Nambucca Valley
Nambucca Valley scores well on sustainability (58/100) but only 29/100 on community services — a gap worth watching.
"Mid-north coast river town — Nambucca Heads and the painted breakwall"
See where Nambucca Valley ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 20,986
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
49 out of 100
#43 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#74 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 58/100 |
| Community Services | 29/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 54/100 |
| Core Operations | 56/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Nambucca Valley performs strongest in Sustainability (scoring 58 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Community Services (currently 29 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Mid-north coast river town — Nambucca Heads and the painted breakwall
Nambucca Valley covers Nambucca Heads, Macksville, and surrounding coastal communities.
Known For
- V-Wall — the painted rock breakwall at Nambucca
- Nambucca River — kayaking and fishing
- Relaxed mid-north coast lifestyle
- Affordable coastal living
Living Here
Nambucca offers relaxed, affordable coastal living. Less developed than Coffs or Port Macquarie, which is the appeal.
Hidden Gem
The painted V-Wall — thousands of personal messages on rocks along the Nambucca breakwall, a unique community artwork.