Expert: Frank Denison - 5/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Frank, susan and i are in our early 40's, two kids 14 and 11 and waiting on outcome to our application. our plan is to go in jan 09. We are not allowed to go to Brisbane (due to us being 5 points short!) but we can go anywhere else in Qld. we were in sunshine coast and cairns last year (winter) on holiday;. fancy both of them but would like to know what you would think... re job opportunities - I'm a marketing consultant, MBA etc. and my wife a massage therapist, boys will be going to school (private or public). we would like to know also about community spirit, weather, rain!, water shortages in sunshine coast if any etc.  THANK YOU FOR ANY ANTICIPATED HELP. much appreciated! fergal, susan

ANSWER:  G'day Fergal & Susan,
         Sorry for the delay in replying, it has been a busy few days.

The sunshine coast would have a lot more job opportunities than Cairns.

You have a better selection of schools on the Sunshine Coast as well.

You would also find Cairns very hot in Summer. Both Cairns and Sunshine Coast get their fair share of rain. Cairns tend to have a "wet season" which lasts a couple of months.

All the dams around the Sunshine Coast are full, and have been for quite some time. Brisbane which is only an hour's drive from the Sunshine Coast only has 38% capacity in their dams. The government is  getting the shortage of water in Brisbane fixed, but will take up to 2 years.

I could not see any problems with water shortages on the Sunshine Coast though.

As for community spirit, I can not comment on Cairns. I have friends and relatives who live on the Sunshine Coast, and they love living there.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Frank

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi frank, just wondering did you get my follow-up question.
hope you get an opportunity to reply. much appreciated.
many thanks
fergal

ANSWER: Fergal,
     I did not get any follow up question, so please send again.

Regards,
Frank

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Tks Frank, glitch at my end. Just wondering re neighbourhoods on Sunshine Coast i.e. mooloolabah vs. mountain creek, buderim, peregrine waters, twin waters, mujimba, minyana. Realestate.com.au gives only so much of an insight.  and google maps give us a good 'birds eye' view. but really like to know from someone - who may live in the area (your friends) - about best location for schools (better to go private vs. state?), church (catholic), low-crime areas, good shopping, beach access and a good sence of community. we'll rent for 2 years b4 we buy and will probably be looking in the 600-700k range for a house.

Answer
G'day Fergal,
         I contacted my friends and they agree Buderim and Twin Waters are the 2 nest locations. They both offer the items you mention. They are not right on the beach, but are both minutes away.

Your 600-700k range for a house will give you many options in the housing market.

Regards,
Frank