INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS Regional Council acknowledges the support of the businesses that have contributed to the production of this handbooklet.

This document contains third party advertisements and Gympie Regional Council does not make any representation as to the accuracy or suitability of any of the information contained in those advertisements and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the conduct or content of those advertisements and the offerings made by the third parties.

Third party advertisements where goods and services are advertised are not endorsed or recommended by Gympie Regional Council. Your access to or use of them is at your own risk.

The content of this booklet was believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. Some of this content may be out of date or inaccurate. Gympie Regional Council takes no responsibility for any decisions made or action taken on the basis of this information.

Further, this booklet contains references to websites and/or content of other agencies associated with the functions of Gympie Regional Council. The content of these references is not created or maintained by Gympie Regional Council, and as such Gympie Regional Council takes no responsibility for the consequences of using such content. Contents

Welcome 2

Regional Overview 3 - Location 3 - Population 4 - Industry Development 5 - Education and Community Infrastructure 5 - Health Services 6 - Industry 6 - Construction 7 - Creative and knowledge based Industries 7 - Agribusiness 10 - Tourism 10

Developing in the 14 - Development Requirements 14

Community, Lifestyle and Tourism 17 - Civic Amenities 18 - Tourism 20 Useful Information - Council Contact Details 26 - Key Regional Contact Details 27 W Elcome to the Gympie Region! THE GYMPIE REGION, covers an area some 6,900 km2. the main centre for the region is the located on ’s main north-south rail line and on the , some 170 km north of

Welcome from Cr Ron Dyne, on serving the community, knowing that we will all reap the Mayor of Gympie Regional benefits of a cohesive, economically progressive community. Council The Gympie Region is renowned for its strong sense of Gympie Region residents community pride, providing a welcoming environment for the enjoy an enviable lifestyle, establishment of new businesses and creating a stable and with unsurpassed beauty supportive family friendly environment. The Region’s stable and a wealth of natural business base and increasing population have also helped attractions – from the ocean lessen the negative results of many adverse economic and to the hinterland. The Gympie environmental impacts. Regional Council area has something for everyone, and the diversity of our lifestyle provides residents and business However, Gympie Regional Council is not content to rest on the operators with the opportunity to live and work in a progressive Region’s laurels, drawing attention to business opportunities regional centre and visitors with the opportunity to unwind, through astute infrastructure progress and through facilitating relax and enjoy our hospitality. industrial and business developments. Council is also proactive in developing and implementing initiatives to help support and Gympie Regional Council continues to work with our regional encourage small and medium business development through community to help enhance the business, tourism, cultural the Gympie Region. and environmental infrastructure of the Region. Council’s elected representatives and staff have a charter and emphasis Gympie Regional Council is committed to building a strong and

Gympie City

2 r Mpegional a

diverse regional economy which is just one of the many reasons access to and from Brisbane (and places in between) and from why investing in the Gympie Region makes sound business Gympie City to virtually all major regional centres to the north. sense. An upgrade to the Bruce Highway is currently underway, with this The Region is experiencing growth in major infrastructure infrastructure proposal representing a significant opportunity projects and has a strong manufacturing, agribusiness, for the Gympie Region, also directly benefiting regions further tourism, transport business and professional service business to the north. Gympie also has Highway linkages to Kingaroy, base. Council has set its sights on making the Region the Dalby and Toowoomba, and from there to the Surat Basin envy of the State and to entice people and business operators Energy Resource Province. The, aerodrome to the south west to experience the diversity and contribute to our Regional of Gympie City is currently used primarily for recreational flying. development and growth. The major freight station at Gympie, on the Q-Link rail line Council’s role is to work with all sectors of the community and services the Brisbane to Cairns line. The Gympie Region is businesses to help establish the Council area as an attractive centrally located for distribution of goods between sea ports of destination for people to work, live and play. Many regions in Bundaberg, , Maryborough and Mooloolaba and only Queensland and Australia have the same aim, however, people two hours from the Port of Brisbane, which is Australia’s fastest who have never visited our area or who have not been here for growing container port. some time are encouraged to come and see what we have to offer. The , north of Gympie, leads to the , Toowoomba and links to the New England and Newell LOCATION Highways, major gateways to Sydney and Melbourne. Gympie Region is uniquely located on key road, rail and air transport corridors, 170km north of Brisbane. The Gympie Boasting a wide variety of environs and regional attractions Region is extremely diverse, 6,900sqkm in area. including coastal, rural, suburban and natural environments, the Gympie Region has long been a popular domestic tourism Gympie City is located on the main north-south rail link and destination. Nestled between the two internationally renowned the Bruce Highway, the main north-south road network in destinations of cosmopolitan Noosa and the wilderness of Queensland. The region (and, indeed, Gympie City) is dissected Fraser Island, the Region is also recognised internationally as by the Bruce Highway, which provides direct, quick and easy part of the Great Sandy Biosphere.

3 r egional overview

As a result of topography and historical land use (particularly large tracts of forestry), the Region comprises four distinct sub- regions:

Gympie City, the main centre with regional health and community service, education, sport and recreation and higher order retail and commercial facilities. It also has a sizeable and well performing manufacturing base, and a population of around 19,300.

Eastern/Coastal, the area to the east of Gympie City encompassing significant tracts of plantation forests, National Park and the communities of Cooloola Cove, Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach, as well as a number of smaller localities.

Mary Valley, the area to the South West surrounding the and also encompassing significant tracts of National Park, State Forests and some plantation forests. The main communities in the Mary Valley are , Dagun, , Kandanga, as well as a number of smaller localities.

Western/Northern, the localities of the region extending from the west, north west and north, comprise the largest of the sub-regions. The townships of Curra, , , Kilkivan, , , and a significant number of growing localities, support a growing tourism industry, significant beef industry as well as some cropping and a range of smaller agribusiness pursuits.

Population The Gympie Region continues to experience a population growth rate higher than the State average. Over the past five Tin Can Bay Coastal years, the population of the Gympie Regional LGA has increased at an average annual rate of 2.5%, which was higher than the Rainbow Beach average for the Wide-Bay Burnett Region over the same period. (2.4%) and higher than the rate for Queensland (2.3%) over the same period.

As at 30 June 2011, the estimated resident population of Gympie Regional Local Government Area was 50,011 persons. The annual growth rate in Gympie Regional Local Government Area between 2010 and 2011 was 1.6 per cent, compared with 1.7 per cent for Queensland. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2010–11, cat. no. 3218.0 and unpublished data.

The 2011 edition of population projections indicate that by 2031 the expected population of Gympie Regional Local Government Area will be between 61,636 and 72,974 persons (low and high series). Source: Queensland Government Population Projections, 2011 edition Australian Bureau of Statistics, Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2010, cat. no. 3235.0

4 INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT When potential investors and business operators are assessing industry or business development opportunities and making informed decisions, accurate, timely information is essential. With this in mind, Council’s Economic Development Unit undertakes research and commissions the preparation of publications including the Gympie Regional Economic Profile and the very well supported Gympie Region Business Confidence Survey. These publications provide a focus for business and industry decision making and research when planning future growth and development.

Council’s approach to encouraging investment, local business and industry is reinforced by the establishment of the Gympie Region Economic Development Reference Group. This Group, comprising business representatives, helps provide feedback and direction to Council in the implementation of economic development initiatives.

The Gympie Region has experienced significant growth in recent The Nestle factory in Gympie years, based largely on the following contributing factors: • A stable and skilled workforce provides businesses with a and knowledge based industry sector is also among one of secure opportunity to grow and plan for the future; the key sectors identified in Council’s Economic Development • A sizeable business community with in excess of 4,500 Strategy as having the potential to contribute significantly to the businesses (including some major manufacturers) and with regional economy. an estimated gross regional product of around $1.9 billion; • Industrial land available for business establishment and expansion in all areas of the Region and serviced by major Education and Community Infrastructure existing transport infrastructure; The Gympie Region has extensive education facilities with 29 • Major Local, State and Federal Government infrastructure public and private schools, a campus of the Wide Bay Institute projects underway in the Gympie Region, providing ongoing of TAFE (WBIT), a unique education facility in the Australian opportunities for regional businesses to tender to supply Institute of Country Music and strong linkages with the University goods and services; of the Sunshine Coast (USC). USC is committing significant • The Gympie Region has excellent utility services, financial resources to the construction of specialised facilities infrastructure and a strong business network, including at WBIT campus in Gympie. The construction, valued at $4m will active Chambers of Commerce. provide a welcome boost for the Gympie Region economy and provide USC with the facilities it needs to continue its planned However, a focus on providing strategic leadership, creating expansion. The facilities will initially focus on nursing and other jobs, celebrating and rewarding achievements and supporting health disciplines. innovation has also placed Gympie in an ideal position to meet its challenges and capitalise on its opportunities.

Key elements of meeting these challenges include: • providing infrastructure to support opportunities; • building partnerships and joint ventures with government and the private sector; • encouraging rich and diverse cultural and recreational experiences and events; • continuing to sustain its diversity and quality of life; • an efficient planning environment; and • working with the community to help foster community pride and enthusiasm.

Major industry sectors contributing to the Region’s growth and underpinning the regional economy include manufacturing, construction, agribusiness and retail. The emerging creative Wide Bay TAFE

5 r egional overview

HEALTH SERVICES The Gympie Region is serviced by the Gympie Public Hospital and Gympie Private Hospital, with specialist and diagnostic services also provided.

Health professionals also provide targeted information, referral, counselling, support and educational services in relation to health related issues.

The Gympie Region is renowned for the high level of comprehensive, flexible social and community services provided to meet the needs of residents in our growing Region. Carter Holt Harvey manufacturing plant at Gympie INDUSTRY The Gympie Region is home to some of Australia’s market leaders in industry and business and has a diverse industry base with a number of major domestic and multinational operations located in the Region, producing a diverse range of goods and services including value-added food products; heavy equipment for the mining, agricultural and transport industries; international suppliers of high quality beef and major timber processing and value-adding operations. Food manufacturing industry businesses are receiving national and international recognition; heavy manufacturing businesses are capitalising on opportunities to supply products and services to an ever growing resources sector while maintaining their location in a Region offering affordable land and cost of labour, while service based businesses are exploring new boundaries in innovation and creativity.

These companies and other successful regional employers are living testament to the benefits of operating in the Region. Its strong economy, efficient transport network, ready supply of raw materials, stable workforce and competitively priced industrial land provide the opportunity for expansion and diversification in a wide range of industry sectors.

The long standing Gympie Region Lean Manufacturing Network is testament to the commitment of these regional manufacturers Performax International to excellence in products and processes to produce them.

Already the largest component of the Regional economy, manufacturing is set for further growth due to the Gympie Region’s natural competitive advantages. These competitive advantages include – • Competitively priced industrial land and lower costs of production • Access to a skilled and experienced regional manufacturing workforce • A strong transport network to provide goods to market • Room to expand in the future • Sound infrastructure including reliable power and water supply Business development sites in Gympie • Access to raw materials.

6 Key opportunities in this sector include – • Further development of manufacturing linked to natural resources in the Region (for example primary production, mining and forestry) • Clustering with existing manufacturing organisations • Capitalising on a long history of successful manufacturing in the Gympie Region • Accessing land with lower acquisition and operating costs than equivalent industrial land in adjoining SEQ locations Capacity to plan for the future knowing that you have room • Australian Institute of Country Music to grow for the next 20 to 50 years • Major project underway by Energex to provide reticulated gas for large gas users in the Region. Creative and Knowledge Based Industries Supported by Gympie Regional Council and the State and Federal Governments, Gympie’s creative minds have been Construction working together to establish a Creative Industries Cluster – The local construction industry has been and remains a key Creative Unlimited, in the region with the aim of promoting the economic driver in the Gympie Region. Gympie Regional diversity of our regional economy and providing opportunities Council continues to support the local construction industry for growth in the knowledge based economy. and the economic benefits it provides to this area. Some of the initiatives currently being undertaken by Council’s Economic The Creative Industries is a diverse sector and includes IT, Development Unit include working with existing industries in music, design, art, architecture, writing, film and television the Region to help develop their capacity and capability to take production to name a few. The Gympie Region is home to advantage of these supply opportunities and also to develop the Australian Institute of Country Music and hosts nationally opportunities for business expansion and employment creation. renowned arts, cultural and performance events.

The construction industry will also benefit from Council’s new planning scheme, which is expected to be publicly notified in the coming months and adopted by Council in late 2012/early 2013. More than simply consolidating the three existing, pre- amalgamation planning schemes, the new planning scheme has a specific policy focus on economic development and regulatory efficiency. Land will be made available for significant growth in housing, industry and commercial development, and a conscious elimination of overregulation should guarantee a streamlined development assessment process resulting in quicker turn-around times for applications.

During 2011/12, the Region boasted the completion of a new aquatic centre and community hall at the Cooloola Coast, a suburban shopping centre on Gympie’s Southside, new service Rainbow Beach Aquatic Centre stations constructed on the Bruce Highway, a new office building to house Council’s Planning and Development Directorate and Providing the environment and infrastructure to support this various other residential, industrial and commercial buildings. industry growth also helps identify the talent and business The combined value of these projects is in the tens of millions capabilities we have in our own Region, showcase these of dollars, demonstrating the importance of the construction businesses and in turn identify opportunities for their growth industry to the local economy. and development.

Gympie Regional Council will continue to support the local Strong links with regional universities including the University of construction industry into the future. The current economic the Sunshine Coast and the University of Southern Queensland initiatives and sensible planning reform will ensure the Gympie also are providing opportunities for the growth of our regional Region maintains its competitive advantage as an attractive intellectual capital and helping to put the Gympie Region on the Region in which to live, work and play. creative and knowledge based economy map.

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r egional overview

Agribusiness With a strong history of economic prosperity based on agriculture, it is no surprise to learn that primary production is a major economic driver of the Region. What is surprising to many is the diversity of business opportunities in this sector with a focus on value adding in the production chain.

Development of agribusiness production close to the source of materials makes good business sense and the Gympie Region is less than two hours from major markets and export gateways. Land and production costs are very competitive in the Gympie Region and there is good infrastructure to support business growth.

Dominant land uses on rural land in the Gympie Region include intensive livestock, particularly beef grazing, primarily Gympie Saleyards in Goomeri and Kilkivan, but also represented in other sub regions. Plantation and native forestry is predominately in the Eastern/Coastal sub region and the Mary Valley.

Dairying features strongly in the Mary Valley with the equine industry featuring strongly in this locality and also Goomeri/ Kilkivan.

Fruit, vegetable and small crop production is a significant land use activity throughout the Region.

Key opportunities in this sector include – • Value adding to the agricultural production chain e.g. export market growth, processing, packaging and distribution Tin Can Bay Marina • Speciality crops that are able to capitalise on the sub- tropical climate and quality soil • Marine based industries centred on Tin Can Bay including fishing, marine supplies and other seafood production • Ancillary services to the major beef industry including distribution, support services and production • Linkages to tourism through the development of farm based and nature tourism activities focussed on the nearby SEQ tourism market • Development of rural based training.

TOURISM From the coast to the city to the country, the experiences to be enjoyed in our Region are many and varied, making the Gympie Region one of the hottest growth markets in Queensland’s tourism sector. Like the choices for visitors themselves, the opportunities for the development of tourism based businesses are almost unlimited. From beach to bush, there are numerous growth stories for tourism based businesses. The Gympie Region is the southern gateway to Fraser Island and also contains the tourism towns of Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Gympie Gold Regional Bay. The hinterland is steeped in history and provides a unique Produce showcased tourism experience. at Regional Flavours

10 Key opportunities in this sector include – • Establishment of tourism-based accommodation across the Region • Adventure-based activities for tourists including both beach and bush experiences • Provision of rural-based training facilities for the corporate training market • Development of boutique agricultural tourism experiences such as farm stays, locally produced farm product tastings and sales • Linking new business to existing events that are already well established (for example the Gympie Music Muster, Tin Dolphin feeding at Tin Can Bay Can Bay Seafood Festival and Goomeri Pumpkin Festival to name just a few) The Gympie Region is developing opportunities linked with • Working in partnership with other tourism operators to sporting and events based tourism and is gaining a reputation create driving trails and a critical mass of tourism based for hosting renowned events including the Ton Quilty Gold activities to attract visitors to the Region Cup in 2013, school and competition sports and recreations • Capitalising on the growth of the “grey nomad” market and sporting events including Cycle Queensland’s Citrus to Sea focusing on the heritage and history of the Region cycle holiday. • Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay provide an ideal gateway to Fraser Island, Coloured Sands and the Great Sandy Biosphere. The tourism industry sector remains one of the Need to know more? cornerstones of the Gympie Region’s economy. Gympie Cooloola Tourism is able to provide Region specific information to tourism businesses and encourages those Industry revenue in the tourism industry is projected to grow businesses to become members. at around 1.4% pa largely as a result of increasing domestic Contact: Gympie Cooloola Tourism travel and increasing per trip expenditure. Most robust growth Tel: +617 5482 5444 is expected from 2012/13 onwards, although growth in both www.cooloola.org.au domestic and international visitation is expected to remain volatile.

The Sunshine Coast Tourism Region (which encompasses the Gympie Region), however, has shown slightly more resilience than other markets. While domestic overnight visitors were down for the year ended June 2010, due primarily to a drop in overnight visitors from Brisbane, domestic day trip visitors and day trip expenditure increased. Also, international visitors increased over the year, reversing the trend in most other Queensland destination regions.

The room occupancy rate for all establishments with 15 or more rooms in the Gympie Regional LGA was 42.7% in the June Quarter 2011, which represented an annual decrease of 5.3 percentage points, although this was largely due to an increase in capacity. The average length of stay was 1.8 days in the June Quarter 2011, whilst takings per room night were $97.11, an annual increase of 4.8%. Source: ABS Survey of Tourist Accommodation.

The Gympie Region has made significant advances in tourism in recent years with substantial opportunities yet to be explored, particularly with developing different focuses within its sub- regions and a growing regional population.

Tin Can Bay Environmental Walkway

11 Don’tDon’t TrashTrash it...it... Why not CAREY CashCash it!!it!!recycle it at ENGINEERING Ph: 07 5482 3773 COOLOOLA GENERAL SCRAP METAL ● Copper ENGINEERING SERVICES Steel All metals: ● Brass Aluminium 24 Flood Road, G Fitting & Turning East Deep Creek, Gympie Trading Hours: G Machining Monday to Friday G Free Car Removal 9am - 3pm, Fabrication Farm Clean Ups Saturday 9am - 11.30am G Machinery repairs Bins available G Hydraulic sales & repairs G Welding: steel, aluminium & stainless steel

6 Du Rietz Court Southside Industrial Estate, Gympie, QLD 4570 Ph: 07 5482 3773 Fax: 07 5482 8066 WIDE BAY Ph: 5483 9600 HYDRAULICS Servicing the local area for over 25 years (07) 5482 4122 LOW LOADER HIRE 11 Tozer St, Gympie QLD 4570, Australia FLAT TOP HIRE Fax: 07 5482 7982 TIPPER HIRE E: [email protected] Airmac Compressors I Welding accessories CRANE TRUCK HIRE Otech oils I Loctite thread sealants I Hydraulic hose, fitting, valves, pumps, motors and more I Bearings I Belts for all applications from automotive, industrial, lawn mowers, agricultural, to heavy machinery I Three large bays of Teng hand tools I Shinano air tools and all air accessories from hoses to blowguns I Huge range of Donaldson & Fleetguard filters I Filtrec hydraulic filters I Largest stock of brass fittings available in the Gympie region I Full workshop facilities I Hydraulic oil seals and O rings for all your Ph:Ph: 54835483 96009600 cylinders and valves M:M: 04270427 764764 486486 N 24 hour/day on call service van N GYMPIE JURSS BLINDS GYMPIE’S BLIND & AWNING SPECIALISTS

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9 Transport Court PO Box 1325, Gympie, QLD 4570 Fax: 07 5842 1329 Ph: 07 5483 6522 5482 3166 www.jurss.com.au gympieblinds.com.au 6 Fern Street, Gympie

Suppliers of: Jobmatch is a Specialised Employment Agency that has been placing people into various Frozen Products occupations since 1992 in the Gympie and Dairy and Smallgoods Sunshine Coast Regions Canned Products Dry Goods Our job placements have been in the fields of G Farm Work G Traineeships G Freight & Removals Paper, Packaging and Disposables G Office/Reception G Factory G Processing G Hospitality G Horticulture G Metal Trades G Construction G Childcare G Mining Cleaning Products G Aged and Disability Care Work G Retail and many many others for We provide an individually tailored service including on the job support clubs, pubs, hotels, motels, hospitals, nursing to ensure the Employer has the job completed efficiently to the workplace standards. Subsidies are available to Employers in most cases. homes, institutions, schools, canteens, cafes, restaurants, fast food outlets, caterers, contract Working Together with Employers and groups and franchise organisations. Jobseekers to Achieve Quality Outcomes COLD STORAGE AVAILABLE Phone: 5482 1633 LOCAL FAMILY 16 O’Connell St Gympie COMPANY FOR Email: [email protected] www.jobmatchgympie.com.au OVER 20 YEARS PUBLIC SALES WELCOME Developing in the Gympie Region

Development Requirements The planning scheme identifies: Most development activities in the Gympie Region will require • zoning for all parts of the Gympie Regional Council area assessment by Council and may also require assessment by identifying areas for residential, commercial, industrial, one or more State agencies. rural and other purposes; • levels of assessment that apply to the development within The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 contains planning and these zones – Exempt, Self Assessable, Code Assessable development laws for the whole of Queensland. The Act seeks or Impact Assessable, and to manage the process by which development takes place, • specific provisions such as desired environmental through the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS). outcomes and codes with design guidelines against which IDAS is a procedural method used by all local governments development is to be assessed. in Queensland to assess development applications. The assessment is based on the specific local government planning The zoning maps and planning scheme provisions containing scheme applicable at the time of making an application. this information can be accessed through Council’s Planning and Development Department located at the corner of Nash Council is currently preparing a new planning scheme for the and Channon Streets Gympie or by contacting the Department Gympie Region under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. on 07 5481 0644.

Industrial development in Gympie

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Principal: Brendan M Cuddihy LL.B Solicitors: Christopher D Anderson B.Com.LL.B, Matthew H Post LL.B

LJ Hooker Gympie Services include but not limited to:

P: 5482 3633 G Commercial Law G Litigation G Leasing G Wills & Probate G Business G Criminal Law G Property Development G Traffic Infringement G Conveyancing G Family Law

Fax: 07 5482 7195 Buying Selling Renting Email: [email protected] Postal address: PO Box 614, Gympie, Qld 4570 Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Phone: 07 5482 1244 POWER & CARTWRIGHT SOLICITORS

VALUERS AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS Mortgage Security Valuations Serving the Gympie region since 1875 Compensation Assessments Assessments and evidence for Litigation at Land Court PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT Land Appeal Court, Family Law Court & Supreme Court Stamp Duty Assessments CONVEYANCING Retrospective Valuations COMMERCIAL LAW Taxation, Capital Gains and GST Assessments Pre sale Assessments SMALL BUSINESS Rural Property Valuations Rental Assessments LEASES Feasibility Studies Mortgagee in Possession Assessments 239 Mary Street, Gympie, QLD 4570 Ph: 07 5482 1077 F: 07 5482 4655 P: 07 5482 9818 Visited Office (Thursdays): Dolphin Avenue Tin Can Bay by appointment 28 Reef Street, PO Box 13 F: 07 5483 6600 Gympie Regional Council Panel Solicitor Gympie, QLD 4570 E: [email protected] www.powerandcartwright.com www.jla.net.au

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The gympie cooloola Region is a little patch of nature’s paradise found just above Queensland’s sunshine coast. there are spectacular coloured sand cliffs at Rainbow Beach, dolphins at Tin Can Bay, the mighty Mary River, Gympie’s Rock Pools, an amazing natural rock formation along Boulder Creek, or bush camping and horse riding through Kilkivan and Goomeri to enjoy The Gympie Region also boasts a wealth of community infrastructure providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to experience the art and cultural aspects of the Region while relaxing and enjoying the opportunity to experience a diverse selection of sporting activities, art and cultural events and festivals.

As the heritage and cultural centre of the Gympie Region, Gympie City boasts a tradition that few areas in Queensland can offer. Gympie offers the warm hospitality of a country town with all the modern conveniences.

Council operated venues, including the Gympie Civic Centre and the Pavilion, regularly host art, cultural and sporting events as well as conferences and expos. There is a thriving arts and crafts community in the region. Courtesy of Gympie Cooloola Tourism The Region’s galleries and libraries also provide an excellent service for residents and visitors seeking some time out to experience the cultural and literary aspects of the Region. The Gympie Regional Gallery in particular, hosts major exhibitions and events and helps to foster creativity and bring cultural enrichment.

Council’s parks and gardens are the pride of the Region and also provide peaceful venues for functions, picnics or just relaxing. Outstanding educational and sporting facilities also complement the business and lifestyle opportunities in the Region.

SWIMMING POOLS Open September to April, Gympie Memorial Swimming Pool in River Road, Gympie features a heated learning facility and shaded wading pool. Tin Can Bay public pool is heated with an extended swimming season. Public pools are also open in Kandanga, Kilkivan and Goomeri.

The recently completed Rainbow Beach Aquatic Centre also provides a welcoming, state of the art environment for swimming lessons and recreational use. Gympie Memorial Park

17 Civic amenities

Gympie Civic Centre Located in the heart of Gympie, and just a short stroll to Gympie Civic Centre the CBD and cafes, this fully air-conditioned, multi-purpose entertainment facility offers disabled access, a beautiful portico entrance to protect you from the elements and incorporates several function areas. The Heritage Theatre has tiered seating which makes it ideal for most theatre productions/conferences as perfect vision is ensured. The Prospectors Hall is a large open auditorium perfect for dances, weddings, exhibitions and much more. The Fossickers Room is smaller than the Prospectors Hall and is therefore more suited to intimate functions such as conferences, weddings and other social gatherings. The Gympie Civic Centre also boasts a newly refurbished bar area. Also available for hire is the large, fully commercial catering kitchen. So whether your function has 8 or 800 patrons, the Gympie Civic Centre is the place to be.

The Pavilion The Pavilion Conference and Reception Centre is a modern multi purpose facility meeting the business, recreational and social needs of the Gympie Region. Located at Adrian McClintock Park (Gympie Showgrounds) and only minutes from Gympie’s CBD, The Pavilion provides facilities including the Apex Restaurant and bars, with a variety of Conference Rooms that enable business and government sectors to host seminars, trade shows and exhibitions.

As a recreational facility The Pavilion provides those in the community with first rate facilities that cater to a multitude of sporting interests including Basketball, Volley Ball and Futsal. The Pavilion can cater for social events of every scale, from 5 to 1500, with a grand or intimate atmosphere. Gympie Regional Gallery Gympie Regional Gallery The Gympie Regional Gallery is housed in the beautiful and original School of Arts Building, built in 1905. It is a community oriented gallery celebrating its own professional and amateur artists whilst introducing to the community an astonishing range of high quality shows from elsewhere in Australia. Opening hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am – 4pm at 39 Nash Street, Gympie QLD 4570.

Gympie Regional Library Service Gympie Regional Library Service have service points at Gympie, Goomeri, Imbil, Kilkivan, Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay. This is a free service proudly offered by Gympie Regional Council. Members have access to items in all Gympie Regional Libraries with a quality resource collection in excess of 93,000 items, including fiction, non-fiction books, large print books, audio books, videos and DVDs, Music CDs, children’s and young adult’s material, magazines and newspapers, and a comprehensive reference resource. Computers in each branch provide free access to word processing and the Internet. Each of our libraries have a community notice board, hold periodic displays, runs Sports classes at The Pavilion special school holiday programs and provide Internet classes.

18 Boulder Creek Holiday Centre G es rou renc p acc G onfe Ne ommodati G Camps C tn xt t on ar M o Wo Moth ondum National Park -

Are you bringing the whole team to Gympie? We offer fully catered accomodation for up to 100 persons. Looking for a venue for that trade show or seminar? We have 2 halls (1 air conditioned) and a large dining room area. www.bouldercreek.com.au E: [email protected] 281 Hill Rd, 4570 Ph: 5483 5175 F: 5483 5375 PavilionThe

The Pavilion Conference & Reception Centre is a multi function venue that can cater for all your business requirements. Located at Adrian McClintock Park and only minutes from the CBD, The Pavilion provides a range of air-conditioned Conference Rooms, Display and Exhibition areas and our 1000 seat capacity Corbet Stadium.

The Centre provides a range of audiovisual equipment, PA systems, lapel and radio micro- phones and internet access. We have ample on site parking and disabled facilities are available.

The Pavilion offers a range of catering options from a light lunch to an a-la-carte extravaganza. Our professional staff are able to offer a refreshing drink from one of our licenced bar areas.

Specialising in tailor made packages to suit your style and budget, The Pavilion is the ideal venue for your next business, private or sporting event.

Adrian McClintock Park, Exhibition Rd, Southside Gympie, QLD 4570 07 5481Pavilion 0824 Email: [email protected] TOURISM

Gympie’s CBD offers a fantastic blend of shopping, heritage and nearby parkland. Browse through an extensive selection of specialty shops which include jewellers, boutiques and cafes. From Mary Street, wander through the mosaic theatres of war in Memorial Lane to Memorial Park. Restored buildings from the Gold Rush Era add character and charm to Gympie. Take a heritage walk or drive past traditional shop fronts and buildings such as Gympie’s Town Hall, the Stock Exchange and Smithfield Chambers building.

Take a spectacular train journey aboard the Valley Rattler and experience history coming alive. The Rattler departs from Gympie’s historic train station in Tozer Street and travels Gympie Town Hall through Gympie, across the Mary River to the scenic countryside of the Mary Valley. The Rattler stops at the fully restored, original stations where passengers can browse through country markets offering fresh produce and delightful crafts, sample local wine and cheese and enjoy country hospitality.

From Gympie, discover amazing natural attractions and delightful towns. A self drive tour through Gympie’s scenic northwestern hinterland will lead you to the country towns of Kilkivan and Goomeri, where you can shop for antiques and art, enjoy delicious regional cuisine and visit farms and wineries. Travel east to the Cooloola Coast and explore the National Park, Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay, Fraser Island and the stunning aquatic playground of the Great Sandy Strait. This area is rich in bird and marine life, including sea turtles, dugongs and Mary Street in Gympie dolphins. Head south west from Gympie though Mary Valley’s rolling green hills to Lake Borumba. On the way you’ll find country markets, art and craft and wonderful country hospitality in the towns of the valley.

HISTORIC GYMPIE After alluvial gold was found at Nash’s Gully in Gympie in 1867, the first major gold rush in Queensland began and a double line of prospector’s tents sprung up alongside the bank in Gympie. Over time, Mary Street has transformed into a picturesque shopping space with wide paths and shady trees. It offers a fantastic blend of shopping, heritage with nearby parkland. There is an extensive selection of specialty shops which include The jewelers, boutiques and cafes.

The Old Bank Building in Gympie From Mary Street wander through the mosaic theatres of war in Memorial Lane to Memorial Park. Restored buildings from the Gold Rush Era add character and charm to Gympie. Take a heritage walk or drive past traditional shop fronts and buildings such as Gympie’s Town Hall, the Stock Exchange and Smithfield Chambers building.

The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum is set beside Gympie’s beautiful Lake Alford. The museum houses memorabilia from the early gold mining era, as well as displays showcasing military, rural, transport, hospital, communications and steam development in Australia.

20 optus gympiemusic muster

WWW.MUSTER.COM.AU Fine Restaurant Dining Boutique Wine Bar Fabulous Functions and Events Gourmet Take Home Meals Catering available

Capelli On Duke | Restaurant and Bar Corner Duke and Alfred Streets Gympie, Sunshine Coast, QLD P 07 5482 9515 E [email protected] Opening Hours: Thursday – Saturday from 5pm Find us on Lunch and all other times by appointment Will open for parties over 10 any other time THURSDAY 23RD AUGUST - SUNDAY 26TH AUGUST 2012 www.capellifoods.com.au

The Empire Hotel offers the best value accommodation in Gympie. Clean modern rooms at unbeatable rates, right in the heart of town.

A traditional style hotel with a modern twist Open fires Our Restaurant is in the top 3 in Gympie Aussie bistro style Chargrilled Steaks Asian dishes Pasta Duck

196 Mary Street, Gympie, QLD 4570 Fax: (07) 5481 1393 Ph: (07) 5481 2882 Email: [email protected] Gympie Racecourse

The WoodWorks Museum on the Bruce Highway travelling north The Gympie Region celebrates many iconic festivals with the from Gympie city, is a living historical attraction focused on the Gold Rush Festival being Gympie’s premier annual event, timber and forestry industries up to the 1950’s. The Museum celebrating Gympie’s gold mining history with an exciting line provides a fascinating insight into Queensland’s and Gympie up of diverse events which incorporate arts, culture, history and region’s colonial beginnings through a significant collection live performances over 12 days in October. including pioneering handtools, timber samples, timber getting and forestry equipment and associated transport. Highlights of the festival include the Gold Rush Gala Ball, the Gold Rush Art Competition, the Lady Mayoress Charity Concert Mothar Mountain is just fifteen minutes south east of Gympie. and Gold Panning Family Fun Days at the Gold Mining Museum. There are cool rock pools where Boulder and Creeks The festival culminates with a colourful street parade down Mary meet. Relax and unwind to the sound of water gently cascading Street, followed by the Festival in the Park at Nelson Reserve. over ancient granite outcrops. Tables, barbecues, firewood, water and amenities are provided at the rock pools. The Gympie Turf Club holds eight horse racing meetings throughout the year on Gympie’s Southside. Markets with everything from fresh produce, plants, bric-a-brac and pony rides are held every Sunday morning in Gympie.

COUNTRY Head south west from Gympie though Mary Valley’s rolling green hills to Lake Borumba. On the way you’ll find country markets, art and craft and wonderful country hospitality in the towns of the valley. The Mary River is the major river system in Southern Queensland. Canoe along the Mary through picturesque countryside. The land along the river has a feeling of isolation to it and its scenic beauty makes for a great canoe voyage.

The Mary Valley is a unique area of ecological importance with amazing natural attractions. The Mary River which runs through the valley is home to rare and endangered animal species Historic monument in the Gympie Memorial Park including the Mary River Turtle and the amazing Lungfish. With

22 TOURISM

its proximity to Brisbane (only one and a half hours drive), Mary Valley, nestled between Gympie and the Sunshine Coast, is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination.

The township of Imbil has gained a reputation as the ‘art house’ of the valley and is host to the Mary Valley Art Festival in June. The town green comes to life on Sundays with the colour and music of the Imbil Country Markets. Mary Valley is host to the action fueled International Rally of Queensland in May. Competitors race through the forests of Imbil.

Australia’s biggest outdoor celebration of country music, the Gympie Music Muster, held each August under the towering gums of Amamoor Creek State Forest near Gympie attracts of the order of 20,000+ visitors annually. INLAND Going inland are the country towns of Kilkivan and Goomeri, where you can shop for antiques and art, enjoy delicious regional cuisine and visit farms and wineries. Imbil in the beautiful Mary Valley

The Kilkivan Great Horse Ride, held annually in April is a spectacular event, attracting over 1,000 riders to it’s trek along SULLIVAN LIVESTOCK parts of the Bicentennial National Trail. Riders start from several diverse locations and enjoy a leisurely day of bush riding before parading through Kilkivan’s main street - truly a magnificent & RURAL SERVICES sight. 53 Tozer Street, Gympie, QLD 4570 The annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival attracts over ten thousand people to the Goomeri in May each year. The Goomeri Pumpkin Ph: 07 5482 9252 Festival is popular with locals and visitors alike for its fun family antics, including pumpkin races down the main street! www.sullivanlivestock.com.au

Visit the historic Theebine Hotel and experience true country hospitality while exploring the natural and culinary delights of the surrounding countryside. Livestock Sales Meatworks & Store Sales GOING COASTAL Pig & calf sales Travel east to the Cooloola Coast and explore National Parks, Paddock & Private Sales and the aquatic wonderland of Rainbow Beach the gateway to Fraser Island, Tin Can Bay, and the stunning aquatic playground Stud & Weaner Sales of the Great Sandy Straits. This area is rich in bird and marine life, including sea turtles, dugongs and dolphins.

The Gympie Region is part of The Great Sandy Biosphere which has a concentration of rare, threatened, endangered and Real Estate Sales vulnerable species. Biosphere reserves are sites recognised Specialising in Rural properties, Acreage, under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program that innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable and Residential Sales development. In May 2009 the Great Sandy Region was declared as Australia’s fifteenth Biosphere reserve. This area David Belsham For is a major transitory point for humpback whales; is recognised M: 0439 865 696 A/Hrs: 07 5483 8596 SaleSOLD as a major feeding and roosting location for migratory birds; E: [email protected] supports highly significant Dugong populations and seagrass

23 GYMPIE MUSTER INN MOTEL

07 5482 8666 Bruce Highway, Gympie G Central location G Executive suite & spa G Large units G Licenced restaurant G Undercover parking G Full laundry facilities G Free wireless internet G Salt water pool G Disabled unit www.gympiemusterinn.com.au

        

PTY GYMPIE BUILDING COMPANY LTD Commercial & Industrial Building Contractors 07 5482 2288 6 Drummond Drive Gympie, QLD 4570 www.gympiebuildingco.com.au Toni Mulholland MYOB, QBs, CFM, BASs. Registered BAS Agent No: 95302015 Services

Ph/Fax:5482 1967 Bookkeeping M: 0437 334 077 E: [email protected] 74 Hilton Rd, Gympie, QLD 4570 TOURISM

“The tourism industry sector remains one of the cornerstones of the Gympie Region’s economy”

The Great Sandy Biosphere

beds and is a major breeding site for oceanic turtles.

Rainbow Beach is part of the Great Sandy Biosphere in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Four wheel drive through sandy forests to unique freshwater lakes perched in the sand in the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park, or along the stunning sandy coastline that extends from Noosa North Shore to Double Island Point, across to Rainbow Beach, up to Inskip Point and along the eastern sea side of Fraser Island to Indian Head.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM Gympie Cooloola Tourism operate two fully accredited Visitor Information Centres located along the Bruce highway. Drop in to one of our centres so that our friendly volunteers can help with maps and brochures, advice and directions, accommodation bookings, tour bookings, 4WD hire and Fossicking Licences. For information Freecall 1800 444 222.

25 USEFUL INFORMATION

COUNCIL Contacts If you have a question for Council or you need information If you wish to speak to someone in person you can visit our about the work Council does in our Region there are many ways offices in Gympie at 242 Mary Street, or in Kilkivan at 26 Bligh to access the right person to answer your query. Street.

Firstly visit Council’s website on www.gympie.qld.gov.au Alternately you can have your say on our website www.gympie.qld.gov.au or email [email protected] If your question is about council services, community infrastructure, to report maintenance issues or problems, to make an enquiry about services to residents, or lodge a complaint, you can contact Council on 1300 307 800.

Picturesque Lake Alford at Gympie

26 Key Regional Contacts The Gympie Region has an active and supportive business community which is a healthy indicator of a strong and steady economy. In particular, there is a strong Chamber of Commerce network across the Region which encourages a cooperative approach to business development. Local Chambers will be able to provide support and advice regarding the growth or establishment of your business in the Gympie Region.

Active local Chambers of Commerce in the Gympie Region –

Gympie Chamber of Commerce Contact: www.gympiechamber.com.au Goomeri Chamber of Commerce Dickabram Bridge Contact: www.goomeri.org.au Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce Contact: www.maryvalleychamberofcommerce.com.au Tin Can Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Contact: www.tincanbaytourism.org.au Rainbow Beach Commerce and Tourism Association Contact: www.ourrainbowbeach.com

Rainbow Beach Gympie Town Hall

27 NOTES

28

COMMUNICATION WITH COUNCIL: Please address all correspondence to Chief Executive Officer

Postal Address: PO Box 155 GYMPIE QLD 4570 Street Address: 242 Mary Street, GYMPIE Fax: 07 5481 0801 Email: [email protected] Website: www.gympie.qld.gov.au