Focus on Queensland, Australia

StreetAdvisor.com aims to provide a personal view of the world at the street level, based on the opinions and experiences of real people. Last week we looked at the state of South Australia; now the focus is on the north-eastern Australian state of Queensland.

Over time the score difference between these two states has reduced. Back in March 2008, in our review of how do Australia's states rate?, Queensland's StateScore was 70.64 and South Australia's StateScore was 67.68. Now, Queensland's StateScore has declined to 69.46 and South Australia's has risen to 68.26.

Queensland has diverse real estate, from traditional suburbs and small towns to marina developments and gated communities. Here's a sample of voices from the Queensland community.

Map of the Brisbane region

At Laurel Avenue, Chelmer, Queensland, Australia (StreetScore 81.51), resident HappyonLaurel says:

"I love living in Laurel Avenue. I have lived there for 6 years and watched it changed from a street with many older people in it to now having a balance of older people, young couples and many many young families. The avenue is wide and most weekends sees children riding bikes in the street, people walking their dogs and out exercising. It's a great neighbourhood, very friendly and very clean. It would be great to get some decent shops though!"

At Undara Avenue, Buddina, Queensland, Australia (StreetScore 70.84), resident bellemade says:

"We have a very quiet but friendly street. All the neighbours know each other and we all look out for each other. Our schools are good value and who can beat how close we are to Kawana Shopping world. Don't look past our street for a friendly family street."

At Burnett Street, Bundaberg South, Queensland, Australia (StreetScore 51.53), resident nothairywoman says:

"This street has two cross roads at one end and one roundabout at the other. It's a through road, so you get lots of hoons accelerating from the cross roads. I wouldn't want to have a pet cat or dog on this street.

There are lots of flats on this street, so it's quite busy. You can also hear the traffic from the main roads in Bundaberg. At night you can hear the train. There is some domestic violence in the area - late night yelling matches and drunken idiots from the near by pub.

There are some really nice looking old Queenslander houses on this street - I feel sorry for the people who own such a lovely home on the street.

The neighbours are impersonal and indifferent, which is great for a small town actually! Heaps of uni students live on this street too."

Map of the Townsville region

At Parkwater Terrace, Monterey Keys, Queensland, Australia (StreetScore 81.37), resident Sallyc12 says:

"This is the cheapest gated community in the Gold Coast - only paying $15.50 per week. Only 42 houses so very friendly, good for kids, good for retired, good for safety. Neighbours are friendly. Annual Xmas BBQ in the street but people chat in the street when they meet each other, waive as they pass in the car -. very quiet and as we are a gated community no hoons!"

At Farm Street, Newmarket, Queensland, Australia (StreetScore 71.12), resident Harro says:

"Farm street is located approximately 5kms north/west of Brisbane city. The area has a lot of potential with excellent access to public transport, schools and universities, major shopping districts and very close to the CBD.

Farm St/Newmarket has had excellent capital growth in 2007 due to the recognition of its wonderful and convenient location. Still more growth to come for those that get in early enough. It is only a matter of time before we see a lot more renovation of existing dwellings and the development of new ones.

Unfortunately there needs to be a bit of work done in regard to the public works such as the street surface, Public gardens and footpaths. They have been neglected up until now but hopefully this will be addressed in the near future.

Farm street as access to major rail services (within 400m) and bus service (within 400m) both offer trips into the CBD that take up to 15 minutes and services run regularly.

Overall, Farm St is in an excellent location and more importantly holds a lot more potential in terms of growth over the coming years."

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