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The latest Cotality Regional Market Update has just been released, and the figures reveal two very different stories across the Fraser Coast.

Hervey Bay

• Median dwelling value: $824,533

• Annual growth: 9.7%

• Median rent: $624 per week

• Gross rental yield: 4.0%

Maryborough

• Median dwelling value: $612,349

• Annual growth: 17.8%

• Median rent: $561 per week

• Gross rental yield: 4.7%

Maryborough is currently recording stronger price growth and a higher rental yield, while Hervey Bay remains the larger and higher-value market.

However, rental growth is beginning to cool, listings are increasing and buyers and tenants now have more choice.

In this short Fraser Coast Property Brief video, I explain the latest figures and what they could mean for local property owners, buyers, sellers and investors.

Watch the video and let me know: Which Fraser Coast market do you think offers the best opportunity right now—Hervey Bay or Maryborough?

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THE FRASER COAST IS BECOMING MORE DIVERSE — BUT INTERNAL MIGRATION REMAINS THE BIGGER STORY

The Fraser Coast remains less culturally diverse than Queensland overall, but its population mix is gradually changing.

In 2021:

• approximately 15% of residents were born overseas
• 5.5% were born in the United Kingdom
• 3% were born in New Zealand
• 5.1% identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• the largest reported ancestries were English, Australian, Scottish, Irish and German

The Fraser Coast is still predominantly shaped by Australian internal migration, but increasing diversity is bringing new skills, business connections and cultural influences.

In the final episode of the Fraser Coast Property Brief Winter Series, we examine who makes up our community and how that profile has changed over the past 25 years.

One number to remember: 15% of residents were born overseas.

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𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠?

In this episode of the Fraser Coast Property Brief, Glen Winney is joined by Cameron Sonter from Urban Planet Town Planning Consultants to discuss the draft Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan and what it could mean for the future of the Fraser Coast.

From population growth and housing supply to new growth corridors, roads, health services, education and government infrastructure, this conversation looks at some of the biggest issues shaping our region over the next 20 years.

Are the population projections high enough?

Is Hervey Bay receiving the recognition and infrastructure expected of a major and rapidly growing regional centre?

And are we planning early enough for the roads, schools, housing and services our future population will need?

The draft plan is currently open for public consultation, making this an important conversation for anyone who lives, works, owns property or runs a business on the Fraser Coast.

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OUR AGEING POPULATION IS BOTH AN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND AN INFRASTRUCTURE TEST

The Fraser Coast has a median age of approximately 51 years, compared with about 38 years across Queensland and Australia.

The numbers become even more significant when we look at individual age groups.

Between 2001 and 2021:

• the number of residents aged 70 to 84 increased by approximately 12,597
• the number aged 60 to 69 increased by approximately 10,785
• more than 38% of residents were aged 60 or older

This creates growing demand for health services, aged care, accessible housing, transport and workers.

It also helps explain why Health Care and Social Assistance is already the Fraser Coast’s largest employment sector.

In Episode 8 of the Fraser Coast Property Brief Winter Series, we look at what an ageing region means for residents, businesses, housing and infrastructure.

One number to remember: median age 51.

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In this episode, Glen sits down with finance strategist Kodie Axelsen to discuss how businesses and individuals can use finance strategically to support growth, investment and long-term wealth creation.

The conversation explores the different ways finance can help businesses take their next step, from commercial lending and business finance to funding assets and making strategic investments.

Kodie shares her experience working with business owners, investors and first home buyers, offering practical insights into what lenders look for and why understanding the numbers is critical before making a financial commitment.

Topics covered include:

• Using finance strategically to grow a business
• Business and commercial lending
• Financing business assets, including vehicles
• Using equity to purchase investment property
• Building wealth through property and strategic borrowing
• Understanding personal guarantees and security
• Knowing when borrowing makes financial sense
• The importance of having a strong financial position and proven track record
• Changing property and lending policies
• Interest rates and what they could mean for businesses and investors

Kodie also shares her own experiences as a business owner and property investor, providing an honest perspective on balancing business growth, investment decisions and personal financial goals.

Whether you're a business owner looking to expand, an investor considering your next property purchase, or simply looking to better understand how finance can work for you, this episode provides plenty of practical insights.

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THE FRASER COAST IS A TRADE-QUALIFIED REGION — BUT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS REMAIN A CHALLENGE

The Fraser Coast’s qualification profile tells an important economic story.

In 2021:

• 26.2% of residents aged 15 and over held a vocational qualification
• 11% held a bachelor degree or higher
• 8.1% held an advanced diploma or diploma
• approximately 44.5% had no formal post-school qualification recorded

Only around 1.6% of the population was attending university.

This reflects our strong trade and service economy, but it also helps explain ongoing difficulties recruiting professionals, technical staff and specialist workers.

In Episode 7 of the Fraser Coast Property Brief Winter Series, we discuss education, workforce capability and why retaining younger skilled people matters to the region’s future.

One number to remember: 26.2% of residents hold a vocational qualification.

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What does the future look like for Hervey Bay?

In this episode of The Fraser Coast Property Brief, Glen is joined by David Lee, State Member for Hervey Bay, to discuss the recently delivered 2026–27 Queensland Budget and what it means for Hervey Bay and the wider Fraser Coast.

The conversation covers some of the region’s biggest infrastructure priorities, including the new Hervey Bay Fire and Rescue Station, a proposed second police station, major investment in Hervey Bay Hospital, the future of the health precinct, housing-enabling infrastructure, roads and transport projects, and the region’s long-term water security.

David also outlines his vision for the Hervey Bay Hospital master plan, including the proposed cardiac cath lab and MRI, as well as opportunities to integrate healthcare, housing and supporting infrastructure better.

The discussion then turns to the draft Wide Bay Regional Plan, currently open for public consultation, and why David believes Hervey Bay needs a stronger focus within the region’s 20-year infrastructure and planning framework.

Other topics include the Urangan Harbour Master Plan, potential cruise ship access, the Tiaro Bypass, Pialba–Burrum Heads Road, the Fraser Coast Integrated Transport Strategy, housing for healthcare workers and the role of sporting infrastructure as the region continues to grow.

With Hervey Bay experiencing significant development and population growth, this episode looks at the infrastructure and planning decisions that could shape the region for decades to come.

Listen in for a conversation about where Hervey Bay is heading and what needs to happen to keep infrastructure, services and investment moving with its growth.

🎙️ The Fraser Coast Property Brief
Hosted by Glen Winney

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THE FRASER COAST MAY BE CHEAPER — BUT OUR INCOMES ARE ALSO LOWER

Affordability is not determined by property prices alone.

Income matters.

At the 2021 Census, the Fraser Coast’s median weekly household income was approximately $1,114.

That compared with:

• Regional Queensland — $1,494
• Queensland — $1,637
• Australia — $1,740

At the same time, rents, property prices and household costs have continued to increase.

This is why affordability pressure can be particularly severe for local renters, younger families, essential workers and retirees on fixed incomes.

In Episode 6 of the Fraser Coast Property Brief Winter Series, we examine local income levels and why housing affordability is now an economic issue, not simply a property issue.

One number to remember: $1,114 median weekly household income.