October has been an exciting month and here at PRDnationwide Mackay, we've seen a strong increase in investor and home owner enquiries with subsequent sales on the increase as a result.
Not only has this positive turn been evident from our own experience here at PRDnationwide Mackay, we've also seen many more positive stories in local and national media which would indicate this is a promise of things to come.
Below are just a few stories we've been following with interest I thought you might like to see.
Channel 7's Sunrise "Great Recovery" Story
It was an enthusiastic story to be seen on National morning show, Sunrise on Tuesday 27th October. The impressive field of identities discussing "The Great Recovery" included Craig Jones from Commsec and Tim Lawless from RPData.
Kochie shared that the Australian share market has recovered 60% of its value since March this year and Craig Jones, Commsec stated the economy was strong with the share market and that property was gaining strength also. Super Funds have also increased their strength by around 17% since March with a "big jump" since the end of June. Property has also experience growth with further growth expected through the balance of the year and into 2010 with investors being very active in this time. Late 2009 has seen premium properties being the "outstanding performers."
Our economy has been "the global economic miracle" according to Kochie.
We have the fastest population growth of any advanced nation – more people, more demand for housing. Kochie closed by saying he believed the recovery started as a result of Sunrise's Recession Buster Dance earlier in the year – you be the judge.
Developments Surge - Mackay Mercury 22nd October, 2009
The Mackay Mercury has had its finger on the pulse and recently ran a front cover story on its Thursday October 22nd, 2009 newspaper clearly stating the number of approved developments had surged 30% in the past month.
It also was quoted as saying "The Mackay Region has not been immune to (the financial crisis), however, after nine years of record growth and demand the industry has fared better than most and there is still both local and national confidence in the Mackay region."
It also went on to say "the number of houses approved last month was double that of 2008."
This must be testament to the strength the Mackay region has and the opportunity this offers to investors both local and interstate.
Gear up for growth – Mackay Mercury 20th October, 2009
The head of multi-national coal giant, Rio Tinto's Australian arm Bill Champion, told the Daily Mercury that international demand for the region's coking coal had been climbing and, if it kept up, it would be Mackay reaping the benefits.
Rio Tinto owns three mines in our region including the giant Hall Creek open-cut mine.
He went on to say "the best thing about Queensland and especially the Bowen region – it's elephant country for coking coal."
There's no doubt Rio Tinto's commitment the region will see continued strength and an improved and strong economy here in the Mackay region.
These are just a few recent stories that should send a message of strength and support to investors and home buyers alike when considering the best opportunities for their investment portfolios.
Boyd Jackson
PRDnationwide Mackay
0400 860 430
boydjackson [at] prd [dot] com [dot] au