News and Media
19 January 2010
Defence families experience the best of both worlds in Canungra
Living in Canungra is a lifestyle choice for many people. The residents of Canungra will tell you it's the best of both worlds; you can enjoy the village-style community living, yet be in the Gold Coast in 40 minutes or shopping in Brisbane in just over an hour.
Largely a Defence town, many ADF families come to Canungra and get to experience firsthand the beauty of this scenic rim region.
Canungra was originally set up by timber loggers who worked the land at the end of the 19th century. Today, 125 years on, the town is largely dependant on the Defence training establishment at Kokoda Barracks.
The Canungra region is home to more than 2,500 residents with an estimated one third of these Defence members and their families.
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) manages approximately 115 homes in the Canungra area; 65 homes on-base and just over 50 in the Gold Coast suburbs of Pacific Pines, Oxenford and Upper Coomera.
Kokoda Barracks, located 2 kilometres from the Canungra township is a significant military establishment, well known for its training courses. Students from across the three services, Defence and civilian professionals come to train at the Barracks. It is home to many permanent Defence residents as well as a transient Defence population as they complete the courses on offer at the base.
Defence housing on-base is predominantly three and four bedroom, free-standing homes with double garages. These houses have been refurbished over the years, and with the average only 15 years old, they are generally in good condition. They also offer plenty of space for families with good sized yards, averaging between 400 and 800 sqm.
Living on-base has a number of added benefits; you're only a few steps away from the office, and of course, there is the luxury of a golf course, swimming pool and a gym close by. There is also a community house on-base where Defence families can meet and enjoy a range of community groups including yoga, movie nights, craft groups and baby playgroups.
For those members that don't mind the travel time to and from work, living in the Gold Coast suburbs may be well suited to your family. Although the housing is approximately 20 minutes from the Barracks, there is access to a broader range of schools, sporting, medical and shopping facilities. DHA's housing stock in these areas is quite modern and homes are predominantly four bedrooms with lock-up garages and good sized backyards.
Canungra experiences typical South Queensland, sub-tropical climatic conditions, with warm wet summers and mild dry winters. Daytime temperatures average mid 30 degrees in summer and hover around the low 20 degrees in winter.
To equip families throughout winter, on-base homes have combustion wood heaters adding to that feel of village living. Most of the newer housing off-base is fitted with reverse-cycle air-conditioning and on-base residences typically have ceiling fans in most rooms to help ease those summer temperatures.
Many people may worry about the lack of facilities and services available in a smaller village, however those that live here will tell you "they manage just fine". Canungra offers a range of services and facilities, including a state primary school, ambulance station and library, and good range of local shopping and medical facilities. Additionally, there are good sporting facilities with a number of clubs operating in the area, including soccer, football, swimming, dance, and the horse and pony club. Ultimately, what services don’t exist in Canungra will most likely be found less than an hour away.
The nearest high schools (public and private) are located at Tamborine Mountain or Beaudesert, approximately 25-30 mins by car. These schools are also serviced by a school bus service which takes approximately one hours travelling time. A School Transport Assistance Scheme is administered by Queensland Transport in the Canungra area and provides free bus travel to eligible students travelling to primary and secondary schools.
Canungra State School also has a Defence School Transition Aide, especially employed to provide support for Defence families in Canungra and to help them become a part of the school community.
For the little ones, there are a range of childcare facilities in Canungra. 'Kids corner', a combined community kindergarten and limited-hours childcare centre, operates from the Defence base, catering for both Defence and civilian children.
Public transport can pose a problem in Canungra as there is no public bus service available, however generally speaking everything is reasonably close in the township. The Tambourine Mountain Yellow Cabs service the area but bookings need to be made. Although not widely accessed, the public may be able to travel on the school bus, however this is only if space allows, and is restricted to twice a day and only during the school term. Other options for travel also include a tourist bus that runs to the Gold Coast regularly, although at a cost. When it comes to living in Canungra, it's fair to say having at least one car is essential. For those families utilising one vehicle, living on-base is usually preferable.
Whilst there is no doubt that living in Canungra can pose some issues for newcomers, it also has some fantastic things to offer. It has such a community feel and with the large Defence population there is lots of support and advice for Defence families living in and making the move to Canungra.
Defence Housing Australia has an office located on-base and is available to help Defence families with their housing and relocation enquiries. If you have any questions about housing in Canungra, contact DHA on 139 DHA (139 342).