Iama (Yam) Island vs Poruma (Coconut) Island

Iama (Yam) Island and Poruma (Coconut) Island are two nearby islands in Queensland with distinct layouts and income levels. Iama (Yam) Island is larger in population with 240 First Nations residents, compared to 154 in Poruma (Coconut) Island. It has a higher typical Year 12 completion rate of 60.7% and more street connectivity. However, typical First Nations personal income is much lower in Iama (Yam) Island at $346, while in Poruma (Coconut) Island it is far higher at $555.

Both islands have tracked similarly since 2011, and they now share very similar First Nations unemployment rates, sitting at 4.1% and 4.5%. Life in both places is largely car-dependent, as no homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries, health services, or schools. In both areas, the vast majority of people speak a First Nations language, with shares of 98.3% in Iama (Yam) Island and 96.1% in Poruma (Coconut) Island.