Invest - Capricorn Coast Region

Livingstone Regional Profile

From beach to bush to burgeoning urban centres, the Capricorn Coast region is the enviable destination of choice for 37,455 residents.  Situated approximately 600 kilometres from Brisbane along Central Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, the region spans over 11,776 km2 and boasts a unique relaxed lifestyle, strong community values and diverse natural landscapes.
 
The region is home to a growing business community, offering extensive investment opportunities in general industry, construction and engineering, tourism, retail, hospitality and agriculture.  The Capricorn Coast region’s economy has a current Gross Regional Product (GRP) of more than A$1.38 billion.  Over the last five years to December 2016 Livingstone (S) GRP increased at an average rate of 3.0 %, 0.8 % higher than other regional Queensland areas (id, 2015-16).
 
The region’s current population of 37,455 is projected to grow by approximately 20,000 over the next 19 years to 57,042 by 2036 (QGSO 2015 medium series), providing an ever-expanding client base and local workforce to meet the needs of new business and industry as new investment takes place.  Affordable living and lower commercial rental rates are attracting new investment away from high cost urban centres.  The median house price (ending December 2016) is $385,000, with a median house rent of $310 (twelve months ending March 2017).
 
The Capricorn Coast region’s industry base has broadened over the past decade, with growth in the education, healthcare and professional service sectors. The region’s top five industry sectors by total employment are agriculture, construction, manufacturing, healthcare and public administration and safety (.id, 2015-16).
The region’s s solid economic growth is underpined by its extensive tourism offering with countless natural, cultural and entertainment attractions.  Tourism is already an important part of the economy directly providing 8.2 % of all jobs and contributing 5.7% to the local economy.
 
Recently, Council has undertaken several major infrastructure projects, including the $53 million revitalisation of the Yeppoon Foreshore and Town Centre, $6.225 million Local Disaster Coordination Centre, and the $30 million Panorama Drive Northern Strategic Link Road to foster further growth.