Hervey Bay has long been a place people come to retire, and that is one of our great strengths. But there is a growing demographic challenge we need to confront.
Our average age is around 51. Our fastest-growing cohort is over 65, while we have a noticeable deficit in the 18–25 age group and continue to struggle to attract and retain people aged 25–40.
That is not simply a “youth problem”. It is an issue for every generation.
An ageing population needs nurses, doctors, allied health workers, carers, builders, tradespeople, hospitality workers, retailers, teachers and business owners. We need younger families to build homes, start businesses, spend money locally, volunteer, coach sporting teams and ultimately become the next generation of community leaders.
The relationship is symbiotic. Our older population brings wealth, experience, investment and demand for services. Younger generations provide the workforce, innovation, energy and skills required to deliver those services.
Neither group thrives without the other.
Yet too often, when change is proposed, our first reaction is to “shut the gate behind us”. We oppose density, nightlife, entertainment, different housing choices or new development because we personally do not want them.
But the question cannot simply be: What do I want Hervey Bay to look like today?
It must also be: What does Hervey Bay need to look like in 10 or 20 years to remain a functioning city?
If we want younger people here, we need careers, affordable and diverse housing, education, entertainment, connectivity and a city that feels like it has a future.
So perhaps those of us who are older need to ask ourselves one uncomfortable question:
If we don’t create a city where younger generations want to live, who exactly do we expect will be here to look after us in 10 years?
Growth and change are not the enemy of our lifestyle.
Done well, they may be what preserves it.
