The Western Downs is emerging as one of the big winners of a nation-wide shift to regional living, as more Australians realise the benefits of the bush.
With one-in-five city residents seeking to move to the regions, cities such as Dalby and Chinchilla are now standing out more than ever as options for young families and first time home buyers.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) CEO Ali Davenport said that with less traffic and more housing affordability, it’s little surprise there’s a surge of activity.
“The Western Downs is a powerhouse region with a population of 34,000 people, who love the employment opportunities, relaxed lifestyle and cheaper cost of living compared to metropolitan areas,” Ms Davenport said.
The Western Downs is a front runner for people considering a move west and TSBE has developed a new liveability magazine in partnership with Western Downs Regional Council.
‘LIVE Western Downs’ promotes the community, parks, health services, education and job opportunities on offer.
The number of local jobs in the region has increased significantly over the past 10 years to 20,834 jobs, with opportunities continuing to rise due to the strong pipeline of developments.
Western Downs Regional Council mayor Paul McVeigh said dynamic agricultural, manufacturing and energy industries underpin the diverse economy.
“Our active, vibrant community is supported by energetic locals who are proud of where they live and it’s this homegrown hospitality that sets our region apart,” he said.
“We are delighted to build our region and showcase everything that’s great about living on the Western Downs.”
The LIVE Western Downs magazine includes stories of people such as Hamey Hayllor who moved from Brisbane to Dalby after falling in love with second generation farmer, Dan.
“Clearly, I wasn’t going to get the cotton farmer to move to Brisbane, so I had to make the move to Dalby and I’m so glad I did.”
“We live 20 minutes out of town in Macalister on one of the properties Dan runs (“Kensington Park“). It’s a great lifestyle and wonderful place for us to raise our family,” the mother of two said.
Hamey is a PT Instructor and owns Physical Fix gym in Dalby.
“With Dan and I both having very busy work lives, we are so lucky to have such a supportive network of family and friends, plus amazing staff to help us achieve what we do within both our businesses and at home,” she said.
LIVE Western Downs is a free magazine which will be available at businesses, motels and tourism attractions across the region.
