Dual Future

Rockhampton region 2031, what will it be like? In 18 years the
population is expected to range from 150810 to 175293. (It’s presently
around 120000) The average age 39.8 years and the only age range to
increase in proportion to the total population will be people 65+,
increasing to 20.6%. Just over 1 in 5 will be 65 or older. This is what
the Population and Dwelling Profile, Rockhampton Regional Council,
Office of Economic and Statistical Research, Queensland Treasury and
Trade report forecasts. Perhaps by 2031 the southern entrance to
Rockhampton will be flood proofed and a western by-pass will take the
Bruce Highway out of the city. I don’t think you’ll find any government
department confidently forecasting this though. The time traveller will
notice growth in population and dwellings along the Capricorn Coast,
Gracemere and northern parts of Rockhampton. Mount Morgan, Marlborough,
Westwood will probably have changed little. Ageing population will
likely see an increase in high rise and density housing. If current
trends continue it is quite likely the average disposable household
income for the region in 2031 with a higher percentage of the population
not working full time will be effectively less than present, though
inherited wealth may boost bank accounts as not all the early baby
boomers blow their children’s inheritances on Winnebago’s.
This is not just Rockhampton’s future outlook; it is the outlook for a
large number of Australia’s regional cities as the population ages.
Rockhampton region is fortunate though that it has a major asset, the
CQUniversity. The Federal Government decision to ‘unlock’ $73.8M to
support it becoming a dual sector university is a major step to help
improve the region’s future outlook. The decision to allow high density
living within the Rockhampton campus is also a positive. It will
hopefully provide students affordable, convenient accommodation making
it more attractive to enrol plus provide the opportunity to truly engage
with more members of the Rockhampton community. This may lead more
students staying after completing their studies. Growth in younger age
groups and a higher level of education will stimulate greater wealth in
the region. Let us nurture this asset, and in doing so improve the
future outlook of our region.