BUSINESS SUBURB PROFILE
WORDS INGRID NELSON
A
hhh Mooloolaba, the mere mention of the beautiful coastal suburb’s name conjures up visions of relaxing over a creamy coffee or glass of bubbles on the Esplanade or meandering through the boutiques and cute little specialty shops that pepper the colourful hub. Mooloolaba has really flourished in recent years. Once a small, quiet town, a huge amount of residential development has transformed Mooloolaba into a cosmopolitan cultural mecca offering residents the laidback Coastal lifestyle without forsaking the big city facilities.
Mooloolaba is also increasingly popular with investors who are now competing with locals for the limited listings available.” Located between Alexandra Headland and Minyama, the redevelopment of Mooloolaba’s heart (the Esplanade) has played a big role in its growth. Residents are drawn to the area as there are plenty of properties with good access to the water, canal access via the Mooloolah River and water
views along the coastline. Just a 10-minute drive from the Sunshine Plaza, residents have great shopping at their fingertips as well as easy access to primary and high schools and public transport, making it a popular choice for families. Mooloolaba is also increasingly popular with investors who are now competing with locals for the limited listings available. Residents are also spoilt for choice with lots of dining options along the Esplanade as well as the Surf Life Saving Club at Mooloolaba Beach - a local landmark which has recently undergone a $7 million revamp. Not to mention the recently revamped Underwater World – Sea Life, which has recently had a $4 million overhaul. Mooloolaba derives its name from the Aboriginal word Mulu, meaning snapper fish or Mulla meaning Red-bellied Black Snake. Originally known as Mooloolah Heads, the name was changed to Mooloolaba by Thomas O’Connor in 1919 when he subdivided land for sale. Known as the gateway district throughout the late 19th Century transporting produce, passengers and timber to and from Brisbane, from there on Mooloolaba’s enviable location continued to develop into one of the most sought after residential and holiday destinations on the Coast today.
under 15
POPULATION
over 65
7,333
21.1% 15.6% 36.7%
15 - 65
$992
$450
Median weekly rent for house
Average gross weekly household income
$330
Median weekly rent for unit
48.3%
29.1%
22.2%
.4%
Homes rented
Homes fully owned
Homes being purchased
Other
august 2014
$551k
Median sale price for house
Figures and data sourced from RP Data for the 12 months ending December 2013
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