CQ Monthly Market Review February 2026

Central Queensland continues to demonstrate steady labour market resilience, supported by infrastructure investment, health sector expansion, and renewed focus on skills development. While unemployment remains slightly above the state average, employment growth, major project announcements, and workforce pipeline initiatives indicate stable underlying economic conditions heading into 2026.

Labour Market Snapshot

The number of employed persons in Central Queensland in January 2026 reached 129,900, reflecting an increase of 1,600 persons (1.2%) over the year. The unemployment rate sits at 4.5%, slightly higher than the Queensland average of 4.1%, ranking eighth highest among the state’s 19 regions of this size. The participation rate was 69.7%, down marginally by 0.1% over the year. While unemployment remains moderately elevated compared to the state average, annual employment growth suggests continued workforce absorption across key industries including construction, health, resources, and public administration.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour force, Australia, detailed, released 26 February 2026, 10:30 am (AEST)

Regional Councils Pitch for a Defence Hub

Regional councils across Central Queensland are actively advocating for greater defence investment, positioning the region as a strategic hub for military infrastructure and support services. The proposal highlights CQ’s proximity to training areas, established industrial capability, and transport networks. If realised, a defence hub could stimulate long-term employment growth across construction, engineering, logistics, and professional services, strengthening economic diversification beyond traditional mining activity.

Stronger Trade Ties Support Mining and LNG

The Queensland Government is building trade ties with key East Asian partners to attract new investment into the State’s resources and manufacturing sectors, a move expected to directly benefit Central Queensland. With the region’s economy closely linked to coal, gas, critical minerals, and industrial supply chains, stronger export relationships and renewed investor confidence are set to support local jobs, boost demand, and drive long-term economic growth across CQ.

Health Infrastructure Expansion Driving Workforce Demand

Healthcare investment remains a significant economic driver across the region. The major expansion of the Rockhampton Hospital Emergency Department will increase service capacity and is expected to generate additional demand for clinical and support staff. Meanwhile, the Gladstone Hospital expansion, adding 51 new beds, represents a major boost to local health infrastructure. Beyond construction employment, the expansion will require ongoing recruitment of nurses, allied health professionals, and operational staff, supporting long-term workforce growth in the health sector.

Apprenticeship Investment Supports Regional Skills Pipeline

The Queensland Government is strengthening the State’s workforce pipeline through new investment in apprenticeships and traineeships, promoting practical, job-ready training across construction, manufacturing, and trade industries. With strong demand for skilled workers in Central Queensland’s resources, infrastructure, and small business sectors, expanded funding, TAFE training pathways and employer support are expected to help grow the local talent pool, boost workforce participation, and support long-term regional economic growth.

$8.6 million Upgrade to Rockhampton Courthouse

An $8.6 million upgrade to the Rockhampton Courthouse will deliver a new specialist courtroom, dedicated safe rooms, and improved security to better protect victims of domestic and family violence. Beyond improving access to justice, the project will generate local construction and trade jobs during delivery and strengthen community safety and confidence, which are key foundations for workforce participation, productivity and broader economic stability across Central Queensland.

Women’s Leadership Scholarship Opportunity

Partial scholarships through Women & Leadership Australia are creating new opportunities for women across Central Queensland to strengthen their leadership skills and advance their careers, with online programs ranging from short courses to executive-level development. With flexible, part-time delivery and funding support of up to $3,000, the initiative helps reduce barriers to professional growth, supporting greater workforce participation, stronger local leadership capability, and improved diversity across CQ businesses and industries.

Conclusion

Central Queensland’s economic outlook is supported by a combination of sustained employment growth, strategic infrastructure investment, and targeted workforce development initiatives. From apprenticeships and leadership programs to defence, health, and resource sector opportunities, these developments are not only generating jobs in the short term but also building a more skilled, resilient, and inclusive workforce. Continued focus on these initiatives is expected to underpin long-term economic stability for communities across the region.

Job Skills Network 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 in Central Queensland, visit our regional job board, JobsinCentralQueensland.au.