If you want a carefree lifestyle, in a place where the locals are friendly and the climate is warm, pack your bags and head straight for the fantastic Bundaberg region.
This largely undiscovered gem is located on the east coast of the beautiful state of Queensland Australia, approximately 360km north of the state’s capital, Brisbane.
Approximately 10km from the coast and on the banks of the Burnett River, Bundaberg is the thriving commercial centre for many coastal and rural towns. The lifestyle is laid-back and unhurried but don’t let that fool you, this area is a regional powerhouse, headquartering many national and international companies, boasting a Gross Regional Product of $3.7 billion in 2010/2011 and with growth higher than the state average.
Two famous Bundy icons are Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. These companies make 100% of their products, and ship them worldwide, from their plants in Bundaberg; and there are dozens more in fields as diverse as banking, aeronautics and food processing.
The region has something for everyone with it's variety of locations. The towns that stretch along the coast offer superb variation for those that like the smell of the sea on the breeze; each has their points of difference and unique identities. The rural landscapes that fill the spaces between the coastal and rural centres provide excellent opportunities for living with the natural environment. The rural centres of Childers and Gin Gin, and the City of Bundaberg itself, have a relaxed and uncomplicated feel. It’s a great place to raise a family and a great place to visit. The population of the Local Government Area is approximately 100,000; half of which resides in Bundaberg. With so many fantastic places to choose from you can pick the spot that suits you the most!
Bundaberg has a rich multicultural heritage courtesy of many generations of migration to the area which continues today. Cultural diversity is on display throughout the region; on street names, restaurants and cafes, and in the major festivities held throughout the year. The city has three hospitals, six high schools, an Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), a campus of the Central Queensland University and two major shopping centres. Getting here is easy by air from Brisbane, take the speedy Tilt Train or, if you prefer a more leisurely pace, come by coach or by car via the Bruce and the Isis highways.
Visitors soon learn that there is more to life than hustle and bustle. The region’s natural beauty and the laid-back lifestyle captivates many; inspiring repeat visits and, often, permanent relocations. There’s plenty to see and do with so many natural attractions within striking distance of Bundaberg, including Agnes Water and Town of Seventeen Seventy, and Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliott Islands. Trying to take it all in on one short visit is futile, best to stretch out your visit a little longer - to get the full effect.
Many business owners have realised that the region has a lot to offer and have relocated away from high-cost capital city and mining areas to set up operations here. They have found a well-trained and willing workforce waiting for them on arrival and appreciate the lower operating costs. Making contacts in the business community is easy through such groups as the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce and Business Networking International (BNI). The Bundaberg Regional Council and the Bundaberg office of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) also provides practical and beneficial resources to assist businesses wishing to set up in the region.
The outlook for the region is very positive. Our proximity to Brisbane and the busy mining centres provides a steady flow of new residents, businesses and employment. Our natural resources of fertile soil, sunshine and water will keep us vibrant, well fed and healthy. Our well-grounded roots and abundant community spirit will ensure that our future development is positive, and that we don’t lose the things that make living in this region so special.