Hi Daedalus

I have just found your post and followed the thread and it appears the last comments were made around October 2008.  I am interested to hear any comments you or others may have regarding the recent downturn in the economy, particularly our coal exports and the effects this may have on owning an investment property in the Bowen Basin and more specifically Moranbah.  It is hard as an investor in the area not to feel a little exposed when the mining companies start to lay off employees. 

There has been some capital growth in the last 6 months and rents have definately risen however there has also been an increase in homes for sale as listed on realestate.com which could be investors deciding to cash out before the tide turns or residents taking advantage of the higher prices to sell older homes and build newer ones.  I would like to buy a second property in the area due to the high yield however whilst most factors are pointing towards growth the thought of a sudden decline in growth and or yield in the near future due to the world economy has me sitting on the fence.

Looking forward to any comments

Cheers Maggi