Fraser Coast one of Qld’s fastest growing regions, Census data

It’s no secret the once quiet seaside haven of Hervey Bay is fast-becoming a busy city but the latest population data has shown just how many more people have made the move to the Fraser Coast.

One of Queensland’s favourite holiday destinations is fast becoming a permanent home for more people than ever before, new population figures reveal.

According to Census data, the Fraser Coast is one of the state’s fastest growing Local Government Areas.

In 2016 the region had a population of 101,504, which grew to 111,032 in 2021 – an increase of 9.4%.

Many are southerners who moved during harsh Covid lockdowns and/or dreary weather.

Among them is Arleah Chitty, a nurse from Gippsland in Victoria (about two hours south of Melbourne).

She was drawn to Hervey Bay seven months ago by “better employment opportunities” and a “lifestyle change”.

Arleah Chitty

She moved as soon as the borders opened in December, 2021 and currently works at St Stephen’s Hospital.

She told the Chronicle it was quite easy to find a job when she arrived in Hervey Bay and quality of life had also improved thanks to a “fresh start”.

“The weather is what I love most, back home it would be about nine degrees during the day now and -3 overnight,” she said.

“So, the winter here so far has been amazing.

“I also love how close the dog beaches are as my two dogs love the beach.”

Arleah Chitty moved to Hervey Bay seven months ago, it comes as the region experiences a population boom.

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said the population growth showed more people were realising the Fraser Coast was “one of the best places in the world to live, work and play”.

“Strong population growth has led to strong jobs growth in areas such as tourism, social services and manufacturing, which we expect to continue in coming years,” Mr Truscott said.

“National companies have been making decisions to invest locally, with Bunnings expanding (with a new store on the corner of Main and McLiver Streets), and Spotlight and Anaconda building a new development (opposite the current Bunnings in Boat Harbour Drive) to name just two examples.

One of the Fraser Coast’s many tourist adventures. A day cruise with Fraser Island Boat Charters. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

Mr Truscott said while strong population growth provided “significant benefits” it also “poses challenges” for all levels of government and the private sector to work together to address.

“While new housing estates have emerged and continue to be developed, housing availability and record low rental vacancy rates are challenges that can impact on the availability of health care and other essential services,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said the increase in population shows people are realising the Fraser Coast is “one of the best places in the world” to live. Photo: Contributed

While council has been expecting continued growth in the region, Mr Truscott said it would likely be more moderate going forward than the extreme highs of the past few years.

“Forecasters predict our population will continue to grow to more than 138,000 by 2041 – meaning almost 30,000 more people will call the Fraser Coast home over the next two decades,” he said.

When asked what council was doing to ensure infrastructure and housing was in place to accommodate this growth, Mr Truscott pointed to “record numbers of approvals” for new housing developments, and the fast pace with which they were approved.

“Council is developing a new planning scheme to manage growth and is making capital investments in essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water and waste facilities, as well as critical community facilities such as libraries, community centres and sporting fields,” Mr Truscott said.

“Council is also lobbying the Queensland and Australian Governments to increase the supply of affordable and social housing on the Fraser Coast.

“While affordable and social housing is a State and Federal Government responsibility rather than council, we believe we have a strong role to play in advocating for the community and we are doing that vigorously.”

The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum. Photo: Contributed.

He added the council’s current designated growth corridors were Nikenbah, Eli Waters and St Helens.

“We are also seeing strong growth in areas like Tinana and infill growth in suburbs across the Fraser Coast,” he said.

“The redevelopment of the Hervey Bay and Maryborough city centres is a key focus for council, and we are encouraging private developers to look at increased density and new housing developments in those key inner-city infill areas.”