Steve McKelvey
64 McLean Street, Goondiwindi, Qld 4390
Auction
2 1 4
Open Saturday 18 July 9:00 am Auction Saturday 8 August 11:00 am🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-13)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Goondiwindi — Bigambul Country
Originally established in the 1840s as a vital river crossing for livestock moving between Queensland and New South Wales. It developed into a major customs point and eventually a premier service centre for the cotton, grain, and cattle industries.
A tidy, affluent regional town known for its wide, tree-lined streets, vibrant floral displays, and strong community engagement.
Overall Score
7.2
A strong regional performer with high liveability but tempered by environmental risks.
Aboriginal Name
Goondiwindi— "Resting place of the birds or droppings of the ducks"
Name Origin
Derived from the Bigambul language word 'Goon-dee-win-dee'.
Established
Gazetted as a municipality in 1888
Birdlife
Famous for its diverse avian population along the Macintyre River.
Agri-Hub
One of Australia's most productive cotton and grain regions.
Tidy Town
Multiple-time winner of the Queensland Tidy Towns award.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6.2
Steady growth driven by agricultural stability rather than speculative investment.
Amenity
7.8
Excellent regional facilities including a hospital, cinema, and diverse retail.
Schools
7.1
Good local options including state and private primary and secondary schools.
Transport
4.5
Highly car-dependent with limited regional bus and air connections.
Risk Profile
4.2
High flood risk is a major factor for insurance and long-term capital preservation.
Liveability
8.2
Exceptional for families seeking a safe, community-oriented rural lifestyle.
Demographics
7.4
Stable population of young families and established agricultural professionals.
Rental Demand
7.9
Consistently high due to a shortage of quality housing for professional workers.
Growth Potential
6.5
Moderate, supported by Inland Rail proximity and agricultural innovation.
Affordability
8.8
Highly affordable compared to metropolitan areas and coastal hubs.
Crime & Safety
6.8
Generally safe, though typical regional issues with property theft exist.
Walkability
5.5
The town centre is walkable, but residential fringes require a vehicle.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$515,000
Estimated March 2026
1yr Growth
5.2%
Steady regional appreciation
Avg. Rent
$480pw
For a 3-4 bedroom house
Flood Zone
High Risk
Check levee protection status
Family Ratio
72%
High percentage of households
Healthcare
Hospital
Full-service regional facility
✅ Key Advantages
- Strong local economy based on diverse and high-value agriculture.
- Excellent community infrastructure including parks, pools, and sports clubs.
- High rental yields attracting regional investors.
- Safe and supportive environment for raising children.
- Significant heritage charm and well-maintained public spaces.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Vulnerability to Macintyre River flooding outside the levee bank.
- Extreme summer temperatures can lead to high cooling costs.
- Limited public transport options for non-drivers.
- Reactive clay soils (Black Soil) can cause foundation issues.
- Economic reliance on seasonal agricultural cycles.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Regional Professional
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Mostly detached houses on large blocks, limited modern duplexes.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$380k – $850k
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Goondiwindi serves as a critical service hub for a vast agricultural region. Its prosperity is tied to the land, but its amenities rival much larger towns, making it a 'sticky' location for residents.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$515,000
$420k – $780k
🏢 Unit Median
$325,000
$280k – $380k
📈 Price Trend
+5.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $480pw, Units $340pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The market has transitioned from a low-cost rural town to a competitive regional market, though it remains highly affordable for those moving from capital cities.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
55% below Brisbane median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
5.8x annual income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
5.4% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Goondiwindi offers exceptional value for money, allowing buyers to purchase high-quality homes for a fraction of metro prices. Local incomes are relatively high due to the professional nature of the agricultural sector.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.1%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+6.5%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
High
👤 Tenant Profile
Agricultural professionals, teachers, nurses, and young local families.
💼 Investor Outlook
Strong. Low vacancy rates and healthy yields make it a stable regional investment, provided flood risks are managed through appropriate insurance.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+5.2%
1-Year Growth
+18.5%
3-Year Growth
+43.1%
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Proximity to the Inland Rail project routes.
- Continued investment in high-tech agricultural processing.
- Internal migration from coastal areas seeking lifestyle and affordability.
- Limited supply of new residential land within the levee zone.
⛔ Headwinds
- Climate variability affecting agricultural output.
- Increasing costs of flood insurance.
- Rising construction costs for new builds in regional areas.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady, single-digit annual growth. The town's status as a regional 'capital' ensures long-term demand even if the broader economy fluctuates.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
6.8
Safety Score
Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% below Brisbane crime rates
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Medium
Violent Crime: Low
Drug Related: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Standard security measures are recommended. The community is tight-knit, which acts as a natural deterrent to crime in most residential areas.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental factors are the primary concern, specifically riverine flooding and foundation movement on black soil.
🌊 Flood Risk
High risk. The Macintyre River levee protects the main town, but properties outside this zone are highly vulnerable.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Low risk for the main township; moderate for rural-residential outskirts.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Can be expensive or difficult to obtain for properties with high flood-ARI (Average Recurrence Interval) ratings.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
Low Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Flood Hazard, Bushfire Hazard, Infrastructure Overlays.
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Limited new subdivisions on the northern fringe.
Council planning is strictly focused on flood mitigation, which limits where new homes can be built, protecting existing values.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Primarily car-based; limited regional bus services to Toowoomba and Brisbane.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
High quality; includes a cinema, art gallery, and diverse dining options.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Excellent; the River Walk and Botanic Gardens are standout features.
🏫 Schools
Strong; multiple options including Goondiwindi State High and St Mary's.
🏥 Healthcare
Robust; Goondiwindi Hospital provides comprehensive regional care.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A stable, family-oriented population with a high proportion of managers and professionals in the agricultural sector.
💵 Median Income
$78,500 pa
🏠 Ownership
62% owner-occupied, 35% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 36
🎓 Education
High vocational and agricultural tertiary attainment.
📊 Age Distribution
The demographic profile suggests a committed community with strong local purchasing power and a long-term outlook.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Focus is on agricultural infrastructure and flood mitigation enhancements.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Upgrades to regional freight networks.
- Expansion of local health services.
- Continued investment in the Inland Rail corridor nearby.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Disruption from heavy vehicle traffic during construction phases.
- Potential for increased noise near rail corridors.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Boggabilla
Position
South (NSW)
Price
Significantly cheaper
Lifestyle
Smaller, fewer amenities, higher social disadvantage.
Best for
Budget-conscious buyers or workers.
📍Moree
Position
South (NSW)
Price
Lower median price
Lifestyle
Larger town, higher crime rates, significant agri-hub.
Best for
Investors seeking higher yields.
📍St George
Position
West (QLD)
Price
Slightly cheaper
Lifestyle
More isolated, river-based lifestyle.
Best for
Those seeking a smaller community.
📍Warwick
Position
East (QLD)
Price
Similar to slightly higher
Lifestyle
Closer to Brisbane/Toowoomba, cooler climate.
Best for
Commuters or tree-changers.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Narrabri
NSW
7.0/10
Strong agricultural base with significant resource sector influence.
Dalby
QLD
6.8/10
Major service centre for the Darling Downs with similar family demographics.
Gunnedah
NSW
6.9/10
Prosperous regional town with a mix of agriculture and mining services.
Roma
QLD
6.7/10
Key regional hub for the cattle industry and resources.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents take immense pride in the town's appearance and community spirit. It is viewed as a safe, prosperous place to raise a family with amenities that exceed expectations for its size.
★★★★★
Family Life
The best place to raise kids. The schools are great and there's so much for them to do outdoors.
Safety
Community
★★★★☆
Economy
A very stable town economically. If the farms are doing well, the whole town thrives.
Stability
Jobs
★★★★★
Town Beauty
The gardens and the river walk are just beautiful. It's a very tidy and well-kept town.
Aesthetics
★★★★☆
Rental Market
Finding a good rental is hard for tenants, which is great for me as a landlord. Vacancy is almost zero.
Yield
Supply
★★★☆☆
Insurance Costs
Love the house, but the flood insurance quote was a real shock. Make sure you check before you buy.
Affordability
Risk
★★★★☆
Connectivity
Great local support for business, but getting stock delivered can be slow sometimes due to the distance.
Support
Logistics
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritise properties within the levee bank protection zone.
- Obtain multiple insurance quotes before making an unconditional offer.
- Conduct a thorough soil test to check for reactive 'black soil' movement.
- Look for homes with established gardens and efficient cooling systems.
- Verify the property's history regarding water ingress during the 2011 and 2021 floods.
- Check for termite protection history, as regional areas can be high-risk.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property located within the Goondiwindi levee bank protection zone?
- Has this specific lot ever experienced water ingress or over-floor flooding?
- What is the current annual insurance premium for this property?
- Are there any known issues with foundation movement or 'black soil' on this site?
- What is the age and condition of the roof and guttering system?
- Is the property connected to town sewerage, or does it use a septic system?
- What are the most recent comparable sales that were also flood-protected?
- Are there any proposed developments or zoning changes nearby?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight levee protection status in all marketing materials.
- Showcase energy-efficient features like solar panels and insulation.
- Ensure gardens are well-maintained to appeal to the town's 'Tidy Town' culture.
- Provide a recent building and pest report to build buyer confidence.
- Emphasise proximity to key amenities like the hospital or high school.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a secure, high-quality family asset in a prosperous regional hub. Focus on lifestyle benefits and economic stability.
💼 Investment Case
High-yield regional play with low vacancy rates.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Flood risk and potential for high maintenance costs on older regional homes.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 3-4 bedroom houses with modern amenities.
- Ensure the property is outside the highest-risk flood zones.
- Budget for higher-than-average insurance premiums.
- Use a local property manager with deep community ties.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Apply quickly as quality stock moves fast.
- Provide strong references from local employers if possible.
- Check for air conditioning in all living areas.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
High-quality lifestyle and strong community feel.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Limited rental stock and high competition for modern homes.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Keep up with preventative maintenance to avoid costly regional call-out fees.
- Consider pet-friendly policies to attract long-term family tenants.
- Ensure smoke alarm and electrical compliance is up to date.
📋 Compliance & Management
Strict adherence to QLD rental laws and flood safety disclosures is required.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The market is driven by local owner-occupiers and regional professionals.
- Flood-free status is the number one selling point.
- Buyers value large blocks and shed space.
🎯 Marketing Angles
Focus on 'Regional Prosperity' and 'Family Safety'.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young families, agricultural managers, and regional investors.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Review the Goondiwindi Regional Council Flood Map for the specific lot.
✓
Obtain a formal insurance quote for flood, fire, and storm cover.
✓
Order a structural engineering report to check for foundation stability.
✓
Conduct a comprehensive building and pest inspection (focus on termites).
✓
Verify the property's inclusion in the levee protection zone.
✓
Check the QLD Title Search for any easements or encumbrances.
✓
Confirm the school catchment zones for Goondiwindi State High School.
✓
Inspect the property during the day to assess noise from agricultural machinery or transport.
✓
Review council rates and any outstanding notices.
✓
Assess the condition of air conditioning and heating units.
✓
Check for any heritage overlays if the property is an older home.
✓
Verify the availability of high-speed NBN or regional internet services.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
🔗 grc.qld.gov.au
🔗 planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au
🔗 abs.gov.au
🔗 qfes.qld.gov.au
🔗 resources.qld.gov.au
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Property data is based on 2026 projections and historical trends. Buyers should conduct their own independent due diligence and consult with professional advisors before making any purchase decisions.
