Local voice: Why we should take Queanbeyan more seriously

Debate rages in Canberra about where’s a better place to live, north side or south side? But it leaves out a very key player and, in my personal opinion, the best part of the surrounding region – Queanbeyan.

Now wipe away the smirks and hold on to the pretentious laughter. I know there is the “Quean-be-hole” stigma, but the city to Canberra’s east is certainly not its inferior cousin.

I’m Quangers born and bred, so yes, I’m definitely biased, but as you’ll see as you read on Queanbeyan has a lot going for it.

Let’s start with the location.

From the centre of Queanbeyan, it’s roughly the same driving distance to the city as it is from Gungahlin – without hitting the dreaded Northbourne Avenue. There are only a few traffic lights on the way as well.

People are literally shocked when I tell them this. “But Queanbeyan is so far out,” they’ll say.  

Queanbeyanites can be at the Canberra International Airport and boarding a flight to Singapore faster than Mark Webber’s average lap speed at the 2009 German Grand Prix.

Also the South Coast is closer, meaning while Canberrans are still coming down the Clyde, those travelling from Queanbeyan are already hitting the waves.

Admittedly, locals do travel across the border but there’s a lot of development going on across greater Queanbeyan that could stem the tide.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has plans for a $164 million rejuvenation of the city centre, which will inject more residential, office space, retail and commercial into the CBD.

The much anticipated new estate of South Jerrabomberra is set to start selling its first blocks in the near future and a new commercial hub in the suburb is currently under construction (yes, Jerrabomberra you are part of Queanbeyan – get over it!).

The township of Googong is ever expanding and is set to have a population of around 18,000 people in the next 15 years. Among what is slated includes a $143 million town centre, a kindergarten-to-year 12 public school and an entertainment precinct the same size of Manuka.

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Affordability is another selling point for Queanbeyan. According to the latest Domain data, the median house price of greater Queanbeyan is $570,000, and for units it’s $266,500. Canberra’s median house price is $738,933, and for units $412,718.

There are actually multiple units for sale in Queanbeyan priced under $200,000.

While first-home buyers in the ACT are eagerly awaiting the abolition of stamp duty later this year, in NSW the tax has been abolished for first-home buyers since 2017.

What’s more, first-home buyers in NSW still receive a $10,000 grant for new builds but when the abolition takes effect in the ACT, the first-home owners’ grant (which is only $7000 by the way) will be scrapped.

But what about the finer things in life? I’m talking about the ease of lifestyle, and food and retail offerings.

You can grab the best salt and pepper squid you’ll ever try in your life at Canton Chinese Restaurant. The pho at Sai Gon Pho rivals that you can find in Hanoi and Lime Leaves Thai Restaurant is always a satisfying feast.

In recent years, The Royal Hotel has undergone millions of dollars worth of refurbishments and it’s one of the most lively pubs around – perfect for a night out.

We have the best op shops in the region, where you could spend hours perusing the thousands of clothes, and the chances of finding a designer piece is high if you look really closely.

Parking is a breeze, and I’ve never actually had to pay for it in Queanbeyan – there are no paid meters.

Sure, Canberra has its mansions in Forrest and O’Malley, but have you seen some of the homes in Greenleigh or Kingsway?

The best description of Queanbeyan is perhaps best summed up in our motto: “Country living, city benefits” – the best of both worlds.

At its core, Queanbeyan embodies all the best bits of a country town – everybody knows each other, multiple generations of families have grown up here, and there’s plenty of bush and green space.

However, we also enjoy the benefits of city living, not only over the border in Canberra but we have all the necessary amenity within our bounds.

Just so you know I’m a brave whistleblower. The people of Queanbeyan like to convey a shoddy reputation but we’re actually pretty awesome, and we really don’t want elitist Canberrans coming over the border and destroying our vibe.

Are you a passionate advocate for your region or suburb and would like to contribute to our local voices series? Get in touch: lucy.bladen@domain.com.au