Rank the suburbs and plan our city A new state government liveability index will allow readers to rank and compare their suburbs in Melbourne. Rebecca Michael Source: Herald Sun VICTORIANS will be able to rank and compare their suburbs and streets as part of a new state government liveability index. Neighbourhoods will be given a score based on survey results and Census data, which will help form the Metropolitan Planning Strategy - the state's blueprint for the next 40 years. The survey will ask residents why they live where they live and will be based on factors such as proximity to parks, gardens, waterways and transport. Have your say by filling out the survey on Page 13 of the Herald Sun tomorrow. While drawcards such as the Botanic Gardens and MCG prove popular with international tourists, initial survey results indicate suburban landmarks and local parks increase a suburb's liveability. Altona Beach, Koomba Park in Wantirna and Wattle Park in Surrey Hills have been identified as among Melbourne's best sites. When the index is complete, residents will also be able to use the data to locate recreational facilities and services. Planning Minister and father of three Matthew Guy said local parks and gardens were one of the reasons Melbourne was regularly voted as one of the world's most liveable cities. "Local parks are our city's hidden gems, they are the heart and soul of many communities, the lungs of many communities, that's why it's important for everyone to be a part of the Metropolitan Planning Strategy survey," Mr Guy said. Mr Guy said his family enjoyed spending time at their local playground in Melbourne's inner north and encouraged all Victorians to complete the survey and help plan Victorian's future. Melbourne's the world's most liveable city and we are going to do everything we can to keep it that way. With Melbourne growing by around 1200 people a week, an extra four to six million people will call the city home by 2050. The survey results will ensure that Melbourne's most popular aspects will be protected while also catering for population growth.