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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Eli Waters are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
The estimated population of Eli Waters is 4,978 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,220 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,758. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 572 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 787 persons per square kilometer. Eli Waters' growth rate of 32.5% exceeds both the Rest of Qld's 9.2% and the national average, marking it as a notable growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligning with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Future population trends suggest an increase just below Australia's regional median by 2041, with Eli Waters expected to grow by 683 persons over this period, reflecting a gain of 13.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Eli Waters among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Eli Waters granted around 130 residential property approvals each year from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling approximately 650 homes. As of FY-26160 approvals have been recorded. Over the past five years, an average of 1.2 new residents per dwelling has been observed. The average construction cost value for new properties is $370,000.
This year, $15.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Eli Waters shows 143.0% higher new home approvals per person compared to the Rest of Qld, indicating robust developer interest. Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining low density character. There are approximately 28 people per dwelling approval in Eli Waters. AreaSearch projects Eli Waters to grow by 683 residents by 2041, with current development patterns meeting demand and facilitating potential population growth beyond projections.
Looking ahead, Eli Waters is expected to grow by 683 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Eli Waters
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Eli Waters has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project expected to influence the region: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade. Other notable projects include The Green Lifestyle Community, Maryborough - Hervey Bay Road upgrade, and Marina Square Development.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026 is a state policy framework released on 10 October 2025. It reverses earlier plans by extending state-owned coal asset operations until at least 2046 supported by a 1.6 billion dollar maintenance guarantee. The plan focuses on a market-driven approach to Regional Energy Hubs, doubling gas capacity to 8.3GW by 2035, and accelerating large-scale battery storage. Significant infrastructure includes the 400MW Central Queensland Gas Power Tender and the CopperString Eastern Link (330kV) transmission project.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026 is a strategic policy framework released by the Crisafulli Government on 10 October 2025. It replaces the previous SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint, shifting focus toward a market-based approach to power reliability and affordability. Key pillars include extending the operating life of state-owned coal power stations until 2046, doubling gas-fired generation capacity to 8.3GW by 2035, and transitioning 'Renewable Energy Zones' into 'Regional Energy Hubs' to integrate solar, wind, and storage with existing grid infrastructure. Major active components include the $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, a 400MW gas generation tender in Central Queensland, and the CopperString Eastern Link (330kV) targeted for 2032 completion.
Building Future Hospitals Program
Now referred to as the Hospital Rescue Plan, this $18.5 billion program is the largest health infrastructure investment in Queensland history. It aims to deliver over 2,600 new public hospital beds by 2032 through three new hospitals (Coomera, Bundaberg, Toowoomba) and major expansions at 10 existing facilities including QEII, Logan, and Princess Alexandra hospitals. Recent milestones in 2026 include the completion of the concept design for the 600-bed Coomera Hospital and the final concrete pour for the QEII Hospital expansion clinical building.
Queensland Train Manufacturing Program
The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) is delivering 65 new six-car passenger trains for the South East Queensland rail network. Trains will be built at a purpose-built 130-hectare manufacturing facility at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region, and stabled and maintained at a new 66-hectare rail facility at Ormeau on the Gold Coast. Awarded to Downer in June 2023 as a Design, Build, Maintain contract, with Hyundai Rotem supplying car body sub-components from a roll-forming factory in Maryborough. As of April 2026 the Torbanlea manufacturing building is fully enclosed with all external walls and roofing complete, and crews are progressing internal fit-out and testing works. The first train is expected to be completed and begin testing in late 2026, with passenger service from 2027 and the full fleet in service by 2032 ahead of the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. The program supports approximately 800 construction and manufacturing jobs and a total of around 1,300 jobs over its life, with about 200 frontline tradespeople and 100 professional staff to be employed at the Torbanlea facility from 2026.
Forest Wind Farm
A proposed 1,200 MW wind farm of up to 226 turbines sited within the state-owned Tuan-Toolara exotic pine plantation between Gympie and Maryborough in the Wide Bay region. The project would generate enough clean energy for roughly 500,000 Queensland homes and avoid around 2.62 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year. Forest Wind was enabled by the Forest Wind Farm Development Act 2020 and obtained state development approval, but its future was thrown into serious doubt in September 2025 when the Queensland LNP government announced the repeal of that Act, citing community concerns and the earlier exit of co-developer Tilt Renewables in August 2024. The proponent disputes the basis for the decision and maintains it is still seeking a path forward, while the federal EPBC environmental assessment remains incomplete.
Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program
A jointly funded Australian and Queensland Government road safety program delivering priority upgrades on high-risk sections of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie. The program includes wide centre line treatments, road widening, pavement strengthening, intersection upgrades, overtaking lanes, narrow structure widening and rest areas. Current works include early start and accelerated construction packages, with 22 new design and construction contracts released to market in 2026 and delivery targeted by 2030.
The Green Lifestyle Community
A 47-hectare residential estate featuring five gated over 55s lifestyle communities, four premium residential estates, a contemporary aged care facility, medical centres, clubs, restaurant, and extensive recreational facilities. It showcases cutting-edge green technology and a back to basics lifestyle.
Marina Square Development
Transformative $60 million waterfront development featuring 144-room four-star international standard hotel in 17-storey tower, rooftop bar, cafe, function centre, and 120 residential apartments across two towers (13 and 15 storeys). Includes views overlooking Urangan Marina, Great Sandy Strait, and Fraser Island. Joint development by Hervey Bay Boat Club and Club Property Solutions, creating 210 jobs (175 during construction, 35 long-term). Part of Fraser Coast Regional Council's Urangan Harbour Master Plan. Construction delayed, likely to begin in 2025 pending finalised harbour master plan.
Employment
AreaSearch assessment indicates Eli Waters faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets
Eli Waters has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 10.0% as of December 2025, and estimated employment growth of 13.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of that date, 1,982 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Eli Waters is lower at 55.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%.
Census data shows that only 6.2% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Eli Waters has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm.
Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 13.2%, and labour force grew by 14.5%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate compared to Regional Qld's growth of 0.7% and 1.0% respectively, with an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eli Waters' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
The suburb of Eli Waters had a lower than average national income level in the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $41,602 and the average income stood at $52,305. These figures compared to Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,328 (median) and $58,247 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data showed that household, family and personal incomes in Eli Waters all fell between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 32.5% of the population (1,617 individuals) fell within the $800 - 1,499 income range, contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Eli Waters is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Dwelling structure in Eli Waters, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eli Waters stood at 48.1%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (22.6%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655, and weekly rent was $370, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Eli Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Eli Waters has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 74.9% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 39.5% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Eli Waters shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist
The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (32.5%). Educational participation is high at 27.5%, comprising primary education (10.7%), secondary education (10.2%), and tertiary education (2.0%).
Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis shows five active transport stops in Eli Waters, operated by a mix of buses. These stops are served by three distinct routes, offering a total of 58 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents located an average of 702 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, with car being the primary mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages eight trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eleven weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Eli Waters is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Eli Waters faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 48% of Eli Waters' total population (~2,385 people) has private health cover, compared to Regional Queensland's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.6%) and mental health issues (10.3%). Conversely, 55.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, lower than Regional Queensland's 67.6%. Eli Waters' working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (29.8%, or 1,483 people) compared to Regional Queensland's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Eli Waters ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Eli Waters' population was predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 86.3% being citizens, 79.8% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the prevalent religion, comprising 50.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.7%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (7.8%).
Notably, Maori representation was higher at 1.0% versus 0.8% regionally, German at 4.5% compared to 4.7%, and Australian Aboriginal remained the same at 3.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Eli Waters hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Eli Waters' median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Regional Qld's 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Eli Waters has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (7.6%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, Eli Waters has shown signs of rejuvenation, with its median age decreasing from 48 to 46 years. Notably, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has grown from 9.3% to 12.5%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 9.4% to 12.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 9.7% to 7.6%, and the 65-74 group has decreased from 18.2% to 16.1%. By 2041, Eli Waters is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase significantly, rising by 188 people (30%) from 622 to 811. Conversely, the numbers in the 15-24 age range are anticipated to decrease by 28.