‘Not unexpected’: Housing approvals double in past year

The Gympie region boom times continue, and the high number of new homes and units being built is not expected to slow any time soon.

Carmen Plumb has made the decision to relocate and invest in the Gympie region.

Recent housing approval statistics shared by Gympie Regional Council have shown a near doubling in housing approvals in the past year.

Planning and sustainability portfolio councillor Shane Waldock said the increase was not unexpected.

“We’ve been hearing for many years now that the Gympie region is set for a housing and development boom,” he said.

“Not only do we have a diverse and stunning natural landscape to enjoy, we are well positioned to support business with our close proximity to Brisbane by both quality road and rail infrastructure which makes us a particularly desirable place to live, work and play.”

There were 514 new dwelling approvals from June 2020 to May 2021, compared to 270 approvals from June 2019 to May 2020.

In his report titled Gympie: Qld’s New Growth Story, which was commissioned by Gympie’s Chamber of Commerce and completed in November 2020, founder and managing director of hotspotting.com.au, Terry Ryder described Gympie as having a bright future.

“Few regional centres can offer such a comprehensive blend of civic, commercial residential and natural features,” said Mr Ryder.

Some of the reasons why the Gympie region is particularly attractive include:

• a vibrant and ambitious business community

• a city which has a nationally-ranked growing local economy and is well-connected to large economies nearby

Gympie rates up 54 per cent in two decades

• an industry employment sector that includes national businesses and other major enterprises.

• good transport connections to nearby major economies via road and rail

• a diverse residential lifestyle, including town, hill change and sea change offerings

• an appealing level of housing affordability.

Two people who recently made the decision to invest in the Gympie region are long-term Noosa Shire resident and single mother, Carmen Plumb, and investor and business owner, Chris Amies.

“As a single mum, buying my first home anywhere other than Gympie was simply out of my reach,” said Ms Plumb.

“So when I started to look around at my options and to dig a little deeper, I realised all the Gympie region had to offer – great beaches, excellent nature walks, as well as access to quality services.

“I can’t wait for my new home to be built so I can start to build my new life here,” said Ms Plumb.

Mr Amies, who recently purchased land with plans to build residential homes as long-term rentals for the area, said that investing in the region made sense.

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“Property is still very affordable here and property values will only increase in the future, especially given the region’s growth potential.

“I was keen to be a part of the action.”

The high rate of new dwelling applications is expected to remain high.

“Gympie being a great place to live, work and play is not a secret anymore; people are realising what a great part of the world we live in and are making the decision to come and enjoy our quality lifestyle.”

Chris Amies has made the decision to relocate and invest in the Gympie region.