The Sunshine Coast’s McGovern family – best known for creating and later selling Australia’s most awarded holiday park – has turned its attention to the land lease sector with the launch of a $100 million resort-style community in Gympie, QLD.
The family paid $1.87 million for the vacant 7.3ha site in 2021, before gaining approval from Gympie Regional Council in 2023 for a 158-home community.
Now branded Horizon Living, the project has opened its sales office, with the first stage of homes released in early September and selling out within days. Construction is scheduled to start before the end of the year, with first homes expected to be completed by late 2026.
McGovern legacy in lifestyle projects
Led by Bernie and sons Bernard and Will, the McGoverns have a 25-year track record in residential, commercial and tourism projects across Queensland.
Patriarch Bernie McGovern Snr previously rebuilt Keyton’s Buderim Gardens retirement community before developing the award-winning Rivershore Resort glamping park on the Maroochy River, later sold to Ingenia Communities in 2019. Former Ingenia CEO Simon Owen described the property at the time as Australia’s best holiday park – something “we just had to acquire.”
The family says Gympie was a natural choice for their latest venture, citing its popularity with Over 50s downsizers and proximity to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane via the Bruce Highway.
Clubhouse, wellness centre and resort facilities
Horizon Living will feature a $10 million clubhouse and wellness centre, including a bar and café, swimming pool, bowling green and golf simulator.
“After Rivershore we took a breath, then really honed in on the Over 50s space as the next step,” said Bernie McGovern. “It’s our aim to be not just the best Over 50s community in Gympie, but the best in the state – a genuinely great place to live.”
