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WHO ACTUALLY LIVES IN A FRASER COAST HOUSEHOLD?

Population numbers only tell part of the story.

The way people live has also changed significantly.

In 2021, the Fraser Coast had approximately 47,544 households, compared with just over 30,000 households in 2001.

The largest household groups were:

• couples without children — 33%
• lone-person households — 25.5%
• couples with children — 18.7%
• one-parent families — 11%

This means more than one in four Fraser Coast households contains only one person, and couples without children are now the largest household type.

In Episode 3 of the Fraser Coast Property Brief Winter Series, we examine how household structures have changed and why this should influence the homes, services and communities we plan for.

One number to remember: 25.5% of households contain one person.

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THE FRASER COAST IS GROWING — BUT NOT BECAUSE OF BIRTHS

The Fraser Coast’s population growth is increasingly being driven by people choosing to move here.

Forecast data for 2024 to 2026 shows:

• natural population change of approximately minus 751 people
• net migration of approximately plus 3,896 people

Over the three years to June 2024, the region recorded net internal migration of around 8,226 people, with the largest net gain coming from the Gold Coast.

That tells us something important.

The Fraser Coast is becoming a lifestyle migration region, attracting retirees, downsizers, families and people seeking affordability, space and coastal living.

In Episode 2 of the Fraser Coast Property Brief Winter Series, we look at who is moving here, why they are coming and what this means for housing, infrastructure and local services.

One number to remember: 8,226 additional people through internal migration.

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In this episode of Fraser Coast Property Brief, Glen Winney speaks with Trevor Groeneveld, Managing Director of GHG Development, about what it really takes to turn raw land into a finished residential community.

Trevor shares his journey from civil construction and infrastructure contracting to property development, including the growth and sale of ITS Pipetech, and how that experience shaped his approach to major projects.

The conversation focuses on Christensen Ridge at Ghost Hill, a 400-plus-lot residential development in Hervey Bay. Trevor explains the challenges behind developing steep, rocky and vegetated land, from engineering and approvals to drainage, sewer infrastructure, finance, presales and rising costs.

This episode gives listeners a practical look at why land development takes years, why finished lots are becoming more expensive, and what needs to change to improve housing supply across the Fraser Coast.

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THE FRASER COAST IS BIGGER, OLDER AND STILL GROWING

How much has the Fraser Coast changed over the past 25 years?
In 2001, the region had around 71,206 residents. By 2021, that had grown to 111,032, and the latest 2025 estimate places our population at approximately 122,924.

That is more than 50,000 additional residents since 2001.

But the bigger story is not only how many people live here. It is also who lives here.

Our median age is now 51, and more than 38% of residents were aged 60 or older at the 2021 Census.

In Episode 1 of the Fraser Coast Property Brief Winter Series, Glen Winney looks at what this population growth and ageing profile mean for housing, health services, infrastructure and the future of our region.

One number to remember: 122,924 residents.

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Tourism has long shaped the Fraser Coast economy, but what needs to happen next?

In this episode of Fraser Coast Property Brief, Glen Winney sits down with David Hay from Staywise Advisory to unpack the future of tourism across Hervey Bay, K’gari and the wider Fraser Coast.

With more than 30 years in hospitality, tourism operations, resort management and regional tourism boards, David shares a grounded view of where the region is performing well, where the gaps sit, and what needs to change if the Fraser Coast wants longer stays, stronger visitor spend and a more resilient year-round tourism economy.

The conversation covers the strength of the domestic drive market, the growth of Hervey Bay Airport, the need for more land-based tourism products, the impact of the K’gari name change, higher-end accommodation opportunities, and why a stronger tourism vision matters for local businesses, investors and the wider community.

From whale watching and World Heritage experiences to five-star hotels, food tourism, public spaces and red tape, this episode looks at what comes next for one of the Fraser Coast’s most important industries. David’s outline frames the episode around tourism growth beyond whales and K’gari, with a focus on practical recommendations and future priorities.

The numbers behind the conversation show why this matters: the Fraser Coast recorded 845,000 domestic overnight visitors, 2.61 million domestic visitor nights and $719.2 million in total domestic visitor spend for the year ending December 2025. International visitors stayed longer on average, at 5.8 nights, showing a clear opportunity to build stronger product, accommodation and packaging.

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In this episode of Fraser Coast Property Brief, Glen Winney sits down with Peter Bennett from AFPG to unpack the lending process in plain English.

Peter shares his journey from nearly 30 years in policing to becoming a mortgage adviser, and explains how trust, pressure and people skills shaped the way he works with clients today.

The conversation then moves into practical advice for buyers, investors and anyone looking to build on the Fraser Coast. Peter explains what a mortgage broker does, how brokers differ from banks, what lenders assess, why pre-approval matters, and how land and construction finance works.

They also talk about deposits, Lenders Mortgage Insurance, credit history, serviceability, fixed versus variable rates, current market confidence, and why buyers should get finance-ready before they start shopping.

A clear, practical episode for anyone thinking about buying, building or borrowing in the Fraser Coast market.

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Why does land take so long to create?

In this episode of Fraser Coast Property Brief, host Glen Winney sits down with Kane Macready from Engineers Plus to unpack the real civil construction journey behind new residential land.

Many people assume once a subdivision receives Council approval, construction starts straight away and titled lots follow soon after. The reality is far more complex.

Glen and Kane walk through what happens after a Development Approval, including Operational Works, engineering drawings, infrastructure design, Council assessment, tendering, construction, plan sealing and title registration.

They discuss where projects lose time, why civil construction costs have risen, what hidden site costs developers need to prepare for, and why housing supply involves years of planning, risk and coordination before families ever get to build.

This episode gives a practical, local look at the work happening behind the scenes to bring new land to market across the Fraser Coast.

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In this episode of Fraser Coast Property Brief, Glen Winney speaks with Alexandra “Alex” Bagenal from Action Termite Solutions about business, resilience, regional growth and the hidden risks termites create for property owners.

Alex shares how she went from chef, to real estate, to running a termite and pest control business, and what it has taken to build credibility as a young female operator in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The conversation also covers her move from the Sunshine Coast into Hervey Bay, the role of networking and referrals in business growth, and why customer service has become one of her strongest points of difference.

For homeowners, investors, builders, agents and property managers, Alex shares practical advice on termite inspections, new build protection, building and pest reports, pre-sale checks, moisture issues, garden beds, compliance, and the simple mistakes that can lead to costly damage.

This episode is part business story, part property education, and a must-listen for anyone buying, selling, building or managing property on the Fraser Coast.