Discover why more businesses are making the sea change

Hervey Bay is the fastest growing city in Queensland and the third fastest growing district in Australia. It is the ideal location for established businesses seeking expansion or relocation and for emerging businesses.

The city is situated a comfortable three and a half hour drive or 45 minute flight north of Brisbane and 90 minute flight time from Sydney.

The recent $13 million expansion of the airport has allowed Jetstar and Virgin Airlines to make direct flights to and from Sydney as well as a daily QantasLink freight service. Further expansions are planned to accommodate a third air carrier with direct flights to Melbourne.

Business has literally boomed in Hervey Bay with business growth doubling in the last seven years. Currently there are nearly 12 000 businesses registered in Hervey Bay and the number is rapidly increasing. The Fraser Coast produced $2.8 billion dollars in Gross Regional Product (GRP) in 2006/07, 10.6% more than in 2005/06.

Known as the gateway to World Heritage listed Fraser Island as well as the "Whale Watch Capital of the World", Hervey Bay attracts nearly a million tourists per year, 80% of whom are domestic visitors.

Over the past ten years, population growth has generally exceeded the state average. Population growth in the past two years has been almost three times the growth rate recorded in Queensland and is projected to increase at an average annual rate of 2.9% to 92 159 people in 2026.

Hervey Bay boasts a perfect climate which is conducive to the relaxed lifestyle enjoyed by local residents. The popularity of Hervey Bay as a residential location has also been enhanced in recent years with a physical rejuvenation through both public and private projects and, as a result, continues to expand.