????? Childcare: Where to look for opportunities in Queensland’s Growth Zones
Big Picture: Queensland’s Priority Development Areas (PDAs) are supercharging housing, jobs, and infrastructure—creating major opportunities for new childcare centres. With 300,000+ new residents expected, the demand for early childhood education is set to soar. ??
Why It Matters: PDAs fast-track development, meaning childcare developers and operators who act early can secure prime sites, access growth markets, and build a sustainable deal flow. ????
??? Where the Growth Is
1?? Master-Planned Family Suburbs → High Demand for Local Centres
? Greater Flagstone (51,500 homes, 138K people) ? Yarrabilba (20,000 homes, 50K people) ? Ripley Valley (48,750 homes, 131K people) ? Caloundra South (20,000 homes, 15K jobs) ? Waraba (30,000 homes, 70K people, new in 2024)
?? What to do: JV with land developers to secure sites early near town centres, schools & retail hubs to capitalise on family-driven demand. ??
2?? Urban Renewal Hubs → Growing Need for Childcare in Dense Areas
? Woolloongabba (24K residents, 34K jobs, near stadium & Cross River Rail) ? Northshore Hamilton (15K homes, 15K workers, waterfront precinct) ? Bowen Hills (High-density, near RBWH hospital) ? Southport (Gold Coast CBD revitalisation, 23K+ residents) ? Maroochydore City Centre (Sunshine Coast’s new CBD, major job hub)
?? What to do: Target mixed-use developments, co-locate in commercial towers & explore employer-sponsored childcare. ????
3?? Employment Powerhouses → Growing Need for Work-Based Childcare ? Sunshine Coast Airport (Aerospace & tourism jobs) ? Herston Quarter (Hospital & research precinct) ? Toowoomba Railway Parklands (Employment hub) ? Queen’s Wharf Brisbane (CBD tourism & commercial growth) ? Boggo Road & Roma Street (Cross River Rail station precincts)
?? What to do: Offer employer-linked childcare, flexible hours for shift workers & high-quality early learning near job clusters. ??????
4?? Regional Boom Zones → First-Mover Advantage in Underserved Areas ? Mackay Waterfront (Tourism & residential growth) ? Townsville City Waterfront (30K more people & jobs) ? Gladstone PDAs (Industrial growth, residential expansion) ? The Mill at Moreton Bay (University & knowledge precinct) ?? What to do: Find government incentives, develop hybrid models (long daycare + occasional care), and secure sites near town centres. ??
5?? Government-Backed Social Housing & Urban Revitalisation ? Oxley (Planned family housing community) ? Yeronga (New community centre + mixed housing) ? Toondah Harbour (Future waterfront town) ? Weinam Creek (Gateway to island communities)
?? What to do: Partner with Councils for subsidised sites, offer community-oriented childcare & focus on affordability models. ??
?? Next Steps: Seize the Opportunity Now
Many developers and operators are already set in these areas.
Yet, opportunities remain for he nimble
?? Secure prime locations ahead of the curve—lock in sites before demand accelerates and competition intensifies. ?? Engage developers, councils, and operators immediately to form partnerships and gain early access to high-potential locations. ?? Explore co-location opportunities with schools, community hubs, and employment precincts to maximise foot traffic and visibility. ?? Innovate with flexible care models like extended hours, shift worker solutions, and hybrid care options to meet the evolving needs of modern families. ?? Tap into government incentives and urban renewal programs to maximise funding opportunities and enhance your development’s sustainability.
?? Get Insider Access to the Childcare Property Market
Enjoying this content? Don’t miss out on expert insights, deal breakdowns, and exclusive market intelligence—delivered straight to your inbox every Friday at 9am AEST.
?? Subscribe now to stay ahead in the childcare real estate game!
Link in bio
(No spam. Just high-value insights for childcare operators, developers, and investors.)