Northern Beaches Growth Profile

Mackay’s Northern Beaches are part of the traditional lands of the Yuwibara people..

The Northern Beaches include the suburbs of Shoal Point, Bucasia, Eimeo, Dolphin Heads, Blacks Beach, Rural View and parts of Richmond.

Bucasia was occupied first in 1876 by the Reverend Father Pierre Bucas who purchased the land to establish an orphanage.

In the early 1930’s Bucasia, Eimeo and Blacks Beach became popular local holiday destinations.

The current rapid urbanisation of the Northern Beaches is a result of the mining boom from 2002 until 2013, where the majority of Mackay’s new urban growth has resulted in numerous new housing estates.

Outlook

If current growth trends continue Northern Beaches will add an additional 10,673 residents by 2036. This represents growth of 53.6% over the next 18 years. The current growth pattern indicates Northern Beaches will be represented by working families with children and a higher concentration of empty nesters/retirees. Growth is being driven by new residential housing estates and the attractiveness for new residents to have a ‘beachside lifestyle’.

Total Residents

Main Industries of Employment for Residents 2018

	Mining	14.9%
	Health	12.4%
	Retail	11.2%

Population by Age

Dwelling Types

Demographic Profile

1 in every 6 of Mackay region's residents reside in the Northern Beaches. The highest ratio of residents in the Mackay region.

The age profile is characteristic of working families with children, with 25.8% aged 0-14 years (Mackay region average 20.7%) and 68.1% aged 15-64 years (Mackay region average 66.2%).

Of the new residents to the Northern Beaches, 14.2% were born overseas. The main countries of origin are New Zealand, South Africa and England.

5.7% of residents are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In line with the Mackay region average of 5.1%.

81.1% of households are family oriented. This is reflective of the age composition of working families with children.

Stand-alone houses are prominent, representing 90.8% of dwellings in the Northern Beaches. This compares to the Mackay region average of 85%.

The average household size is 2.8. Above the Mackay region average of 2.5. This is reflective of the family oriented nature of the area.

39.5% of dwellings are rented. One of the highest suburban rental localities in Mackay region. The Mackay region average is 31.5%.

The education characteristics are reflective of a working population. 22.1% comprise a bachelor degree or higher (above Mackay region average of 19%) and 48.4% hold at least a certificate level qualification (Mackay region average 47.9%).

91.4% of working age residents in the Northern Beaches are employed. This is in line with the Mackay region average of 91.4%.