By Abbey Cannan
While Noosa Council continues to make our suburbs and villages even better places to live with the help of a Liveability Survey, Noosa Today has been discovering what local residents love about their home.
Retired residents Mike and Jenny Hines, who completed the survey online with independent research agency PlaceScore, said they were “happy campers“ living in Noosaville.
“My wife and I retired to Noosa seven years ago,“ Mike said.
“Prior to retiring we lived, worked and raised a family in Hobart, Sydney, London, Sydney and Melbourne.
“We came to Noosaville on a holiday in 2013 and thought we could live here. In 2014 we drove up with a plan to give it a try for six months, settled in, purchased a property in Noosaville and we are very happy with our decision to stay.“
Mike said they loved the general ambience of Noosaville, particularly the pride the residents take in maintaining their properties.
“It is amazing what a difference the absence of power poles can make to the feel of an area,“ he said.
“Everything that we need at our stage of life is easily accessible.
“Walking paths and well maintained footpaths connect our home with Gympie Terrace and provide great facilities for exercise.
“Medical services including hospital and specialist treatment is well catered for.
“Shopping and entertainment precincts are easily accessible.
“Adult education and opportunities for creative outlets are well catered for by organisations such as Wallace House and the University of the Third Age.
“The area also has a full range of dining opportunities to suit all budgets and tastes.“
Mike said there was nothing he would like to change about the area.
“I think you could describe us as happy campers,“ he said.
Noosa Council principal planner Michelle Tucker said the purpose of the Liveability Survey was to help guide future decisions.
“We want to understand what the community considers to be an ideal neighbourhood, it could be parks, public spaces, buzzing shopping precincts or community safety,” Ms Tucker said.
“This really is an important time for local residents to provide accurate data on what’s important to them.”
Over 1000 surveys have already been submitted with most respondents coming from Noosaville, Tewantin and the Northern Beaches.
Mayor Clare Stewart encouraged hinterland communities to complete the survey.
“Accurate, rich data is vital and we need to hear from those living in Pomona, Cooran and Kin Kin,” she said.
“A strong response rate helps us get valuable information to make good decisions for the future, particularly with our budget planning about to start.“ the Mayor said.
Simply complete the survey and you have the chance to win one of five $100 vouchers to be used at a number of Noosa businesses.
The survey is open until midnight December 5.
Take the survey at placescore.org/noosa or on the council website.
