The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has congratulated Melbourne (1st), Adelaide (5th) and Perth (7th) on being declared amongst the top ten most liveable cities in the world according to the liveability ranking by The Economist Intelligence Unit.

“This is just another feather in the cap of Australia that three of our beautiful cities – Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth – have made the top ten list of the world’s most liveable cities,” said Margy Osmond, TTF CEO.

“Hats off to Melbourne which has held first place on the list for the sixth year in a row!

“Having three Australian cities in the top ten of liveable cities is free advertising in the global visitor market – this is a market that is becoming cut-throat in its competition and every little bit of positive publicity helps a long-haul destination such as Australia attract more high-yield international visitors.

“This list is no excuse to rest on our laurels. Liveability should be guarded jealously and that means continuing to invest in public transport, maintaining security and stability, and expanding arts and culture – these are all indicators which attract international visitors to a city and that flows on to major economic decisions to invest, trade, study, conference and live in our cities.

“Every Australian city should use this index as an incentive to double their efforts to improve the functioning of our cities. State and Territory Governments across Australia have ambitious plans for major transport infrastructure and we are seeing key projects such as the Melbourne Metro and the Sydney Metro getting underway – we need to see action to get more of these types projects underway.

“The Federal Government needs to use the next term of parliament to turbo-charge the major transport infrastructure being built in our leading cities. We know that the benefit of such an investment has long-term benefits to the liveability of our cities and as the RBA Governor has pointed out has national benefits in growing the economy, supporting jobs and our quality of life.”