Rockhampton’s rental market is now tighter than it was during mining boom

Regional Australia is promoted as cheaper and easier living, but in central Queensland an industry boom is making it harder for people to find rental accommodation.

Rental vacancies in Rockhampton have plummeted to their lowest levels ever, which is a dramatic turnaround from three years ago.

In recent years the local property market has contended with mining booms and busts, droughts and cyclones, but this year has been a standout.

The beef capital has now had two quarters in a row of record low availability, at just 0.3 per cent in the September quarter.

Rockhampton Regional Council said it had also seen a rise in the number of development applications received this year, signalling a boost to the…