South Mackay Growth Profile

South Mackay is part of the traditional lands of the Yuwibara people.

It was chosen as the site for Mackay State High School in 1912 and included a series of sporting reserves further south, including what is now Harrup Park but also including soccer, rugby and Australian rules fields.

In 1930 the Mackay Airport was officially opened by the Mayor Alderman Wood on the site of the town common and continues to dominate the suburb.

Further development of sporting facilities characterise this area, most notably the opening of the currently named BB Print Stadium in 2011 as the home of the Mackay Cutters Rugby League Club and the opening of a multisports indoor facility at Candlestick Park in 2014, home of the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes Basketball Club.

Outlook

Continuing as a suburban area of Mackay region comprising working families with children, coupled with an ageing population. A preferred option for immigrants settling in Mackay region which is underpinned by housing choice and rental market. Growth is anticipated to be driven by gentrification of one of Mackay region’s oldest neighbourhoods, which is in close proximity to employment opportunities.

Total Residents

Main Industries of Employment for Residents 2018

	Health	10.8%
	Retail	9.7%
	Hospitality	9.5%

Population by Age

Dwelling Types

Demographic Profile

A population of 6,800 people. South Mackay represents 5.7% of the population of Mackay region.

The age profile is reflective of an older suburb of Mackay region, with 15.5% of residents are aged 65+, compared to the Mackay region average of 13.1%

South Mackay has one of the highest proportion (15.5% born overseas) of immigrants in the Mackay region.

63.4% of households are family oriented. This is reflective of the age composition of empty nesters and retirees.

21.1% of dwellings are apartments, units and townhouses above the Mackay region average of 8.4%

An average household size of 2.3. This is reflective of empty nester/retirees. The Mackay region average is 2.5.

38.3% of dwellings are rented. One of the highest suburban rental localities in Mackay region. The Mackay region average is 31.5%.

67.7% of residents hold some form of qualification. With 18% a bachelor degree or higher (Mackay region average 19%) and 49.7% (Mackay region average 47.9%) a certificate level qualification.

89.3% of working age residents are employed compared to the Mackay region average of 91.4%.