BALLARAT has been named the second most liveable centre in regional Victoria - and the sixth best in Australia - but the public remains concerned about safety.
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The Ipsos, Life In Australia survey 2018 has revealed that while Ballarat comes out higher than average in most categories such as access to health care, access to sport and recreation, education and a sense of community, it falls below the national average in road congestion, access to natural environment and public safety.
Ballarat's total score in the poll is 62.6, above the national regional average of 59.9.
Warrnambool is considered the top regional centre to live in across the country and in fact is the only centre to get an above average score in each category that was surveyed.
Ballarat scored highest in the categories of viewing and playing sport and access to festival and museums. It also rated a 7.5 in ability to access the natural environment, which was slightly lower than the national average of 7.7 our of 10.
The Understanding Liveability Across Regional Australia report is drawn from the Ipsos Life in Australia project - the nation's largest annual study of community values and liveability.
Committee For Ballarat chief executive Michael Poulton said Ballarat needs to be aiming for a podium finish in future years.
"As with all league tables it's great to finish in the Top 10, even better to finish sixth," he said.
"We now need to strive for a podium finish (top 3) in 2020.
"Whilst liveability is not really a competition, we can be very pleased that we are ahead of both Bendigo (12th) and Geelong (18th)."
Mr Poulton said the challenge for the region is to continue to collaborate to ensure Ballarat becomes a destination of choice for people to live and to thrive in.
"Access for all to quality health, education, housing, lifestyle choices, jobs, opportunity and especially a strong sense of community cohesion are the priorities for us, as we move from 6th to a podium finish in the years ahead.
In metropolitan areas, central Perth came out on top, followed by the central and hills area of Adelaide while Sydney's eastern suburbs were third.
To view the full survey, click here.
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