Townsville

Considered the unofficial capital of Northern Queensland, the city of Townsville is home to over 185,000 people, making it the highest populated regional centre outside of South East Queensland. Indeed over the give years to 30 June 2010, the population of the Townville City local government area grew by an average of 3 per cent per annum, compared to the state-wide average of 2.5 per cent. With the Townsville City CBD situated on the coastline, the city has a port which handles approximately 10 million tonnes of cargo on an annual basis. The city is also home to an international airport and supports flights to and from the mining communities as well as most major capital cities. The Townsville City local government area has consistently recorded steady growth in its population and therefore its residential property market thanks to its diverse economy. According to the Townsville City Council, the local economy is supported by a variety of industries including retail trade, health and education services, government administration and defence, construction, mining, manufacturing, and property and business services. In 2008, the sister city of Thuringowa Central amalgamated with Townsville to make the larger council area of Townsville City. Well known suburbs of the city include the older and prestigious suburbs of Castle Hill, North Ward and Mount Louisa. Located near the army barracks to the south of the CBD, as well as providing some homes with river frontage, the suburbs of Annandale and Idalia are also highly sort after suburbs. With continued growth in its population, new residential development has expanded south-west towards the likes of Bohle Plains and Kelso, as well as to the north towards Deeragun and Bushland Beach. The unit and townhouse market has also grown over the years with a number of new developments coming onto the market, notably in the suburbs of Townsville City, South Townsville and North Ward where water views are at their best. Source: REIQ