Understanding where we live

By Alistair Gray

Did you know that 56% of the population on Bribie are now aged 60 or over, compared to only 25% in Caboolture. With 34% of Bribie’s population being over 70. Interesting isn’t it, when the state government is building a fancy medical centre, AKA a Satellite Hospital without beds and a 24-hour emergency department with an ageing population requiring high health support needs.

Maybe the data is telling us we should be doing something else? I leave you to draw your conclusions.

The census data tells us many things that enable planners and business owners to develop services to serve our community's needs better. The good news is the results from the 2021 census are now available for us to explore. You can too, by visiting www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data.

Below is a small snapshot for both Bribie and Caboolture, which will give you a better understanding of the immediate area and enable you to compare the two catchments.

Some quick standout observations-

• The difference in the median ages between the two areas means different planning needs for the respective areas.

• The low number of young people on Bribie suggests most young people must leave the Island to get a job.

• Median weekly household income for Bribie $961 and Caboolture $1,318, both significantly lower than the Queensland average of $1,517. The Bribie figure would represent the high level of pensioners and self-funded retirees.

• Home ownership is 73% on Bribie and 60% in Caboolture

• 23% of properties on Bribie are rented, as compared to 37% for Caboolture. Figures exclude holiday rentals.