North Burnett Council building approvals double in 2021-22

An ageing population and the nation’s lowest disposable income have not painted a bright picture for the region in the council’s annual report, but there has been some good news.

The annual report outlines council plans to keep people in the North Burnett.

With a stagnating population growth and the lowest disposable income per capita in the nation, the future looks bleak for the North Burnett.

While undoubtedly a beloved and picturesque part of Queensland, the average population since 2012 has only grown by 515, a 4.8 per cent rise compared to a nationwide rise of 13.17 per cent.

This stagnation may be linked to an ageing population, with the average age 55 years, according to the North Burnett’s Council annual report.

This is two decades older than the average age of the Qld capital Brisbane, which is 35 years.

Thirty-one per cent of the North Burnett population is employed in agriculture, the report reveals.

It has been long documented the average age of a farmer in Queensland is creeping up, with the current average age sitting at 58 for men and 56 for women.

The good news outlined in the annual report is that the property market is on the rise, with a doubling of requests for building approvals in 2021-22.

According to the annual report, the value of building approvals increased in the past three financial years by 61 per cent, with a value of more than $21million.

The council was “committed to shaping and maintaining communities in the interests of positive liveability, investment attraction, social capacity building and ultimate community empowerment,” the report stated.

This included a library program, Anzac Day services, NAIDOC week events and citizenship ceremonies.

In total, $69,038.87 in funding was committed to community groups, including individual development grants and school bursaries.