property in rockhampton / gracemere

Hello every one this is my first post.
I am currently looking at purchasing a property in rockhampton. What are your opinions of the rockhampton region? I have done a bit of research on the area and it seems like the area is a growing region.
Does anyone have any experience investing in rockhampton ?
While I want to invest to became financially independant, the reason I am looking at purchasing a property in rockhampton is because the area I have lived in all my life has experienced a massive increase in property prices which I just cannot afford. The only option I have to get started in property is to purchase a investment property .