Gladstonites lead Qld for not wanting to live where they do

GLADSTONITES are leading the state in not particularly wanting to live where they live, according to a recent survey from Tourism and Events Queensland.

GLADSTONITES are leading the state in not particularly wanting to live where they live.

A recent social indicators survey from Tourism and Events Queensland found 26% of Gladstonites "only live here because circumstances demand it and would prefer to live somewhere else".

Out of 13 areas surveyed, Gladstone ranked the highest in the state, outranking Mackay and the Fraser Coast.

The Sunshine Coast recorded the lowest response to the question, with just 4% saying they wanted to get out.

Conversely, the 21% of Gladstonites who answered that they "can't think of anywhere else I would rather live" were the least enthusiastic in the state, with Tropical North Queensland taking that title.

Despite the dire numbers, local figures insist it's a statistical anomaly rather than a problem.

"I think this is a town where we do have a lot of workers who aren't from here, and that's probably skewing the results," Mayor Gail Sellers said.

"I think the locals, the people who live here, love it here."

Peak tourism body Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited said the real estate market was making Gladstonites resent where they live.

"The past two years we have seen rents skyrocket with the ramp-up of construction activity in the region, which has caused some degree of dissatisfaction for some," senior project officer Kim Williams said.

"There (is also) currently a substantial number of FIFO and DIDO workers in the region whom you wouldn't expect to have a high level of loyalty to Gladstone or the region, particularly given they are largely separated from family for long periods of time."

While Cr Sellers said there was plenty in town for people, the GAPDL said the key to making Gladstonites happier was encouraging new development.

Statistics: Jumping for joy

• Tropical North Queensland - 54%
• Whitsundays - 51%
• Sunshine Coast - 51%
• Bundaberg - 44%
• Fraser Coast - 44%
• Gold Coast - 42%
• Townsville - 41%
• Brisbane - 36%
• Outback - 35%
• Southern Queensland Country - 34%
• Capricorn (inc. Rockhampton) - 29%
• Mackay - 29%
• Gladstone - 21%

Statistics: I want to get out

• Gladstone - 26%
• Mackay - 19%
• Capricorn Region (inc. Rockhampton) - 16%
• Outback - 14%
• Brisbane - 13%
• Southern Queensland Country - 13%
• Tropical North Queensland - 11%
• Gold Coast - 10%
• Whitsundays - 8%
• Bundaberg - 8%
• Townsville - 7%
• Sunshine Coast -4%

NOT HAPPY: Gail Totten is unhappy with Gladstone’s cost of living. Picture: Luka Kauzlaric

Cost of living is absurd

GAYLE Totten is one of the 26% who would respond that circumstance are trapping her in town, not that she's miserable about the situation.

"I actually love the place," Mrs Totten said.

"I love the fact that it's laid-back and you can get around easily."

However, that comes with somewhat of a caveat.

A taxi driver in town, she said it's hard for anybody who doesn't have a job in the resources industry to keep up with the cost of living pressures in Gladstone.

"It's really ridiculous.

"The cost of living... it's making us think about leaving if we could," Mrs Totten said.

She also said that the air quality "wasn't the best".

Originally published as Gladstonites lead Qld for not wanting to live where they do