Media release - 19^th August, 2014

Famous for its historic ties to the gold fields, the real estate market in the town of Gympie, 160 kilometres north of Brisbane, is set to strike it rich thanks to the recent discovery of coal seams in the Maryborough Basin by Tiaro Coal Limited (ASX:TCM).

According to experienced local agent, Helene Faint, who has just launched Raine & Horne Gympie after rebranding from a rival network, the coal seams will provide Gympie with a major economic injection once mining operations begin and Tiaro starts employing.

“Tiaro hasn’t begun to advertise for workers but the discovery is great news for Gympie real estate, which is yet to cash in on the surge in mining activities enjoyed by other Queensland regional towns,” says Ms Faint.

“At the same time, the big retailers are starting to set up shop, which is also a sure indication that the long-term outlook for the town is positive – Wesfarmers’ Bunnings is the latest retailer to establish a presence in Gympie.

“It’s in light of Gympie’s excellent long-term prospects that a Superbrand such as Raine & Horne has also decided to bring its unique real estate products and services to town, and I’m delighted to link with them.”

Ms Faint is also at pains to point out that Gympie isn’t a one trick pony, and apart from the town’s retail hub status, it has a robust education sector with plenty of state primary and high schools, along with a number of private schools. Gympie is also home to a campus of the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE and Sunshine Coast University.

In addition, the town is a transport centre, with road and rail connections direct to Brisbane, while the Gympie Airport supports a small aviation community.

“Gympie is a thriving regional town, which savvy investors are starting to recognise,” says Ms Faint.

Real estate affordability is another attraction of Gympie for entry-level buyers and investors.

“Gympie is a nice place to live and better still it is still possible to buy a three bedroom home for under $200,000, which is attractive for first home buyers and investors,” says Ms Faint.

“Rental yields of around 7% will also catch the eye of investors, while vacancies are approximately 1%, underlining that Gympie is popular with the tenant market.”

Addressing her decision to join Raine & Horne, Ms Faint says the 131-year old family owned and operated firm’s strong brand awareness in Queensland and the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay regions were decisive factors.

“Raine & Horne has offices in Mary Valley, Pomona and Tin Can Bay, and Raine & Horne Gympie will round out a nice quartet in the region,” says Ms Faint.

“Having other Raine & Horne offices nearby is a big attraction and I look forward to the networking opportunities that our relatively proximity will present.

“Oftentimes, regional offices lose out to their city cousins when it comes to training; however I was pleasantly surprised that Raine & Horne brings its training to the country. This will help us get up to speed on the firm’s cutting edge products and services.”

Angus Raine, Chairman / CEO of Raine & Horne, who recently visited the new office, is thrilled by Ms Faint’s decision to link with Raine & Horne.

“Helene is well-known in the Gympie community, delivering first-class real estate services for over two decades,” says Mr Raine.

“We have three other offices in the immediate region, and Raine & Horne Gympie is a major piece in our growth puzzle in regional Queensland.

“Also, the news that Tiaro Coal has made this major discovery will not only underpin long-term economic growth in Gympie, but is set to drive real estate values, with more sophisticated investors set to refocus on the town.

“I’m convinced the experience and expertise of Helene Faint and her team will be an excellent fit for Raine & Horne, and that owners, buyers and tenants in Gympie will be the big winners.”

Raine & Horne Gympie will continue to be located at its prominent corner location at 19 Channon Street, Gympie.

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Angus Raine, Chairman / CEO Raine & Horne on 0409 920 697

Helene Faint, Principal, Raine & Horne Gympie on 0408 826 755

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Coordinator on 02 9258 5400

The mine’s right for Raine & Horne in Gympie