Central Queensland Monthly Market Review April 2025

April was a month of anticipation, disruption and opportunity for Central Queensland’s economy. From the announcement of the 2025 federal election to the ongoing effects of natural disasters and a busy event calendar, businesses and workers alike navigated a shifting landscape. Here’s what shaped the region’s employment and business environment this month.

Labour Market Snapshot

According to the latest Queensland Government Statistician’s Office release, Central Queensland’s labour market continues to reflect growth and workforce re-engagement:

• Employment: 131,400 people in Central Queensland were employed in March 2025, an increase of 7,900 employed persons, or 6.4% over the year.

• Participation rate: Rose by 3.9% over the year to 71.9%, indicating more people entering or returning to the workforce.

• Unemployment rate: Edged up slightly to 5.4%, placing the region 4th-highest out of 19 Statistical Areas within Queensland.

While more people are working, the modest increase in unemployment could signal that job creation isn't keeping up with the number of new job seekers - or that confidence is rising, and more people are re-entering the job market.

Source: ABS, Labour force, Australia, detailed, released 24 April 2025, 11:30 am (AEST)

Business Decisions on Hold

On March 28, the Australian Electoral Commission officially announced the 2025 Federal Election which was held on Saturday, May 3. This long-awaited confirmation has ended months of speculation and uncertainty that had caused many businesses and stakeholders to delay key decisions - particularly around hiring, investment and long-term planning. With the date locked in, businesses may begin moving forward, though many will still be watching closely for policy announcements that affect small business, regional infrastructure and workforce development.

Flooding Continues to Impact Businesses

Widespread flooding across Central and Southwest Queensland in April significantly disrupted local businesses, particularly in agriculture, retail and transport. Many operators faced damaged infrastructure, supply chain breakdowns, delayed freight and a drop in customer activity due to road closures and safety concerns. The financial pressure has prompted renewed calls for targeted support measures such as emergency funding, flexible loan arrangements and streamlined access to recovery assistance.

Public Holidays Put Pressure on Recruitment and Operations

April’s calendar of public holidays - Easter, Anzac Day and school holidays - created widespread scheduling challenges across Central Queensland’s businesses. Sectors such as retail, hospitality and health services reported staffing shortages and increased operational costs due to penalty rates and reduced availability. Recruiters also noted a lull in candidate activity during the holiday period, slowing down hiring pipelines. However, the pause also gives jobseekers and employers a chance to reassess their workforce needs heading into winter.

GEA Gladstone Supply Chain Expo

The 2025 GEA Gladstone Supply Chain Expo drew strong interest from across the region’s industrial and energy sectors. Held at the end of April, the event showcased local capability and supply chain opportunities for major infrastructure and renewables projects. With Central Queensland’s industrial economy continuing to grow - particularly in hydrogen, rail and port logistics - the Expo provided a valuable platform for small-to-medium enterprises to engage with project partners and government agencies.

Conclusion

April highlighted both the resilience and cautious optimism of Central Queensland’s business and employment sectors. While natural disasters and holiday disruptions posed challenges, workforce growth, the return of major industry events, and the finalisation of the federal election date offer a clearer path forward. As we head into May, attention will turn to political platforms and budget priorities - and what they mean for regional growth and jobs.

Jobs in Central Queensland are your regional recruitment partners. We help you build the right team in regional locations through a personalised Recruitment Partnership with our experienced specialists, or an advertising campaign on our online job board. For more information about local job opportunities and recruitment support, visit JobsinCentralQueensland.au.