Living in Bundaberg – or affectionately known as “Bundy” – is the perfect choice for those who like being a part of a community in a big country town.
Regardless of whether you are a recently qualified doctor or have many years of experience already under your belt, sometimes we all just crave a sea change to spice things up. The good news is that building a life in Bundaberg is well within reach – but exactly why would you want to?
It’s no secret that Queensland is experiencing an interstate migration boom. The global pandemic has changed the way we work, live and play, and when compared to our southern neighbours, Queenslanders have had it relatively lax in terms of lockdowns and social distancing restrictions. Interestingly, Brisbane’s biggest employer is the healthcare industry, with over 12.5% of the city’s population working within this field. With a wealth of career opportunities, this same demand is spreading further north to Bundaberg, with the local hospital and healthcare network serving as the region’s biggest employer.
Although living in Bundaberg isn’t exactly what a lot of Australians have in mind when considering a sea or tree change, demand is soaring thanks to its affordability and proximity to the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast and Brisbane. As the state’s ninth most populous region, experts say that the population of Bundaberg is set to reach 99, 115 by June 2021 – perhaps not such a small country town after all, right?
Looking back on the data of the last eight years, the growth rate of Bundaberg has been very consistent, with 900 to 1700 people moving to the region each year. The ten year growth rate has ranged from 0.92% to 1.96%, with many Australians selling up and heading north for a more affordable lifestyle by the beach – but exactly how viable is living in Bundaberg full time?
Five Things To Know About Living In Bundaberg
Despite popular stereotypes, there’s much more to know about living in Bundaberg than bogans and “Bundy Rum”. In fact, the region covers more than 6,000 square kilometres, and boasts a wide array of diverse natural resources and man made facilities.
In less than a century, the Bundaberg region has grown from what was once a small sugar cane hub, into Queensland’s ninth largest city. Despite being an increasingly popular tourist hotspot that attracts over one million visitors per annum, it’s also a region that many are looking to call home in the long term. So much so, that the ten year annual average population growth rate sits at 1.47%, or almost bang on the national average of 1.5% – not bad for what’s been long regarded as a regional country town, right?
As the centre of the Wide Bay region, Bundaberg has a surprisingly in depth history when it comes to its contribution to Queensland as we know it. Before colonisation, much of the land around the lower reaches of the Burnett River consisted of either the Woongarra Scrub, a subtropical rainforest that stood where most of the Bundaberg canefields now grow, or the Barolin Plains, a lightly timbered grassland that stretched along the coastal fringe. Neither of these areas were suitable for sheep farming but the British soon found that raising cattle was possible. Most of the early settlers went on to exploit the readily available timber, and grew maize on their selections. However, as a result of the incentives of the Sugar and Coffee Regulations of 1864, sugar became a major component in Bundaberg’s development from the 1870s, and even now has remained one of Bundaberg’s primary industries, and in turn exports.
Of course, when referring to exports there’s one other major product that springs to the mind of most Australians – Bundaberg Rum. The globally recognised product is actually the direct result of the waste of the sugar mills operating in the region – operators simply didn’t know what to do with the molasses waste from the sugar, so in turn it was manufactured into a product that could not only be consumed instead of discarded – but monetised.
Along with sugar and rum, the Bundaberg lifestyle, climate and overall affordability are attracting more and more retirees, families and even young professionals seeking a change. While there’s certainly something for everyone in this small part of the world, why would you want to commit to living in Bundaberg as a full time resident?
Enviable Weather – Bundaberg experiences a humid subtropical climate. Although it’s been exposed to cyclones in the past, it’s generally too far south to experience regular northwest monsoonal influence, and too far north to receive cold fronts sweeping in from the south.
Seaside Living – While living in Bundaberg is all about embracing that country charm, residents are just a stone’s throw away from a variety of sleepy seaside towns, such as Bagara, Mon Repos, Woodgate and Moore Park Beach.
It’s Affordable – With the median three bedroom house price in Bundaberg sitting at just $260, 000 – is it any wonder why people are flocking to this region in droves? While the Sunshine Coast has become out of reach for many, “seachangers” now flock further north for the prices.
Sporting Mecca – Despite its position in what can only be called “the Bible Belt of Rugby League”, there’s still plenty to do in Bundaberg for sports lovers. The city is home to teams and clubs that include AFL, basketball, soccer, tennis and even rowing.
Natural Wonders – Tourism is big business in Queensland, and Bundaberg is known as the “Southern Gateway To The Great Barrier Reef”. With half the crowds in places like Cairns, visitors and residents can experience the magic of Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave islands.
Living In Bundaberg As A Medical Professional
If you’re on the hunt for medical roles in Bundaberg, there’s a chance that you’ll either want to work a little, a lot – or something in between. Bundaberg based doctor and GP jobs with House Call Doctor offer flexibility, with shifts that fit around your current workload, personal commitments, or even just lifestyle preferences.
Whether you’re looking to travel, increase your earning potential, gain experience, or even just a desire for greater job satisfaction, living in Bundaberg paired with a career with House Call Doctor could be the just answer that you’ve been looking for.
Are you –
- An Australian or Internationally Trained Medical Graduate
- Have full registration with the Medical Board of Australia
- Have two years post graduate experience, including experience in paediatrics, accident and emergency, general medicine and surgery
If you can answer yes to all of the above, then why not consider registering your interest for our doctor jobs with House Call Doctor today, and be a part of the medical revolution.