Queensland suburb tipped to become “Byron Bay of the north” in a few decades.
Buderim is projected to become a future hipster haven, according to the recently released study by top demographer Bernard Salt.
Mr Salt was commissioned by the Sunshine Coast Council to analyse population shifts and trends in education, arts and businesses in the coast area. His report titled, ‘The Activated City: Reimagining the Sunshine Coast in 2040,’ predicted that Buderim will draw a younger, smarter and more tech-savvy population by year 2040. It will turn into something like the Byron Bay of the north, minus the beach.
The respected demographer believes that the younger populace would make the Coast a breeding ground for contemporary art, music, creativity and culture. Contributing factors include the creation of the Maroochydore CBD, which would attract start-ups and national head offices.
A younger population is emerging, thanks mainly to growing enrolments at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Sippy Downs. Enrolments in the university have increased from 600 students in 1999 to 11,600 students in 2007.
Byron-Like Community Feel
Buderim MP Steve Dickson agreed with the suggestion that the town is becoming like Byron. He said that a Byron-like atmosphere is something that the community always had, with a strong inclination toward the arts and a rural neighbourhood feel.
One fine example of how Buderim is developing as a hipster town is the successful Urban Food Street project, wherein the community worked to grow fruits and vegetables in the streets.
Many from Queensland have come to appreciate the allure of Buderim. In a recent Realestate.com.au survey, Buderim has been rated as the 2nd most popular location in Queensland for home buyers. People love the community feel and find it hard to leave.
Mr Salt’s report was commissioned as part of the initiative to develop the new Maroochydore CBD. It was also discussed at a Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland business breakfast in Brisbane.