to keep our city moving and $7.1 million on Melbourne’s acclaimed parks and gardens.
“We’re also making Melbourne safer by upgrading lighting, CCTV cameras and delivering permanent bollards across the central city, in conjunction with the Victorian Government.”
The , released today, found two of the top 10 cities are in Australia, with Sydney moving from fifth to third place, Adelaide taking out 10th place, Perth in 14th and Brisbane 18th.
“We offer our warm congratulations to Vienna for taking out first place and it’s great to see Sydney in the top three,” the Lord Mayor said.
Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Prosperous City Portfolio, Councillor Kevin Louey said: “Melbourne is arguably Australia’s true global city and having such a high ranking in the liveability awards for so long is outstanding for our city’s international reputation.”
The Lord Mayor said retaining such a high ranking was an extraordinary honour in the midst of significant population growth and major works to re-shape our transport system.
“Melbourne is Australia’s fastest growing city and one of the fastest growing cities in the developed world. We are planning and delivering projects in response to this growth, which will make our city even more liveable for decades to come,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The City of Melbourne is working closely with the Victorian and Federal Governments to ensure we are putting people at the centre of this investment by building more places to live and work, creating more green spaces to enjoy and upgrading transport options to keep our community connected.”
Melbourne scored maximum points in healthcare, education and infrastructure and maintained its score in stability and culture and environment.
The EIU Liveability Index is the world’s most widely accepted ranking of liveability, comparing 140 of the world’s major cities.
