Coastal living a lifestyle winner

Benefits rocket NW up list

TASMANIA’S North- West has been ranked as the fifth best regional area in Australia to live — on a par with the Sunshine Coast.

The Ipsos Life in Australia 2018 report showed the Regional Australia Liveability Index, what makes somewhere nice to live based on things such as affordable housing, public safety and social cohesion, in North-West Tasmania was equal with the Murray area of New South Wales and Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The only regions which ranked higher were southeast South Australia and the Warnambool area of Victoria.

People in the North-West rated their access to quality health services, public transport and higher education as below average.

But the liveability ranking skyrocketed when it came to feeling safe, having access to their wonderful natural environment, a strong sense of community, social cohesion and a lack of traffic congestion.

The data comes as no surprise to Burnie teenager Elki Wiseman and Cradle Coast Authority CEO Daryl Connelly.

Elki, 14, loves her hometown and the surrounding coastal region.

“I like the beach, the community and it is a safe place to grow up,” the Marist Regional College student said.

“I also like all the sporting opportunities we have here. I swim and am a member of the Burnie Surf Life Saving Club. “It is just a good place.” The CCA represents the region’s nine councils and Mr Connelly said the survey results highlighted what those who lived in the region already knew and were reflected in the increase in people visiting and moving into the area.

“Many of those interested in moving here are also interested in starting or buying a business, which is why last week we launched the Cradle Coast Regional Investment Prospectus,” he said.

“There has never been a better time to live, work, visit or invest in our corner of the island.”

Launceston and the NorthEst was ranked 15th in the nation.