Community Scorecard to help shape Broome’s future
Published on 10 September 2026
The Shire of Broome has acknowledged and thanked more than 1,400 community members who took part in the 2026 MARKYT® Community Scorecard, with their feedback helping identify key priorities for the Shire and strengthen the Shire's advocacy on issues requiring action from State and Federal governments and other agencies.
The biennial survey conducted by CATALYSE between 27 April and 15 May 2026 provided feedback on community priorities, aspirations and perceptions of services across Broome.
Shire President Chris Mitchell said the results provided an important measure of community sentiment and a clear indication of where people want to see greater focus.
“The Community Scorecard isn't simply a measure of how the Shire is performing – it tells us what matters most to our community and where they want to see action,” Cr Mitchell said.
“We are listening to that feedback, and it will help inform where we focus our efforts, where we can improve and, importantly, where we need to continue advocating on behalf of Broome.”
The 2026 results show Broome's overall liveability score increased from 65 out of 100 in 2024 to 68 in 2026, with 92 per cent of respondents providing a positive rating of Broome as a place to live. Broome's liveability score is also five points above the average for participating Northern Australian local governments.
There were also improved community perceptions across a number of areas compared with 2024, including the Broome Civic Centre, youth services and facilities, safety and crime prevention, beaches and foreshores, local marine facilities and universal access and inclusion.
Library services, Surf Life Saving services and festivals, markets and community events were among the highest-performing areas in 2026, while Chinatown development and activation, tourism and destination marketing and main roads performed strongly relative to other local governments.
The Scorecard also identified areas where the community wants greater focus, led by safety and crime prevention, housing and State marine facilities, alongside footpaths, trails and cycleways, street lighting, health and community services and local roads.
Cr Mitchell said many of the issues identified through the Scorecard were not services delivered solely – or in some cases at all – by local government.
“Whether it is housing, community safety, health services, main roads or marine infrastructure, there are significant issues affecting our community that require investment and action from the State and Federal governments and other agencies,” he said.
“That doesn't mean the Shire doesn't have a role to play. We spend considerable time advocating for Broome, and these results give us clear evidence of the priorities our community wants us to take forward.”
The overall governance score was 44 out of 100, compared with 50 in 2024. While this represents a decline since 2024, it remains two points above the average for participating Northern Australian local governments.
Shire of Broome CEO Sam Mastrolembo said the Shire was listening closely to the concerns raised through the Scorecard and would use the results to help shape its future focus.
“We have heard the areas where our community wants to see improvement, and we take that feedback seriously,” Mr Mastrolembo said.
“The Scorecard gives us a clear understanding of where we need to focus our efforts, while also identifying issues where we need to work with and advocate to other levels of government.”
Cr Mitchell said the Shire also recognised the financial pressures facing households and businesses.
“We recognise the pressures households and businesses are facing, including the impact of rates, and we will continue looking carefully at our own financial management while advocating on issues that affect the Shire's capacity to deliver for our community,” Cr Mitchell said.
“This includes continuing to advocate on matters such as rate exemptions and the level of Financial Assistance Grants available to regional local governments.
“Our PEARLS values include listening to and understanding our community. We have heard what people have told us through this Scorecard, including where they believe we can do better. The next step is making sure that feedback is reflected in our planning, decision-making and advocacy.”
Cr Mitchell said many of the priorities identified required collaboration and investment from other levels of government.
“These results give us clear evidence of the priorities our community wants us to take forward,” he said.
The Shire will use the 2026 Community Scorecard to support its Council Plan, inform service delivery and future priorities, and strengthen advocacy to other levels of government.
The full 2026 MARKYT® Community Scorecard will be available at here.