Community & Business
20 April, 2024
Liveability key to continued growth of shire
MAREEBA Mayor Angela Toppin is buoyed by the continued growth in the shire over the past decade and says her council will continue to focus on enhancing the liveability of the area.
In the year 2-22-23, Mareeba recorded 1.4% growth but it is the consistency that pleases the Mayor.
“The average annual growth rate for the Mareeba Shire over the last 10 years has been 1.0% and the growth we are experiencing is largely in the 30-39 and 50-85+ age group,” she said.
“I am delighted that promising confidence and growth are continuing to be experienced.
“The Queensland Government Statisticians Office projects that the population will increase to 28,684 persons by 2046, seeing an additional 5,514 people living in the Mareeba Shire.”
She said growth in Mareeba flew in the face of many rural areas that were experiencing a decline in population.
With more than 170 new jobs recorded in the Mareeba Shire between 2021 and 2022, and affordable housing, the area had plenty to offer people considering a move.
“Residents choose the Mareeba Shire because it is a terrific place for the whole family to live, work and play and we have a reputation for excellent public and private schools in our shire,” Mayor Toppin said.
“In the five years ending December 2023, median house rents have increased by an average of 3.4% per annum in Mareeba Shire compared to an increase of 7.4% per annum in Regional Queensland.”
“Housing prices in the Mareeba Shire have increased but are more affordable compared to other areas of regional Queensland.
“Council will continue to assist the community to build its capacity to develop the area of arts, culture and heritage to enrich lifestyles and encourage economic development.”
Mayor Toppin said given the growing ageing population, demand for health care and social assistance professionals and support workers would continue to increase, as would the need for more housing for seniors.
“Housing availability is scarce across the Mareeba Shire with the residential vacancy rate in October 2023 just 0.4%. We need access to additional homes and the household type most in need of affordable housing in our shire is lone person households,” she said.
“Council has adopted a Local Housing Action Plan in January 2024 with a number of focus areas identified to respond to the shire’s population shifts and changing housing needs.
“Council has received Government funding for the construction of a new social housing duplex for seniors at nil cost to ratepayers.”
