Sorry Byron Bay and other contenders but Townsville has been named as the prestigious winner of Australia’s ‘Supreme Shithole of the Year’ award. 

In a poll run by the viral Facebook page ‘Shit Towns of Australia’, the Queensland city triumphed with the most votes: a huge 36% of voters picked Townsville as the worst city in the entire country.

Townsville was followed by the entire state of NSW in second (30%) and much-maligned beach town Byron Bay (20%), with Sydney’s Mount Druitt (13.5%) rounding out the top four.

The high rate of crime in the city was cited as a major reason for its win but Townsville residents were quick to fire back at the criticism. “Don’t look at the negatives, look at the positives,” one person insisted. “We have the biggest military base here in Australia. We also have a university to further peoples careers.

There is also some nice beaches where you can camp. You are within an 80km radius to go see a rainforest. We have magnetic island which has alot to offer. Property values are cheap compared to other places. There’s also alot of work available if you are looking for a job… You can go look at old gold mines, tunnels etc if you know where to look.”

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Most just saw the funny side of it all though. “One weird city beat out the entirety of NSW. Proud,” proclaimed someone. “Townsville may have won as a town but Byron will always have the shittest rich people in designer cotton pants,” countered another.

“So proud of the Ville right now, just shows what a consistent effort in gronkness can do ! I’m thinking a Public Holiday is in order “Supreme Shit Town Day”, you’ve set the bar very high, walk proud !!,” was another person’s suggestion.

“Congratulations” Townsville, I hope you don’t make it consecutive wins next year. As the Facebook page says, “To all the suburbs, towns, cities and states that participated in our polls this year, better luck next time!”

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