fraser coast lifestyle & investment opportunities
DESCRIPTION
Publication highlighting lifestyle and investment opportunities in the Fraser Coast.TRANSCRIPT
LI FEST YLE & I NVESTM ENT O PP O RTU N ITI ES
live
work
invest
play
www.frasercoastopportunities.com.au
2 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Why the Fraser Coast?
To Bundaberg
To Lady Elliott Island
Contents
4 Overview
6 Location and Access
10 Affordability
12 Investment
14 Key Industry Sectors
16 Doing Business
18 Lifestyle
22 Career Options
24 Contacts
At a glance
• Area7,125km2 • Population95,310 • EstimatedPopulation2031–164,000 • GrossRegionalProduct$3.3billion • TotalVisitorsperannum–933,000 • LabourForce–43,000
©CopyrightApril2013. ProducedbyFraserCoastOpportunities,abusinessandinvestmentattractionunitoftheFraserCoastRegionalCouncil.
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 3
Career / Work balance
Love the lifestyle
So affordable
Next ‘hot spot’
Great community feel
Growth
Perfect position
“My family and I used to holiday here when I was a kid and I’ve always loved the area. I’ve been lucky enough to travel fairly extensively through my football career and it’s probably one of Australia’s, if not the world’s best kept secrets.”
Chris LathamFormer Australian Rugby Union Representative
and Fraser Coast Ambassador
After spending more than a decade criss-crossing the globe representing Australia in Rugby Union, Wallabies legend Chris Latham was searching for the ultimate lifestyle destination to settle with his young family. He soon found all he was looking for on the Fraser Coast.
4 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Who says you can’t have it all?
“You don’t have to be in a suburb of Brisbane to lead an expanding business. We can service 46 outlets across Queensland and the Pacific from the Fraser Coast. With high-speed internet, direct flights to Sydney and Brisbane, it is easy to contact or meet with suppliers and clients; and at the end of the day I live only seven minutes from work and I can look at the ocean every day.” David Smith Master Franchisee Cartridge World Queensland
As a master franchisor with Cartridge World, one of the world’s largest dedicated specialty retailers of ink and toner printer cartridges and one of its fastest growing franchises, David Smith has discovered the secret to combining lifestyle with business success. It’s living on the Fraser Coast.
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 5
SOMEREGIONS might have the location andlifestyleeveryonedreamsof.Othersenjoyfastgrowthandexcitingpotential,whilethekeysellingpointforotherregionsisaffordability.Queensland’sFraserCoasthasallthisinonecompletepackage.
Unitingtwoworldheritageicons–FraserIslandandthestartoftheGreatBarrierReef–withsomeoftheworld’smostsought after nature based and heritage experiences,theFraserCoast’sallureisundeniable.
New residents and visitors are captivated by the stunning natural and built environment as well as the region’s safe,familylifestyleandvibrant,strongcommunityfocus.
The Fraser Coast’s impressive growth figuresattesttoirresistibleappeal,witharound three thousand people each year discoveringtheperfect–andaffordable–lifestyle and investment destination they havebeensearchingfor.
Fromaninvestmentviewpoint,theregionis the next hotspot with the Fraser Coast’s population set to grow dramatically over thenext20yearstoover164,000–outstrippingtheQueenslandaverage–andsurpassedonlybythesouth-eastcorner.
Immediately accessible is the best descriptionoftheFraserCoast’slocation.
Only250kmfromBrisbaneandjustonninetyminutesintheairtoSydney–theFraser Coast is perfectly positioned on the BruceHighwaywithfast,efficientroad,railand air transport corridors to major centres andtheboomingminingsectors.
Withsucheasyaccessroutes,theregion is tailor-made for resource sector employeesto‘livehere’and‘workthere’.
With Fraser Island and the stunning beaches of Hervey Bay as a main drawcard,uptoonemilliontouristsflocktotheregioneachyear,drivingamultimilliondollartourismindustry.
ImmenselyaffordableisanotherkeyadvantageoftheFraserCoast,withindustriallandandrents,residentialrentsand house prices among the lowest in Australia–asisthecostofliving.
The opportunities for both jobs and investmentareexciting.Ourpotentialforgrowthisstaggering.Ourlifestyleiswhathasbeenmissingfromyourlife.
Investorrelocatetodayandmakethiswonderfulregionpartofyourfuture.
Whenitcomestolifestyle,investmentandlocation,Queensland’sFraserCoastisinaclassofitsown.
6 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Ideal location and easy access
“The Fraser Coast is the ideal base to service all of these industries because we have the resources here and it acts as a central hub for transport. The region is ideal for potential businesses to invest or expand their operations.
“We’re blessed with an enthusiastic, skilled workforce, affordable housing and a Council committed to supporting business and attracting investment.
“And let’s not forget the Fraser Coast lifestyle is second to none. Why would you want to be anywhere else?Tracy Carlson Corporate Manager Dale and Meyers
Fraser Coast’s premium timber DTM started life as Dale and Meyers Timber in Tiaro in 1988. Since then the company has experienced a name change and unprecedented expansion. With its headquarters in Maryborough, it now employs more than 270 staff and sells a range of hard and softwood products to domestic and international markets.
“ The Fraser Coast is the ideal base to service all of these industries because we have the resources here and it acts as a central hub for transport. The region is ideal for potential businesses to invest or expand their operations.
“ We’re blessed with an enthusiastic, skilled workforce, affordable housing and a Council committed to supporting business and attracting investment.
“ And let’s not forget the Fraser Coast lifestyle is second to none. Why would you want to be anywhere else?”Tracy Carlson Corporate Manager Dale and Meyers
Fraser Coast’s premium timber DTM started life as Dale and Meyers Timber in Tiaro in 1988. Since then the company has experienced a name change and unprecedented expansion. With its headquarters in Maryborough, it now employs more than 270 staff and sells a range of hard and softwood products to domestic and international markets.
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 7
Ifyouarelookingtorelocateorinvest, thenFraserCoastofferstheperfectlocation.
Advantages• OneofAustralia’sfastestgrowingregions
• Only250kmnorthofBrisbaneandjustonninetyminutes in the air to Sydney
• MainthoroughfareforSouthEastQueenslandwith prime position on the Bruce Highway and the QueenslandRailnetwork
• Efficientandreliabletransportservicesincludingjet services to Sydney and easy access to Australian capitals and major regional centres
• Centrallylocatedtothegasandenergysectorsallowing easy access to the Surat Basin and Gladstoneareas
• Twoairports,withservicestoaccommodatefly-infly-outoperationstotheresourcessector
• Catchmentofapproximately300,000peoplewithinatwohourdrive/200kmradius
• Soughtaftercoastallifestylewithworldclassattractions including Fraser Island
• Diverseindustrialandruralbase
Did you know?
The Fraser Coast sits in the heart of the Great Sandy Biosphere, a unique nature reserve recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding natural beauty and diversity, and in the same class as the Galapagos Islands and Central Amazon.
8 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
For more than 30 years Essentially Residential has been one of the most respected names in the building industry and has won the Queensland Master Builders Presidents Award at both regional and state level. Owner builder Colin Clark describes the Fraser Coast as one of Queensland’s best kept secrets.
Coastal and rural living combined
Did you know?
Since the beginning of time, this area has been associated with Paradise. The Butchulla People called Fraser Island K’gari – meaning beautiful white spirit or paradise.
“More and more people are making the move here for a sea change or a tree change and a lot of them have become our clients. The area is moving in the right direction and we’re very proud to be a part of that.”
Colin Clark Ownder builder Essentially Residential
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 9
live
Fraser Island
World Heritage listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and home toover100freshwaterlakes,ancientrainforestsgrowingoutofsand,immensesandblowsandcliffsofcolouredsands,champagne pools and stunning stretches ofbeach.
THEREGION’Slandscapes,citiesandtownsareanappealingandunbeatablemix.
Hervey Bay
The coastal city of Hervey Bay offers a thriving tourist and life choice destination with one of the highest growth rates in Queensland.Parklands,picnicareas,playgrounds,piersandavibrantmarinaallcombine with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean coast-line and Fraser Island along theforeshore.TheEsplanadeisdottedwithalfrescocafés,restaurants,pubs,clubs and the spectacular heritage listed UranganPier.TheFraserCoastCulturalCentre is home to the regional gallery and the Discovery Sphere where people can immersethemselvesinFraserIsland,theGreatSandyBiosphereandthefascinatingworldoftheHumpbackwhale.
Prefer a more tranquil coastal lifestyle?
ThenBurrumHeads,Dundowran,Toogoom,Craignish and River Heads are the perfect seaside locations to settle while still being closetotheregion’stwomajorcities.
Maryborough
InMaryborough,gloriousparklandsandstunning architecture proudly promote its impressiveheritageandindustrialpast– a past which continues to pave the way for astrongeconomicfuture.
SituatedontheMaryRiver,Maryboroughwasfirstsettledin1847andboaststhe exceptional heritage precinct calledPortside–withriversideparks,museums,restaurants,anartgalleryandhistoricalpubs.Maryborough’sdiversehousingoptionsincludeacreageliving,modern estates and impressive heritage Queenslanders.
Great Sandy Strait
Located between the mainland and Fraser Island,theStraitisadiversemixofmarinewetlands,turquoisewaterandwhitesandybeaches.Nestledonthewater’sedgearethecharmingfishingvillagesofPoona,Boonooroo,TuanandTinnanbar.SailingconditionsintheGreatSandyStraitrivaltheWhitsundays,whileitsshelteredbaysandcreeksareperfectforfishing.
Fraser Coast Hinterland
Quaintcountrytowns,charminglocals,historicpubs,andthenaturalbeautyof the rural hinterland also provide an establishedruralbasecentredonbeef,sugarandagriculture.Itisaperfectexample of Australian country living and includespicturesquetownssuchasTiaro,Bauple,Howard,Torbanlea,Brooweena,OakhurstandTeebar.ThemagnificentMaryRiver weaves its way through much of the hinterland and is home to rare turtle and fishspecies.
Getatasteofthecountrylifewithineasyreach of the cities of Maryborough and Hervey Bay with options ranging from large farmsandhobbyfarmstoacreageliving.
SituatedonarguablythemoststunningsectionoftheQueenslandcoastline,theFraserCoastoffersthebestofcoastalandruralliving–allwithineasyreachoftheSunshineCoast,GoldCoast,BrisbaneandCentralQueensland.
10 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Affordabilityisthekey
Be spoilt for choice
The Fraser Coast’s impressive array of housing ensures there is a perfect house foreveryone.Theseinclude:
• TheState’sfinestcollectionofclassic“old”Queenslanders
•Modernfamilyhomes
•Acreageliving
•Statelyfederationandheritage-listedhomes
•Master-plannedcommunities
• Luxurywaterfrontapartmentsandhomes
•Beachsidegetaways
• Thelatestineco-friendlyhouses
•Caravanparks
• Prestigelifestyleretirementapartmentsand villages
Adesirablealternativetoescalatinglandcosts,rentsandpopulationpressuresofothermajorurbanareas.
THERE ARE very few parts of Australia whereyoucanhaveyourpickoflivingonacreage,renovatingaQueenslanderontheriverbank,orsippingcocktailsfromyourbeachfrontunit.
There are even fewer places where it won’t breakthebanktodoit.ButtheFraserCoast offers the opportunity to buy or build yourdreamhome,inoneofAustralia’smostaffordablerealestatemarkets.
Infact,themedianhousepricein2012wasonaverage77%lowerthanBrisbane,68%cheaperthanGladstoneand50% belowMackay.
Industrial land
Established and emerging businesses haveaccesstoprime,fullyservicedindustrial land throughout Maryborough and Hervey Bay at significantly lower rates persquaremetrethantheState’scapital,BrisbaneandcentressuchasGladstone.
The region’s industrial estates offer a variety of land sizes and access to reticulatedgas,electricity,road,rail,treated and recycled water and other services.
Located within the Hervey Bay Airport IndustrialPark,AvionistheonlyindustrialparkinQueenslandwithdirect-accessair freight services allowing for express logistical support to industry and is ideal foravionicsandwarehousingbusinesses.
Credit: Peppers Pier Resort, Hervey Bay.
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 11
live
Invest in a strong performer
Withitsgreataffordability,theFraserCoastpropertymarkethasalltheingredientsforinvestmentsuccess–risingvalues,lowvacancyratesandattractiverentalreturns.Median house prices continue to perform solidly; while vacancy rates remain in the healthyrangeataround2.6%.
Unparallelled investment opportunities exist in:
•Residentialhousesandunits
•Retail
•Commercialandindustrial
•Newhomeconstructions/houseandlandpackages
•Subdivisionshotelsandresorts
Did you know?
The cost of living on the Fraser Coast is one of the lowest in Queensland. Maryborough was first and Hervey Bay fourth in a recent State Government survey of more than 40 towns to find the State’s lowest overall cost of living.
“There are a number of different estates at the moment offering new homes on larger blocks in the low to mid $300,000s. You are talking about quality builders and beautiful blocks – river frontage. Anything above $400,000 will get you an executive level home, and you could be on the esplanade for between $500,000 to $700,000.“Linda Brand Local real estate agent
12 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Investment opportunities
Shining on the national stage comes easily to Knight Frank Fraser Coast. In 2012 it was awarded the national Award for Excellence, beating fellow franchisees from across Australia and New Zealand.
“The Fraser Coast is really starting to move forward again. Property in particular will play a big part in the region’s future.
“ The Fraser Coast is one of the few places that offers affordable living and investment opportunities, plus career paths balanced with an enviable lifestyle. As a team we are very proud to be contributing to the region’s bright, prosperous future.” Glen Winney Knight Frank Fraser Coast
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 13
invest
Perfectlocation,idylliclifestyle,skilledworkforce,affordabilityanda supportiveCouncilinoneofQueenslands’fastestgrowingregions.
Strong Growth
The Fraser Coast is one of the State’s fastest-growing economic regions having experienced an increase of approximately 10%inpopulationsince2006.
Withitslifestyle,locationandbusinessopportunitiesasmajordrawcards,population growth is projected to increase bymorethan20,000peopleinthedecadeto2021andexceed164,000by2031.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has been buildingontheregion’sreputation,ensuringthegrowthisbackedwithsolidstrategies and policies to support existing enterprisesandattractnewbusinesses.
Strong population growth will in turn attract and foster new and emerging business opportunities capitalising on the region’s competitivestrengths.
Workforce
FraserCoasthasahighlyskilledanddiverseworkforceofover43,000peoplelocallyandinexcessof131,000peopleinthewiderWideBayBurnettregion.
Ourworkforcequalificationlevelsareimpressive.Accordingtothe2011census,approximately38,000people15yearsand over in the Fraser Coast had attained someformofqualificationwithover6000holdingaBachelororhigherdegree.
Theregionhasalarge,highlyskilledworkforceandindustryrelevantskillsset.Atthetimeofthe2011census,techniciansandtradesworkerswasthelargest occupation group of employment fortheregion,withover5,000workers (or15%ofthelabourforce).
Trainingprograms,includingspecialisedTAFE courses and government assisted programs provide ongoing opportunities for skillexpansionanddiversification.
Strong, diverse economy
A strong and diverse economy underpins theFraserCoastwithretail,manufacturing,construction and tourism being among themainindustries.Ithasaround6000registeredbusinesses.
AsthehuboftheWideBayBurnett,oneofAustralia’sfastestgrowingregions,theFraser Coast has access to a catchment ofapproximately300,000peoplewithinatwohourdrive/200kmradius.
TheGRPoftheFraserCoastiscurrentlyanestimated$3.3billion,30%higherthantheGRPatthetimeofthe2006census.
Anaverageannualgrowthof9.3%hasbeenrecordedsince2003-04–greaterthan the estimated average annual growth(7.9%)inGRPfornon-metropolitanQueenslandovertheperiod.
14 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Key industries and opportunities
Engineering and Manufacturing
With a long tradition as a manufacturing powerhouse,theFraserCoast’sstrongindustrial past continues to pave the wayforadynamicfuture.Itsestablishedengineering,machineryandequipmentmanufacturing industry has the potential to become world-class in servicing sectors suchastransport,mining,industrialequipment,agricultureandwaste.
Quick Stats
• Oneoftheregion’slargesteconomicand employment sectors
• Directlyemployssome2,300workerson the Fraser Coast
• Accountsfor9%ofemployment
• Contributes$1.3billiontotheFraserCoast’s$3.3billioneconomy
Tourism and Hospitality
The Fraser Coast is Australia’s premier nature-basedholidaydestination,attractingaroundonemillionvisitorsayear,andoffers some of the world’s most sought-afternaturalattractions.
This includes the chance to explore the world’s largest sand island and the world’s closestencounterswithhumpbackwhales.
The rich heritage experiences of Maryborough and the stunning safe waters of Hervey Bay are also major drawcards for visitors.
Airlinecapacityandtransportlinksmakeitaviableandattractivelong-weekendgetaway for people in Melbourne and Sydney as well as being a popular holiday destinationwiththedrivemarket.
Quick Stats
• Tourismcontributesapproximately$222milliontotheregionaleconomyanddirectlyprovidesaround3,000jobs.
• Approximately100,000touristspermonth
• WhaleWatchindustrycontributes$80million to the local economy each year
Aviation
The Fraser Coast is ideally placed to becomeamajorhubforQueensland’saviation industry with the necessary attributesandcapacitytoattract,establishand support an expanding aviation industry.TheFraserCoastisservicedbytwo first-class airports which are home to a diverse range of progressive aviation companies and provide prime development opportunities.
Quick Stats – Hervey Bay Airport
• Welcomes170,000passengers/year
• 30minutedrivefor85%oftheFraserCoastpopulationand90minutedrivefromBundabergandGympie
• DailycommercialflightstoBrisbane and Sydney
• Emergingaviationindustrieswithalocalworkforceapproaching80–100personnel
• Combinationofleaseorfreeholdlotsupto2,000m2,somewithairsideaccess
• 10generalaviationbusinessesandcharter services
• RunwaycapabilityforA320andB737aircraft(2000mx30m)
ExcitingpossibilitesexistinFraserCoast’skeygrowthsectors.
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 15
invest
Transport and Logistics
The Fraser Coast is strategically placed to become a transport and logistics hub for Queensland.
Quick Stats
• Approximately250kmnorthofBrisbane
• Catchmentof300,000peoplewithin atwo-hourdrive/200kmradius
• 170,00airpassengermovements per annum
• DailycoachservicesrunbetweenBrisbaneandCairns,aswellasservices to the west
• Regularrailservices,includingthehigh-speedTiltTrain,betweenBrisbaneandCairns and Brisbane and Charleville
• Portandmarinafacilities
• Ideallypositionedtoactastheconduitfor service providers to the gas and energy corridors
Marine and Seafood
TheFraserCoastisworkingtoestablishitselfasoneofQueensland’spremierboatingdestinations,withitsmarineandseafood industries offering growth and employmentopportunitiesfortheregion.Established marinas and facilities exist at the Urangan Boat Harbour and on the Mary RiveratMaryborough.
Quick Stats
• Morethan9,000recreationalvesselsregistered in the Fraser Coast
• 25Uranganbasedeastcoasttrawlersoperate primarily in the region north to GladstoneandsouthtotheNSWborder
• Grossvalueofproductionofwholeseafood landed in the greater region is approximately$30million
• Upto400localsareemployedinthecatching,processinganddistribution of seafood
Resource Sector
The Fraser Coast offers a wealth of opportunitiesforQueensland’sresourcessectoranditsemployees.TheFraserCoast is ideally located in the middle of the mining regions to the west and north andisonly250kmnorthofBrisbane.Fast,efficienttransportcorridorscaterforfly-in/fly-outanddrivein/drive-outservices.
Quick Stats
• Readilyavailable,accessibleskilledworkforceforconstructionandoperational mining projects
• Reputationforproducingskilled tradeworkers
• Scopeforkeyindustriestobuildsupplychains and provide off-site services to gasandenergycorridors.
16 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Doing business made easy
Larissa Boyce was quick to embrace the potential offered by Maryborough’s impressive heritage, architectural beauty and unique links to the world’s best loved nanny. From the heritage listed birthplace of the author of Mary Poppins in renamed “Cherry Tree Lane”, she has established a stylish retail destination and boutique coffee/food experience.
“The beauty of Maryborough’s heritage buildings complements my signature style of decorating perfectly. Le Beau is a retail home ware and decorating showroom while Le Savon is a gift store. Café Cru complements the stores and promotes a destination experience on Cherry Tree Lane.
“ I personally love the quirkiness of the café, specifically that it was originally the residence of the maid who cooked for the family and staff at the Union bank. It’s somewhat comforting that the cottage is still producing food for people over 100 years later.”Larissa Boyce Business owner
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 17
invest
IncentivesFRASER COAST Regional Council is progressive and supportive when it comes toencouragingandattractinginvestors,developers and enterprises interested in relocatingandexpandingintheregion.
Receive tailored advice and assistance to connectwithregionalindustrystakeholdersandotherbusinesses,ensuringstrongregionalpartnerships.
Injecting funds locally
Council operates under a Five Point Plan which injects funds into the local economy throughtheuseoflocalsuppliers.TheFraserCoastRegionalCouncilaimsto:
• Utiliselocalsuppliersintheprovision of goods and services
• Injectfundsintothelocaleconomy
• Provideemploymentsecurity
• Promotedevelopmentactivity
• Showstrongfiscalmanagement
Direct Financial Assistance
Council provides negotiated infrastructure charges incentives and/or deferral of payment for eligible developments/projectswhichwilldiversifytheeconomy,support jobs and investment growth and provideanetcommunitybenefit.
Fast Tracked Development Application
GuaranteedPlanningApprovaltimeframesincluding provision of pre-lodgement meetings,dedicatedassistanceandguidance.Guaranteed10dayturnaroundonlowcomplexityapplications,houseandshed applications and concurrence agency assessments,notrequiringfurtherreferralorpublicnotification.
Industry Networking
Provision of information and contact details for industry bodies and Chamber of Commerce groups including an introductorymeeting.
Fee Incentives
• Freepre-lodgementplanningmeeting
• 10%discountonlicencefees
• InfrastructureChargesIncentivesScheme(seeabove)
• Accesstofreeco-operative regionalmarketingcampaigns (e.g.Staycations,MyFraserPass)
• Freeassessmentoftradewastedischargerequirements
Dedicated Business Assistance Officer
A dedicated Business Assistance Officer will act as a single point of contact forprospectiveinvestors,providingcontinuity of advice and assistance in helping to meet your individual business requirements.
Property Location Assistance
Assistance provided to prospective investors searching for ideal development sites or building premises within the Fraser Coastregion.
Personalised guided familiarisation tours can be arranged highlighting the region’s uniquecharacteristicsandbusinesspotential,asitrelatestoindividualoperations.
Business Case Assistance
Assistance provided to prospective investors in obtaining the local economic and business data needed in preparation ofprojectanalysisandviabilitystudies.
Information Package
Packageofinformationpertinenttobusiness operations in the Fraser Coast region provided to prospective investors or relocatingemployees.
Marketing & ConnectivityAs well as direct financial incentives and supportservices,Councilcoordinatesarangeofcooperativemarketingactivitiestohelpbusinessgrow.
Business Support
Access to the Boost Your Business regional businesssupportnetworkwhichprovidesoffers and discounts across disciplines includingaccounting,legal,marketing,financialplanning,banking,construction,businessmentoring,realestateandmore.
Stay Connected
Council distributes a Fraser Coast Opportunities e-newsletter to share the latest regional opportunities and strengthen communication and partnerships.
Fraser Coast Staycations / My Fraser Pass schemes
Simply by signing up as a cooperative partner,businessescanpromoteoffersand incentives to all Fraser Coast residents and thousands within the resource sector and specific group travel andsportingorganisations.
Community Engagement
Provision of general public relations/media advice and assistance and/or participation inmarketing/awarenesscampaignstoassist with community engagement for relevantprojects.
Wantingtorelocateorexpand?TakeadvantageoftheCouncil’sInvestmentAttractionIncentivesProgram.ReadallthedetailsandrequestanInvestmentKitat www.frasercoastopportunities.com.au
18 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
“We moved here from Sydney and found we could set up our own construction company because it was so much more affordable… We get to spend more time with our kids as our business is only five minutes from home and the whole family enjoys some form of fitness with our extra free time.” Ross and Angela Scott Directors Bungalow Homes
A lifestyle that captivates
Did you know?
Seafood is the centrepiece of the Fraser Coast food scene, with Hervey Bay’s famous scallops and prawns plucked fresh from the waters off Fraser Island among our local stars.
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 19
play
A perfect climate
Enjoy one of Australia’s most pleasant sub-tropicalclimates,withanaveragemaximum temperature of around 26 degrees.
Season Av.Max Av.Min Water(ºC)
Summer 30º 20º 25.2–26.3
Autumn 25º 14º 23.4–25.9
Winter 22º 9º 22.3–23.6
Spring 27º 15º 21.5–23.6
ITSNATURALBEAUTY, world famous attractions and outstanding eco-experiences are a daily reality for those livinghere.Andyoucan’tputapriceonitsgenuine,relaxedlifestyle.
There are no long commutes and traffic snarls.Insteadlivejustminutesfromworkandtakeadvantageoffreshairandsunshine to devote more time doing the thingsyoulove.
TheFraserCoastjusthasthatsomethingspecial.
Enjoy a life built around the great outdoors
• Morethan800parks,playgroundsandoutdoor recreational grounds
• Anextensivenetworkofcyclepaths andwalkways
• Twomajoraquaticcentres
• WetSideWaterEducationPark
• SomeofregionalQueensland’sbestgolf courses
• OneofAustralia’spremiershowgroundsandequestriancentres
Did you know?
People living in the Fraser Coast are officially considered among the happiest in Australia – based on 10 years of research into national wellbeing by Deakin University.
20 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
An abundance of choices
Shopping and Dining Experiences
• Fivemajorretailcentres
• Maryboroughheritageretailprecinct
• Extensiverangeofboutiqueandspecialty stores
• Livelyalfrescodiningculture
• Arangeofdiningoptionsfromsophisticatedcuisinetogreattakeaway
• Boutiquecafésandcoffeeshops
• Heritagehotels
Be enriched by History, Art and Culture
• OneofAustralia’sleadingregionaltheatres
• Anumberofsmallerlocaltheatres,drama and musical groups
• Tworegionalgalleriesaswellascommunity and private galleries
• Thrivingartisticcommunity
• Yearlycalendarofperformances,workshopsandexhibitions
• FiveCouncillibraries
• Stunningpublicartdisplaysthroughoutthe region
• Anremarkablecollectionofmuseums,historical villages and heritage displays
• Delightfulheritageattractionsandexperiences
Amultitudeofdifferentplacestoexplore,experiencestosavourandeventstoenjoy.
An Eventful Lifestyle
TheFraserCoastisfamousforitspackedcalendar of colourful signature events includingtheHerveyBaySeafoodFestival,theWorld’sGreatestPubFest,theMaryPoppins Festival and the Hervey Bay Whale Festival.
Therearehundredsofcommunityevents,both small and large that celebrate our vibrantanddiversecommunitygroups.
The region also has an impressive reputationforhostingmajorrallies,conferencesandexpos.Enjoytheexcitement of some of the top state and national sporting events and championships.
MarketloversarespoiltforchoicewithMaryborough’sfamousThursdaymarketsand a host of others held across the regioneveryweekendofthemonth.
Steamtrainrides,beachsidemoviesandquirkytoursarepartofdelightfulofferingof regular events and you can delve into your artistic side with a full program of leading local and national performances and exhibitions at the region’s theatre and galleries.
Find out more about the Fraser Coast’s extensive events calendar at www.frasercoastevents.com.au
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 21
play
Happy and Healthy
Be confident that your health needs will be well served by an extensive range of qualityhealthcareservices.
• Twopublicandtwoprivatehospitalsand a private surgical centre
• Approximately30generalpractices with96GPsservicingtheregion
• Specialisthealthserviceswithabroad range of resident and visiting specialists
• Around30agedcareserviceprovidersoffering1,190places
• Approximately20dentistsanddentalprosthetists
• AmbulanceServicesincludetheRoyalFlyingDoctorServiceandAGLActionRescue Helicopter
Top marks for Education
TheFraserCoastoffersqualitylearningforallages,withaseamlesstransitionfromearly childcare through to university and a rangeoftrainingservices.
• Approximately40stateandprivateprimary and secondary schools
• UniversityofSouthernQueenslandHervey Bay Campus
• Strongvocationaltrainingsector
• TwoWideBayInstituteofTAFEcampuses at Hervey Bay and Maryborough
• TradeTrainingCentre
• Around45earlychildhood,educationand care services
Amultitudeofdifferentplacestoexplore,experiencestosavourandeventstoenjoy.
Embrace a place where community comes first
Formany,theFraserCoast’sgreatestassetisitsamazingcommunityspirit.
There are various opportunities to build strong community connections with a numberofsporting,cultural,volunteerandservicegroups.
One in five people volunteer on the Fraser Coast–atestamenttoitsstrongsenseofcivicpride.
22 | F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Career options and balance
“Studying on the Fraser Coast has provided me with the opportunity to receive a high quality education whilst enjoying the lifestyle the region has to offer.
“Being able to study while living at home has given me support from family and friends and
has enabled me to gain many valuable relationships within the community.”
Elle Green Student at USQ Hervey Bay Campus
F R A S E R C O A S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S | 23
work
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY to find that elusivework/lifebalancewiththeFraserCoastprovidingarangeofjob,careerandstudyoptions.
The Fraser Coast’s major industries provide employment opportunities across the region.Amongthekeyemployersare:
• Retailtrade
• Healthcareandsocialassistance
• Accommodationandfoodservices
• Manufacturing
• Educationandtraining
• Construction
Creating Jobs
Job creation is an important focus of the localgovernment.Investmentincentiveshave been designed to target specific industries with a particular focus on expanding employment options in the areasof:
• Advancedmanufacturingandindustry
• Aviation
• Miningandresourcesector
• Health
• Education
• Tourism
Live Here, Work There
Theregionistheperfect“livehere,workthere”destination.Withthemodernminerdemanding a choice to live locally or away fromminingareas,theFraserCoastoffersminingfamiliesanidyllic,affordablebasewithin easy access to the major mining regions.
Fast,efficienttransportcorridorscaterforFly-In/Fly-Out (FIFO) and Drive-In/Drive-Out (DIDO)services.
Finding Work and Career Advancement
The Fraser Coast provides opportunity and assistancetokick-startyourcareerortofindemployment.
Training and education facilities provide opportunitiesforup-skillingandskilldiversification.
Vocationaleducationandtrainingcourseshave been set to align with major industry withintheregion.
Training courses exist from school based traineeships and apprenticeships through to courses to meet the needs of those eitherreturningtotheworkforceorinsearchofcareerchange.
A number of employment services assist withworkplacementsandrecruiting.
Forums and open days are held throughout theyeartolinkpotentialemployersandemployees and provide information on the diverserangeofcareeroptionsavailable.
Governmentassistedprogramsprovideoptions for employers and employees alike.
Combine your dream lifestyle and career success with an achievable work/playbalanceontheFraserCoast.
RequestaRelocationorInvestmentkit:
www.frasercoastopportunities.com.auopportunities@frasercoast.qld.gov.au
1300 79 49 29
www.frasercoastopportunities.com.au