New Research:
Living in Melbourne’s West
Life in Melbourne’s West – What 823 Residents Told Us
In 2025, Good Neighbours Movement asked residents from 17 suburbs across Melbourne’s western growth corridor what helps neighbourhoods feel safe, connected and liveable.
The results show a region experiencing both pride and pressure. Strong appreciation for parks, nature and local schools sits alongside frustration with traffic, public transport and the slow pace of essential infrastructure.
This research provides a corridor-wide picture of life in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, helping governments, developers and communities make better decisions together.
This research was supported by Woodlea and conducted independently by Good Neighbours Movement.
823 residents.
17 suburbs.
Australia’s fastest-growing municipality.
Key Stats
Pride in place – but also pressure
Across Melbourne’s west, 52% of residents say they feel proud of where they live.
Pride is strongest where people see parks, paths, schools and local shops being delivered and maintained. These visible elements build confidence in the neighbourhood’s future.
At the same time, residents are clear about what’s missing. Better roads, more reliable public transport and improved night-time safety are the most consistently raised concerns across the region.
Parks, nature and daily destinations matter most
When residents talk about what makes their neighbourhood feel good, three themes stand out: access to green spaces and nature, proximity to schools and childcare, and local shops and cafés.
Nature plays a powerful role. 76% of residents say natural areas such as wetlands, creeks and reserves improve their wellbeing.
56% say parks and green spaces are ‘done well’ in their area, providing a strong foundation for further investment.
Where paths are walkable, shaded and well-lit, residents report feeling more settled and positive about their neighbourhood.
Traffic, transport and safety are major stress points
While parks and community facilities rate strongly, residents across all 17 suburbs raised consistent concerns about daily pressures affecting wellbeing.
Traffic congestion on key arterial roads, slow delivery of upgrades and limited public transport options were the most repeated frustrations.
Residents also described feeling unsafe in poorly lit areas and around busy intersections, especially when walking at night.
Across the corridor, many feel essential infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth.
A big appetite to get involved
One of the strongest findings from the survey is how many people want to play a bigger role in local community life.
One in four residents (26%) say they would like to be more involved but haven’t yet found a clear way to start.
The survey also highlights the ‘invisible work’ already being done by volunteers, local organisers and informal leaders who hold communities together.
There is a significant opportunity to make it easier for residents to connect, participate and help shape their neighbourhoods.
Turning insights into action
For communities and councils
Support evidence-based advocacy for transport, lighting and essential services.
Co-design practical neighbourhood projects—safety audits, park activation, welcome initiatives.
Track neighbourhood health over time using Good Neighbours’ five-pillar framework.
For developers and partners
Early delivery of parks, schools and shops is strongly associated with pride and trust.
Resident-led feedback loops help surface needs early, reducing frustration later.
Plan for long-term resilience: strong social infrastructure, clear stewardship models and smooth handovers.
Explore the full findings in our detailed resident sentiment report
This page shares the headline insights from the Good Neighbours Western Suburbs Survey. The detailed report goes deeper, with further analysis of safety, transport, parks and community participation, and practical recommendations for councils, developers and community organisations.
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The Good Neighbours Western Suburbs Survey was conducted between June and September 2025 with 823 residents from 17 suburbs across Melbourne’s western growth corridor.
The project explored neighbourhood pride, safety, services, parks, public transport, participation and local priorities.
The survey was available in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Filipino and Vietnamese, with additional community workshops and intercept sessions informing the insights.