Livingstone Shire
Livingstone Shire
Located 676 kilometres north of Brisbane, the Livingstone Shire region has a population of over 38,000 residents and is home to almost 300 businesses and provides over 11,500 local jobs.
The area has an abundance of natural features including countless beaches, picturesque national parks, pristine rainforests and idyllic offshore islands, make it an ideal tourist destination and place to live. Livingstone is characterized by a regional, laidback atmosphere and is situated in a coastal setting on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
The Livingstone Shire region offers an enviable lifestyle and work balance, but has the potential to become a future premier coastal location.
The Livingstone Shire region offers an outstanding range of lifestyle opportunities. The region boasts a wealth of recreational tourism assets that provide a solid foundation for future growth. From beaches, islands and the Southern Great Barrier Reef to rainforest retreats and limestone caves, the region offers outstanding exploring, camping, fishing, boating and water-based recreational opportunities.
The fantastic natural beauty of our region is matched only by the vibrant coastal communities and range of services available to local residents. Yeppoon and Emu Park offer the broadest range of local private practice medical services, whilst the Yeppoon Hospital offers 24 hour medical services.
livingstone shire council priority projects
Lifestyle
Climate
The Livingstone Shire Council area enjoys a subtropical climate with wet summers and low winter rainfall. Yeppoon’s highest mean monthly maximum temperature is 29.3°C in January. July has the lowest mean monthly minimum temperature in Yeppoon, 11.8°C. Yeppoon’s highest mean monthly rainfall in February (173.6 mm) and lowest mean monthly rainfall is in July, with 29.6 mm.
Population
Population growth in the Capricorn Coast region has exceeded Queensland’s growth rate for some time, a reflection of what the region has to offer. Regardless, the Livingstone Shire has retained its identity as a coastal community with a village feel. Existing and pending infrastructure investments can support a considerable greater population with no impact on the current lifestyle and amenities. The Capricorn Coast also serves a much larger catchment, including the nearby city of Rockhampton where many coastal residents work. Our current population of over 38,000 is projected to grow to 62,226 by 2031.
agriculture
The Livingstone Shire region has a strong agricultural sector comprising of beef cattle, pineapples and a range of tropical fruit, including mangos, lychees, dragon fruit and macadamias. The district is renowned for pure gold pineapples, the popularity of which is growing rapidly on a national level. The Capricorn Coast region is the only place in Australia that is able to grown pineapples all year round.
The Taste Capricorn Coast initiative is a celebration of local flavours with a colourful array of local producers, eateries, retail outlets, and farm experiences. Follow the flavours of the Capricorn Coast with our one of a kind food trail!
Education
The choice of schools and education providers in the Capricorn Coast region is exceptional. The region hosts more than 25 child care centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools (both public and private). Yeppoon is home to two nationally renowned boarding schools, St Ursula’s College and St Brendan’s College, which cater for male and female boarders from across Australia and overseas at fees substantially less than those charged in capital cities.
Employment
Tourism is the region’s largest employer (approximately 1,150 people). While tourism is important to the local economy, other service sectors – including education and healthcare – are also vital and growing employment sectors. Small businesses (those with 20 or fewer employees) are the backbone of Capricorn Coast’s regional economy comprising 99% of the region’s 5,500 plus registered businesses.
The region is resilient, nimble and forward-thinking; with a clear goal to embrace new technologies and support innovation to achieve long-term economic sustainability and growth, and perhaps most importantly, the constant creation of local jobs.
economy
The Livingstone Shire region is a popular tourism destination supported by a thriving community full of potential and possibilities for future investment and business development. Capricorn Coast’s regional economy is nothing short of dynamic and diverse.
In terms of Gross Regional Product (GRP), construction is the top performing sector; aided by the delivery of major local projects. Additional, continued growth in agricultural and manufacturing sectors is reflected in increased GRP contributions over the past decade.
The region is also home to one of Australia’s most importance defence force training facilities at Shoalwater Bay, where the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other allies, such as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and United States (US) Military conduct regular training exercises every year.
The foundation of the economy is local small business, including retail stores, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes, engineering and various service businesses. Small businesses make up 99% of all businesses in the region.
Livingstone Shire Council area – Gross Regional Product measures
Housing
Living in the region is affordable, with very competitive rent and purchases prices for land, housing, commercial and industrial uses. With commercial rental rates of nearly half that of Brisbane’s, and on the residential front, a median house price of $400,000 (in comparison to Brisbane’s $650,000), the Capricorn Coast region is an affordable and enviable destination in which to live.
Transport
Five major roads provide access to and from Rockhampton. Of the five roads, the Bruce Highway north of Scrubby Creek has the highest number of heavy vehicles, with Yeppoon Road having the highest percentage of light vehicle traffic.
The Rockhampton Airport is the major air transport facility servicing the region, providing access to both domestic and international airlines.