“Sea change” growth trend continues on Capricorn Coast!
Posted on April 7th, 2015
Population growth, building approvals and unemployment figures reveal that the Capricorn Coast continues its ‘sea-change’ appeal for working families.
The latest ABS figures reveal some very positive trends for the new Livingstone Shire – particularly in the key areas of population growth, building approvals and unemployment.
Population growth has resulted in an estimated residential population of 36,378 persons within the Shire, a growth of 920 persons for the twelve month period to June 2014.
The highest percentage growth within the Shire was experienced in Emu Park revealing a 4% growth rate (from 5074 to 5248 persons) which was 2.2 percentage points above the Queensland average of 1.8%.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said “It is very evident that the “sea change” phenomenon influences lifestyle decisions for many working families that choose to relocate to our beautiful destination.”
“Emu Park on the Capricorn Coast has experienced the highest percentage population growth at 4% compared to the Queensland average of 1.8%” she said.
Based on this trend in population growth it is estimated that by 2021 the number of permanent residents within Livingstone Shire will exceed 44,000 persons, by 2031 – 56,400 persons and by 2036 – 62,226 persons.
New residential dwelling approvals for the past year totalled 351 in Livingstone, compared to Rockhampton’s 341 dwelling approvals to December 2014.
An estimated 18,227 persons were employed within Livingstone Shire as at the December 2014 quarter – with an unemployment rate of 5% (compared to the State unemployment rate of 6.4%), with construction one of the major industries.
Ms Carroll said “these statistics clearly demonstrate that as more people move to the region, new residents are choosing lifestyle first, and as the Capricorn Coast grows, so too, do the employment opportunities.”
