Brushe says retired locals are leaving for Bargara, 200 km south near Bundaberg.

As a result, Gladstone is losing the senior members of its community and its volunteer workforce.

Gladstone has a population of 60,000 and two retirement villages. Bargara has 6,800 people and two retirement villages. Close by, Bundaberg, has a population of 50,000 and eight retirement villages.