Most liveable cities in the world: Brisbane slips down global rankings

BRISBANE is sliding down the rankings of the best cities in the world to live – even falling behind places people are leaving in order to move here – and, this significant global report shows, it’s not even in the top three in Australia.

BRISBANE is slipping down the rankings of the best cities in the world to live – behind places people are leaving to come here.

Melbourne lost its world crown after seven years to Vienna. But the Victorian capital, Sydney and Adelaide are all ranked in the top 10 on The Economist Global Liveability Index, published yesterday.

However, Brisbane failed to even make it in to the top 20, slipping to number 22 after being ranked 18 last year.

The ranking defies attempts to promote the Sunshine State capital as a New World City able to attract people from around the planet with our lifestyle and economic opportunities.

The result has left the city’s Lord Mayor Graham Quirk puzzled and frustrated.

“We know Brisbane is a great place to live, work, and relax and so do homeowners whether it be locals, people moving from interstate or those investing in our city,” he said.

Brisbane has slipped down to position 22 in the global ranking, from 18 last year.

It comes just a day after new data showing Brisbane leading the nation for home value performance for the first time in a decade.

The number one ranking in property performance indicators across the country today was proof that it was a great place to live and invest, Cr Quirk said.

The latest ABS interstate migration figures show New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia all losing people while Queensland had a net gain of nearly 18,000 in a year.

Brisbane’s overall score on the Global Liveability Index – which compares 140 cities – rose marginally from 94.2 (out of 100) to 94.3.

The education rating jumped from 91.7 to 100. But our infrastructure score tumbled from 89.3 last year to 85.7 – while congestion plagued Sydney and Melbourne each recorded 100.

The Lord Mayor accused the authors of ignoring commitments to a series of major transport projects.

“Clearly the people who put these surveys together haven’t factored in what’s happening in Brisbane with the strong pipeline of major infrastructure projects,” he said.

“We have a strong economy, an affordable property market and a strong pipeline of major infrastructure projects such as the second airport runway, Brisbane Metro, Cross River Rail, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane and Brisbane Live.

“Brisbane’s future remains bright and Council continues to improve the liveability of our city with more lifestyle and leisure options, world-class venues, and Australia’s most modern public transport to complement its vibrant green spaces, lively bars and world-class restaurants.”

Melbourne remains Australia’s most liveable city, but has lost its number one global spot to Vienna.

Property Council Queensland executive director Chris Mountford said it was no longer just about “lifestyle and weather”, but an increasing focus on economic drivers and infrastructure to underpin that.

“The second airport runway is a fantastic investment, as are Cross River rail and the Metro. Part of the challenge going forward is to continue that commitment in the medium and long term to keep pace with the population.”

Queensland Theatre artistic director Sam Strong was surprised at the ranking. “Brisbane is the most exciting city in Australia at the moment,” he said. “It’s in the middle of an arts and culture renaissance.”

Mr Strong, who moved here after working in both Sydney and Melbourne, said Brisbane was able to match them for dining and entertainment options and “I’m enjoying the ease of getting around Brisbane.

“Why would you be anywhere else on an August day?”