Hi got reply last night from my friend, I have no Internet at home at the moment - modem died and waiting on replacement.

In short she said people are really lovely, there is limited shopping and stuff to do. Rent starts at about $400 p/w and can be hard to find because a lot are being taken by oil & gas companies as staff housing - the house my dh stays in is $650 fully furnished 3 bedroom. To buy they start around $400k

A lot of locals left after being flooded 3 years in a row so you would have to be wary of where you rent or buy

There are daily flights and brisbane is an hour by plane.

Ummm not sure there is much else she told me, but can ask if you want to know anything else.